NEW YORK — On a cold December morning along Broadway in Astoria, New York, pedestrians hurried toward the subway while vehicles sped through the busy two-lane road. In recent years, this area has seen tragic incidents, including cars striking pedestrians and damaging property. John Arvanitis, owner of the Omonia Café, noted a lack of traffic law enforcement, stating that despite speed limit signs, many drivers exceed the limits. Gail Grigaux, a diner at the café, expressed concern about vehicles running red lights and e-bikes racing on sidewalks, which she finds particularly alarming while assisting her elderly mother. Between 2013 and 2022, traffic-related deaths in the U.S. increased by nearly 23%, rising from 32,893 to 42,514, according to a CDC report. Pedestrian fatalities alone surged by 50% during the same period, contrasting sharply with declines in road-related deaths in 27 other high-income countries. This alarming trend has caught the attention of state legislators across the country. In 2025, Virginia and Washington enacted laws mandating speed-limiting devices for drivers with multiple violations. New Hampshire and Wisconsin are also considering similar measures. New York’s proposed legislation, introduced by state Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would require speed limiters for drivers accruing 11 points on their licenses in two years or receiving six camera tickets in a year. This legislative push follows a significant number of measures enacted in 2024 to curb reckless driving across nine states, including Utah. Gounardes noted the increased use of automated enforcement tools such as speed and red-light cameras in New York, but acknowledged persistent issues with repeat offenders. In response to rising traffic fatalities, experts point to a decline in traffic enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic, as police were encouraged to limit interactions. This has resulted in fewer citations and increased dangerous driving behaviors. In New York City, traffic-related deaths rose by 11% from 2019 to 2022, highlighting the need for effective legislative measures. Community members, including local residents and business owners, have voiced concerns over reckless driving in their neighborhoods. Initiatives, such as petitions for increased enforcement, reflect a growing demand for safer streets. The New York City Department of Transportation has implemented redesigns aimed at improving safety, including dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian islands, contributing to a decline in injuries and fatalities on certain streets.