City Council Report Contradicts DOT Study on Intersection Safety
New York City Council investigators have determined that a Department of Transportation (DOT) study used flawed data to argue against a popular proposal to improve pedestrian safety by increasing visibility at intersections, a practice known as daylighting.
The Council’s data team found “no statistically significant association” between the DOT’s data and increased crash injuries, according to a summary of findings. The DOT had claimed that banning parking near intersections to improve sight lines would actually increase injuries, a claim now undermined by the Council’s review. Investigators found the DOT study improperly included locations with bus stops and fire hydrants – areas prone to higher pedestrian traffic and, therefore, more incidents – and used inaccurate data regarding parking regulation signage.
Advocates say the findings bolster the case for Intro 1138, a bill sponsored by Queens Council Member Julie Won that would require universal daylighting citywide. “All New Yorkers deserve to cross the street safely,” said Sara Lind, co-executive director at Open Plans. “This report shows that daylighting is, in fact, critical safety infrastructure.” The bill, which would ban parking within 20 feet of intersections, has faced opposition from some lawmakers and Mayor Adams, who have expressed concerns about parking space loss and costs. Similar safety measures have proven effective in cities like San Francisco.
The DOT defended its initial findings, stating that the Council’s review actually “validates” their conclusion that unhardened daylighting – simply removing parking without physical barriers – doesn’t significantly improve safety. A DOT spokesperson, Vin Barone, added, “We will continue to champion daylighting as a useful tool when used appropriately.” This debate comes as the city continues to grapple with pedestrian safety issues and explore ways to reduce traffic fatalities, a goal outlined in Vision Zero initiatives.
Council Member Won and Speaker Adrienne Adams, both attending an event in Puerto Rico, did not respond to requests for comment.
