As we get ready for Daylight savings time on Wednesday, New York City officials want to keep their residents safe as evening commutes become more dangerous, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists.
A campaign aimed at enforcing traffic laws and educating New Yorkers on the dangers of traveling in the darkness, called "Dusk And Darkness" is coming back.
On Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams announced the return of the program, which launched in 2016, for its seventh consecutive year. This year, a special focus will also be placed on commercial waste carting by private companies, he said.
“Drivers must operate their vehicles responsibly every time they get behind the wheel, but as our days get shorter, they have a heightened responsibility to drive carefully to keep their fellow New Yorkers safe, especially in the evenings,” New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said.
Inspectors will check if private garbage trucks are up to code with things like safety guards to prevent cyclists and pedestrians from being hit.
“Commercial waste haulers perform an essential service for our city, and it is imperative that they prioritize safety during their operations,” said Elizabeth Crotty, commissioner of the New York City Business Integrity Commission, which will partner with the NYPD to ensure the commercial waste industry is up to safety standards.
The NYPD will also increase ticketing of drivers who speed, fail to yield, drive while on their cell phones, and park in bike lanes.
The city is also reminding drivers to avoid crashes by following the 25 miles-per-hour speed limit.
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Source: NYCDOT
