Summary:
NYC emergency response times have hit record lows.
Increased traffic congestion is the primary culprit.
Midtown Manhattan's average speed has reached its slowest point in over 50 years, at 4.8 mph.
Ambulances are taking an average of 12.4 minutes to reach life-threatening calls, up from 9.6 minutes a decade ago.
The FDNY's response time to medical emergencies has nearly doubled.
The NYPD is taking almost two minutes longer to respond to shootings, robberies, and burglaries.
NYC's Emergency Response Times at Record Lows: Is Traffic Congestion to Blame?
New York City's emergency response teams are facing unprecedented delays, with response times hitting record lows. A recent report points to increased traffic congestion as the primary culprit.
The report, conducted by former NYC Traffic Commissioner Sam Schwartz, found that Midtown Manhattan's average speed has reached its slowest point in over 50 years, clocking in at a mere 4.8 mph. This crawl is impacting the city's emergency services, with ambulances taking an average of 12.4 minutes to reach life-threatening calls, up from 9.6 minutes a decade ago.
The FDNY's response time to medical emergencies has nearly doubled, and the NYPD is taking almost two minutes longer to respond to shootings, robberies, and burglaries.
EMS Union President Oren Barzilay expressed grave concern, stating, "People will die because of this traffic issue." He emphasizes that congestion is the biggest factor contributing to these delays, followed by delivery trucks and bike lanes.
While congestion pricing was initially proposed as a solution, the plan is currently on hold. The report also recommends reinstating a limit on the number of Uber and Lyft drivers in the city.
The dire situation has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of New Yorkers, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to address the growing congestion crisis.
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