NYC DOT Prioritizes Pedestrian Safety: Over 300 Locations 'Daylighted' Ahead of Construction Season

NYC DOT Makes Streets Safer for Pedestrians with 'Daylighting' Initiative

New York City's Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has announced a significant step towards enhancing pedestrian safety with the implementation of 'daylighting' at over 300 locations across the city. This initiative involves removing obstructions like parked vehicles near intersections to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians alike, making crossing the street safer.

The NYC DOT is ahead of schedule in meeting Mayor Eric Adams' goal of daylighting 1,000 locations by the end of the year, with 300 already completed and another 700 in various stages of development.

The Focus on School Zones:

With the start of the new school year, the NYC DOT has highlighted the importance of safety around schools, showcasing locations near 127 schools where daylighting has been installed. One such example is Audubon Avenue and West 169th Street, next to P.S. 128 and P.S. 513 in Washington Heights. This project, part of a larger street redesign initiative, aims to reduce speeding and improve visibility for students walking to and from school.

Why Daylighting Matters:

Intersections are known to be particularly dangerous in NYC, accounting for a majority of traffic fatalities and injuries. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable at these points. Daylighting aims to address this by reducing blind spots and enhancing visibility for all road users.

Quotes from City Officials:

• NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez: "As students return to classrooms, we want to remind everyone to be careful when crossing intersections. Daylighting enhances safety for pedestrians by reducing drivers’ blind spots and giving everyone a better view of the intersection.”
• Schools Chancellor David C. Banks: “Safety is not only critical inside the classroom, but also as students move about their communities and travel to and from school. I’m grateful to the Department of Transportation for prioritizing this important initiative for the well-being of our kids, and all New Yorkers.”

A Broader Initiative:

The Adams administration has been actively prioritizing street safety improvements. In 2022, the city exceeded its goal of making 1,000 intersections safer by completing improvements at 1,400 locations. In 2023, the administration doubled that goal, aiming for safety upgrades at 2,000 intersections, including daylighting and other design improvements to slow down turning vehicles.

Positive Response:

The initiative has received widespread support from various stakeholders, including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Bike New York, Families for Safe Streets, and Transportation Alternatives. All expressed their commitment to enhancing street safety and praised the NYC DOT's progress in achieving its ambitious goals.

A Step Towards a Safer City:

Daylighting is a proven tool for reducing traffic violence and saving lives. The NYC DOT's commitment to this initiative, alongside other street safety measures, is a significant step towards making New York City a safer place for all residents and visitors.