NYC DOT - Motorists & Parking - Street Safety Tips

New York City's streets are shared by many. Here are a few tips to make your trip safer.

Visit nyc.gov/visionzero for information about NYC's Vision Zero street safety initiative.

Dusk and Darkness

During fall evenings, rush hour occurs at a time when sunlight and visibility are dramatically and suddenly reduced, leading to some of the highest fatal crash rates of the calendar year.

New York City’s Dusk and Darkness campaign is a part of our Vision Zero approach to use enforcement, education and street redesign to make our streets safer.

If you drive:

Slow down: At 25 MPH drivers are better able to avoid crashes.

Don’t cut corners: A safe turn is 5 MPH. Pause and look for people in the crosswalk every time.

When you walk:

Do what you can to be seen: Drivers’ vision drops tenfold as night falls so you might not be visible.

Watch for turning vehicles: More pedestrians are hurt in crashes around sunset than any other time.

We’re Walking Here: Hip Hop 50 PSA’s

This year we hosted a competition with students to create Hip Hop 50 safety-themed videos as part of the We’re Walking Here program. The winning videos will be incorporated into a new Vision Zero traffic safety curriculum at schools.

Watch the winning videos on YouTube.

Drivers

Slow Down

New York City's speed limit is 25 MPH unless otherwise posted

A pedestrian struck at 30 MPH is twice as likely to be killed than if struck at 25 MPH

Pause and Wait Before Turning

Go slow – a safe turning speed is 5 MPH

Expect people to be in the crosswalk every time

Share the Road

Look for and expect pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles at all times

Always yield to pedestrians and cyclists

Do the New York Twist: Reach with your far hand to open your door slowly, to avoid "dooring" a cyclist

Do not park or idle in bike lanes

Buckle up!

All passengers must buckle up regardless of where they sit in a vehicle

All children under the age of 8 must be restrained in a child safety seat (car seat) or booster seat

Make sure your child's car seat is installed correctly, learn about NYC DOT's free car seat fitting events or appointments.

Professional Drivers

Truck Drivers

Slow down and give pedestrians and cyclists space

Before making a turn, scan the intersection ahead for potential hazards – turn slowly

If a cyclist appears alongside your vehicle, allow them to pass before you go

Watch "I See You: Safety for Trucks & Other Large Fleet" Video

Taxi and For-Hire-Vehicle Drivers

Visit Vision Zero at the Taxi & Limousine Commission for more driving and safety information

Pedestrians

Watch for Turning Vehicles

Be especially alert for vehicles turning left and make sure you can be seen

Three out of four crashes occur at intersections

Look in All Directions

Don't assume drivers see you

Look around for anything unexpected, even if the signal is in your favor

Learn more about NYC DOT's safety education and outreach programs for children, parents, educators and senior citizens

Bicyclists

Stay Visible

Use a white headlight and a red taillight at night

Don't pass vehicles when they are turning, especially large vehicles with blind spots

Wear brightly colored clothing for daytime riding

Ride in the Direction of Traffic

Obey traffic signs and signals

Do not weave in and out of traffic

Make sure the driver sees you before you turn or ride in front of a turning vehicle

Resources for Commercial Bicyclists

More Bike Safety tips

Animation Description: Red car slows down as it approaches an intersection, puts on turn signal, begins to turn left and stops to allow for pedestrians to finish crossing the street. The red car drives on once the crosswalk is clear. Traffic signals change & cross traffic moves.

Motorcyclists

Wear Appropriate Gear

Always wear a helmet to protect against severe head injuries

Protective gear saves lives – wear proper eye protection, jacket, pants, gloves and boots

Get Legal

Riders must pass a NYS DMV knowledge and an on-cycle skills test to earn a motorcycle license

Take a safety course with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Slow Down

NYC's speed limit is 25 MPH unless otherwise posted

Stay in Your Lane

Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane

Lane splitting is not legal in New York

Always signal before you turn

More safety tips for motorcyclists from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Hear from fellow riders about the importance of training and riding legal