In N.Y.C., Speeding Is Up as Pandemic Continues

"New York City’s speed cameras spit out 83,478 violations in an eight-day period in March — only eight-percent fewer than during a similar eight-day period in January, when there were tens if not hundreds of thousands more cars on the road," reports Gersh Kuntzman.

Kuntzman says this data shows that more drivers are speeding on streets that are largely empty as a result of the coronavirus. While Mayor Bill de Blasio said speeding will not be tolerated, officials in Staten Island have complained about the operation and installation of speed cameras during the pandemic.

Transportation advocates argue that turning off speed cameras would only lead to more crashes and injuries that would put an even bigger strain on the healthcare system. 

"Indeed, the statistical confirmation of the danger on New York City streets right now comes after Streetsblog reported last week that injuries to cyclists were up 43 percent in the period between March 9 and March 15, more evidence that drivers are behaving recklessly," notes Kuntzman.