On March 3, 2025, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the implementation of a new Vision Zero initiative involving increasing the public’s access to traffic safety messages. This increased access will be done by displaying traffic safety messages on street light polls and City-owned buildings across the five boroughs.
The City Department of Transportation will hang banners with traffic safety messaging on 1,000 of its street light poles located on streets within Vision Zero corridors. These corridors are prioritized for street safety redesigns and enhanced enforcement of traffic laws. The messaging will also be displayed on City-owned properties.
This Vision Zero project aims to further the City’s goal of improving the three E’s (Engineering, Education, and Enforcement). The City Department of Transportation has a $4.7 billion 10-year budget dedicated to projects that focus on improving street redesign streets to improve public safety, install and monitor speed and red-light cameras, and conduct public education to complement Vision Zero work. The initiative also advances the goals agency’s Speeding Ruins Lives project. This campaign uses powerful imagery to show case the detrimental effects of speeding and reckless driving.
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “Building safer streets starts with safer street designs and enforcement of traffic laws, but education plays a key role, reminding people of the responsibilities we all share when we get behind the wheel. This campaign takes the message directly to people where they live using NYC DOT’s own light poles and I hope it serves as a reminder to slow down, to look for pedestrians and cyclists, and to obey all traffic laws.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)