Res 0280-2018

By Council Member Menchaca Whereas, In 2017, more than 9,000 pedestrians in New York City were injured by motor vehicles, while 101 pedestrians died in crashes; and Whereas, According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, serious injury to the legs is the second most common injury to pedestrians in the United States, following head injuries; and Whereas, In response to increasing concerns regarding pedestrian safety, automobile manufactures now design the front end of vehicles to help minimize lower extremity injuries to pedestrians; and Whereas, Motorists, however, may purchase devices known as frontal protection systems that attach to the bumper of their vehicle that negate the benefits of such new vehicle designs; and Whereas, Frontal protection systems, also known as bumper guards or grill guards, may pose a significant threat to pedestrians involved in a collision with a motor vehicle modified to include such a system as they prevent the bumper from absorbing some of the impact; and Whereas, The European Union and Australia restrict the use of frontal protection systems due to concerns over pedestrian safety; and Whereas, New York State law governs requirements for the equipment of motor vehicles driven on public roads within New York State and sets forth prohibited modifications; and Whereas, The State should take action to protect pedestrians in New York City from the devastating injuries that can occur as a result of a collision involving a vehicle equipped with a frontal protection system; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation prohibiting the use of frontal protection systems on motor vehicles driven within New York State. ER LS 1557 1/12/18 2