FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, November 27, 2013 — New York City’s Council is considering a bill that would lower the speed limit in certain communities to 25 miles per hour; reporters covering the issue should contact the
Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) for information and interviews about insurance and auto safety.
The number one ranked (21 percent) driving behavior cited in fatal automobile and motorcycle accidents nationwide in 2011 was “driving too fast for conditions, or in excess of posted speed limit,” according to the federal government. Driving under the “influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication” was the second-place (14 percent) dangerous driving behavior in that category in the same year.
“Pedestrians also stand to benefit from public policies which reduce the number of auto and motorcycle accidents,” said Dr. Robert Hartwig, president of the I.I.I. and an economist. “The federal government found that in 2012 pedestrian deaths accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 3 percent of all people injured in traffic crashes.”
RELATED LINKS
THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org