NYPD Holds 2-Day Speeding Enforcement Initiative
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Speeders beware! The NYPD has launched a two-day speeding enforcement initiative across the city.
The latest 48-hour ticket blitz, which began at midnight on Tuesday, follows last week's distracted driving initiative as part of Mayor Bill de Blaiso's signature "Vision Zero" plan to eliminate pedestrian deaths.
NYPD Holds 2-Day Speeding Enforcement Initiative
This week's speeding initiative kicks off a day after police say speeding is suspected in a fatal crash Monday in Brooklyn that claimed the lives of 20-year-old Philbert Martin Williams and 18-year-old Christina Wipper.
It happened at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Avenue U just after 6:30 p.m.
Williams and Wipper were both in a Nissan Maxima heading south on Flatbush Avenue when they hit a BMW that was turning onto Avenue U, police said.
Wipper was pronounced at the scene, police said. Williams was taken to the hospital where he later died. The driver and passenger of the BMW were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Nearby residents said sadly, the crash isn't all that surprising.
NYPD Holds 2-Day Speeding Enforcement Initiative
"This is probably one of the worst intersections I've ever seen in my life," said resident James Laitham. "People don't realize the speed limit is 35 mph. I see cars going here way over 50, maybe even 60 just to try to beat this light."
Many in the neighborhood said they welcome the effort to crack down on speeders.
"Definitely, it's a good idea, especially on the city streets," said resident Robert Connaughton.
"I think it should be enforced not only 48 hours, but for quite a while," said resident James Usher.
In the meantime, the NYPD is reminding drivers that the speed limit in New York City is 30 mph unless otherwise posted.
Fines for speeding range anywhere from $90 to $600 and drivers may also be penalized with 3 to 11 penalty "points" on their driver's licenses.
The NYPD says officers issued a total of 5,258 summonses during the last week's crackdown focusing on cell phone use while driving and failing to yield to pedestrians.
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