Victim families and advocates push for stricter traffic laws in NYC

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Dozens of family members join in solemn remembrance, paying tribute to those who have been tragically killed in preventable traffic-related crashes.

According to transportation alternatives, Eastern Queens is the community district that has had more pedestrian deaths than any other community district in New York City during the Vision Zero era.

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Standing at the same intersection where three-year-old Alison Liao was fatally struck on Oct. 6, 2013, her parents and siblings gathered with other family members of those who have been killed or seriously injured in traffic-related crashes.

"Unfortunately for us, we also still continue to meet other family members in New York City that go through this," said Hsi-Pei Liao, Alison's dad.

"This year we have also lost 15 children in New York City So far. My heart goes out to every parent and family member who has lost a child," said Elizabeth Adams, Interim co-executive director of transportation alternatives.

Juliane Williams lost her daughter, 21-year-old Doniqueca Cook on June 30, 2016, she was struck on Junction Boulevard while waiting to cross the street.

"This is a horror story, it is a nightmare, I live it every second of my life," stated Williams."

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Augustina Cano's son, Andy Gil died in 2022 when he was hit on Houston and Second Avenue in Manhattan while heading back home from work. she says the driver was speeding at over 80 miles per hour.

"Nobody knows where this guy is or who killed my son," said Cano.

Elected officials who came to show their support, said traffic violence is an epidemic and must be eradicated,

"We stand here today with some progress in the last few years, yet it is hard to call it that knowing that more than 217 New Yorkers have been killed by traffic violence this year," stated Zohran Mamdani- Assembly member and Mayoral Candidate.

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On the morning of July 14, 2023, 18-year-old Dariel Rivera of Rockland County was fatally struck while riding a scooter to work. His parents are also advocating for stronger laws for those who don't stay at the scene of a crash.

"He didn't get the opportunity to do the simple things like anybody could do. Vote, get married, have a career, and have children. All those dreams and hopes we had for our child are gone, taken away by someone who just hit him and left him there on the road to die," said Maria Rivera, his mom.

Olivia Vasquez, lost her mother, 38-year-old, Karina Larino. She was killed a block away from her home in Astoria Queens.

"It Is great to have a sense of community knowing what we all have been through, but it is unfortunate that more people keep on joining this group because of reckless drivers in NY," said Vasquez.

Those in attendance asked city and state leaders to push for the Grieving Families Act, a bill that seeks to provide critical support to families who are going through these losses. This bill awaits the governor's signature in Albany.