March 26, 2014 By Michael Florio
The 114th precinct is going to be cracking down on careless and dangerous drivers.
Deputy Inspector Kevin Maloney said the precinct is going to ticket irresponsible drivers more than ever before—particularly those who run red lights, speed or fail to yield to pedestrians.
Furthermore, the precinct will also be targeting distracted drivers—those who text while driving or forget to wear their seatbelts. Meanwhile, drunk drivers are more likely to be caught in Astoria than ever before.
Maloney said that the 114th precinct supports Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to bring traffic fatalities down to virtually zero within 10 years. He said that in 2013 the number of people killed in traffic accidents on New York streets was almost the same as the city’s murder rate.
In 2013, there were 333 murders, compared to 286 traffic fatalities.
Maloney said the precinct is looking to set up sobriety checkpoints.
He said that the precinct has already been targeting drunk drivers this year– but plans to step it up further. The precinct has made 94 drunk-driving arrests for the year through March 23, up from 62 for the same period last year.
Maloney also cautioned pedestrians to be careful, although he did not say that the precinct would ticket jaywalkers.
“Everyone is always quick to blame the driver but it can be the fault of the pedestrians,” he said. “No matter who’s wrong, the pedestrian loses.”
Maloney also warned pedestrians not to text while crossing the street.
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4 Comments
Wow! I drive everyday Astoria to LI and back! While I always try and yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk sometimes it is not possible due to the fact; I have the light and they are all in the crosswalk! Not even paying attention if they have the light to walk or not, because they have a headphone in one ear or both, and fingers on their phone pad or just talking and not paying attention to their surroundings. However, it would be my fault if something happened to them . I don’t go through red lights and maybe on occasion I will roll through a Stop sign, but that is only when nobody is around and if it is late at night . I DON’T DRIVE DRUNK! If you want to ticket drivers the people should be ticketed as well only fair! If I have to have 100 eyes behind the wheel people should have 100 eyes when crossing the street. DiBlasio needs to get his head out of his ass! Nice mayor you all voted for! I didn’t. On the other side now. I also have kids and when I walk in the streets I have nothing in my ear, nor am I talking on the phone. My life and my kids life are far more valuable than a $600.00 phone! People need to be more aware of their surroundings today with people beating the crap out of you for reason and someone trying to steal on of your valuable electronics etc…
Let me recommend staking out shore blvd and 14th street south of Astoria park.
Sounds like a good idea! However, they cannot even keep 35 street clear outside their 114 precinct. Drives on Astoria blvd block 35 street each morning and evening! Anyone trying to cross cannot, the cops of 114 simply do not care!
Love this idea! I walk along 30th avenue between Hobart and 44th Street taking my daughter to school practically getting run down at least once a day at every street we cross because drivers don’t think they have to STOP at a stop sign. They just roll through, some using phones some just going to fast. One guy had a big bottle in a brown bag and just rolled right through! I hope you frquesnt this area its definitely qualified for lots of tickets and its a busy street as there are 4 schools on that route putting many children at risk. St Joes, PS 70, IS 10, and Bryant. Hope this gets things in shape, its very scary seeing how people drive their cars like weapons abusing the privilege. And I dont text and cross!