Pedestrian Deaths Holding Steady in NYC

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio made reducing traffic deaths a major priority for his administration, lowering speed limits and cracking down on dangerous driving. But the number of pedestrians killed hasn't budged: 60 have died so far in 2015, the same number as this time last year. The number of children killed has also held steady at six, year to date. 

The mayor's spokesman Wiley Norvell said on Monday the city is implementing additional safety efforts.

"Our second major season of street redesigns just began, including on notoriously dangerous corridors like Queens Boulevard, and we expect to see further safety gains as a result," he said. 

Earlier this year, the city Department of Transportation announced plans to redesign the boulevard, including a long-sought bike lane. 

There is some progress. Overall, traffic deaths have reached historic lows, down nine percent so far this year. Cyclist deaths have fallen from nine last year to five so far this year. Deaths among drivers have also fallen, from 40 to 28.  

NOTE: This story was updated to reflect an additional pedestrian fatality reported by NYPD on June 30th.