Pedestrian Deaths Drop to Historic Low in New York City

Pedestrian deaths are at historic lows in New York City after a push by City Hall to make streets safer.

According to the New York Times, there were 132 pedestrian deaths from traffic accidents in 2014, the lowest since the city began keeping records. There were 180 in 2013.

Preliminary city data shows overall traffic fatalities are down to 248 from 293 in 2013.

The Times reports that the decline comes as the city implements a plan from Mayor Bill de Blasio to eliminate traffic deaths by 2024. The speed limit was lowered to 25 miles per hour from 30 mph. Police have strengthened enforcement, increasing summonses for failure to yield to pedestrians by 126 percent and speeding by 42 percent, the newspaper reported.