This year, 2025, has been marked by the modification and tightening of laws related to road safety in all states of the United States. There are several driver behaviors that concern authorities, but above all attention is focused on speeding and distracted driving. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2023, one-third of traffic-related deaths were caused by speeding, while more than 3,000 users died on the roads due to distracted driving. In addition to stricter penalties, other legislative considerations have been taken into account to reduce traffic congestion.
In New York City, it is being considered that drivers may be allowed to make a ‘right-on-red’ through Bill 1469-2025 in the New York City Council. Through it, the possibility of drivers being able to carry out this practice is studied, but it could only take place in Staten Island. Other changes that have been introduced in New York City include the reduction of the speed limit due to the approval of the Sammy Law. The speed limits for electric bicycles have also been limited to 15 miles per hour, and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor also reduced speed limits in order to protect pedestrians.
Modification of speed limits
This is not the first article in which we reference the large number of changes and toughening of penalties related to road safety that have taken place this year, 2025, in the United States. Both the tightening of penalties, modifications of speed limits, and the incorporation of technology on the roads have been among the measures that authorities have established to not only reduce road hazards but also decrease traffic congestion and ensure that it flows smoothly. While driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is perceived by drivers as risky behavior, exceeding the speed limit or being distracted while driving is not seen as such.
However, the data revealed by reality shows a scenario in which, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data for 2023, almost one-third of traffic-related deaths were related to speeding. It also adds that distracted driving has been responsible for the deaths of more than 3,000 drivers. In light of this data, authorities are focusing their efforts on combating this type of behavior behind the wheel, using various measures.
‘Right-on-red’ in New York
One of the measures that the city of New York is considering is allowing drivers to make a ‘right-on-red.’ This idea is being debated at New York City Hall with the proposal of bill 1469-2025. This proposal stipulates that it could only be allowed in Staten Island: ‘This bill would require the Commissioner of Transportation to conduct a study on the feasibility of allowing motorists to turn right on a red light after a complete stop at each intersection with a traffic-control signal in Staten Island.’ Staten Island was chosen because 85% of households there own a vehicle, compared to 63% of households in Queens and 44% in Brooklyn.
Other changes
Other changes affecting the entire city of New York include, on one hand, the reduction of the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph. In some areas, it has even been lowered to 10 mph following the approval of the Sammy Law. Regarding electric bicycles, their speed has also been limited to 15 mph within the city. Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor has also implemented reductions in the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph. Although the main goal is to protect pedestrians, this change is also justified by arguing that it increases the driver’s reaction time, thereby increasing a pedestrian’s chances of survival in the event of an accident.