New York City Sees Increase In Traffic-Related Deaths
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The number of New York City traffic fatalities is on the rise.
Officials said 274 people died in traffic-related deaths in 2012, up from 245 a year earlier and the most since 2008.
Speeding accounted for about 30 percent of the fatalities. Hit-and-run deaths increased to 47, a 31 percent increase over 2010.
The Department of Transportation said a majority of those who died -- 148 -- were pedestrians.
Eighteen bicyclists were killed, down from 22 in 2011. There also were 35 motorcycle deaths, up from 32 a year earlier.
The DOT says the 2012 deaths were the fourth fewest since record keeping started in 1910.
In releasing the numbers, the DOT called for the state to approve speed-camera enforcement for the city, with a priority given to streets near schools.
"Just as red light cameras reduced infractions at intersections where they were installed, we anticipate that speed cameras will result in greater compliance with posted speed limits," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in a press release.
"The streets around our schools should be safe, but we all have to work together to make it happen," said Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott.
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would enable New York City to install up to 40 stationary and roving speed cameras at high-risk locations for the next five years.
The cameras would not photograph drivers, but would capture license plate numbers. Fines would range between $25 and $100 and insurance companies would not be notified of violations.
The calls for a crackdown on speeding comes after several high-profile crashes, including a hit-and-run collision that killed Nachman and Raizy Glauber and a day later, their newborn son.
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