Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kirby Kersels, Member of Families for Safe Streets, on Universal Daylighting
2:57:36
·
87 sec
Kirby Kersels, a member of Families for Safe Streets, testifies in support of Intro 1138, which would implement universal daylighting in New York City. Kersels shares a personal story about their partner Emily, who was severely injured and blinded in a truck accident that could have been prevented by daylighting.
- Emphasizes the life-changing impact of traffic accidents and the importance of intersection safety
- Argues that universal daylighting would dramatically reduce crashes and save lives
- Urges the council to pass Intro 1138, stating that lives depend on it
Kirby Kersels
2:57:36
Good afternoon.
2:57:37
My name is Kirby Krasels and I'm here today as a member of Families for Safe Streets to call on the council to pass intro 11:38.
2:57:46
Daylighting is incredibly personal to me.
2:57:48
My partner, Emily, was run over by a semi truck while riding her bike to work.
2:57:53
Her body was crushed and she was in a coma for six weeks.
2:57:57
When she finally woke up, she was completely blind.
2:58:00
It should go without saying that this changed her life forever.
2:58:04
The truck that ran her over was turning and the driver couldn't see her.
2:58:08
If universal daylighting had been implemented in 2010, Emily's crash would not have happened.
2:58:14
She would still have her sight, but we don't live in a world of what ifs.
2:58:19
We know that physically daylighting intersections dramatically cuts down on crashes, crashes that cut lives short and leave survivors with life altering injuries, crashes that we should absolutely not be tolerating.
2:58:33
Today, when Emily leaves our apartment and navigates the city independently, I'm filled with dread that the next time a driver doesn't see her in time, she won't be coming home.
2:58:43
It is an egregious failure that in the fifteen years since Emily was run over, almost nothing has been done to make intersections in this city safer.
2:58:51
Today, the council has the chance to make up for all those years of inaction.
2:58:55
Please pass intro 11:38 and bring daylighting to every
2:58:59
intersection in New York City.
2:59:01
Our lives depend on it.