Addabbo Supports Legislation to Require DOT Traffic Safety Survey for Seniors

For Immediate Release
Contact ……………………… Patricia A. McCabe, 718-738-1111

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. announced that he is a supporter of legislation recently introduced in the State Senate authorizing the Department of Transportation to conduct a statewide survey to determine areas with a high incidence of pedestrian accidents involving senior citizens and requiring the commissioner to undertake a comprehensive study of mitigating dangers to senior citizens in any and all areas in which the survey indicates the need to take action and requiring the commissioner to report recommendations and findings to the legislature and the governor on or before April 1, 2011.
 
Addabbo said that the purpose of this bill is to help ensure the safety of senior citizens.  "I initially thought of the intersection of 84th Street and 157th Avenue in Howard Beach. This intersection and others in my district have been extremely dangerous for seniors." The senator explained that due to there being multiple active senior centers in close proximity to each other, many intersections become nearly impossible for seniors to cross safely.
 
This bill would require the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the State Office for the Aging, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Governor`s Traffic Safety  Committee, local police agencies and any other groups deemed necessary to
conduct a statewide survey to determine areas of high levels of senior pedestrian  traffic, and incidents of senior citizen-motor vehicle accidents.
 
Walking as a means of transportation is increasing in popularity.  Environmental considerations, health concerns, and increasing leisure hours are factors which promote pedestrian activity in New York State and elsewhere.  All age groups participate in walking activities, but every year senior citizens have a disproportionately high representation on the list of those killed or injured in pedestrian incidents.  Preventive pedestrian safety measures have been implemented outside New York State, and it is only reasonable and prudent that these measures receive scrutiny and consideration for use in New York State. This is especially appropriate with the increasing numbers of senior citizens.  Demographic projections indicate a burgeoning senior population as the next century approaches, and a key to senior mobility will
be the availability of safe walkways. "This bill will begin the necessary
first steps toward achieving this goal," said Addabbo.