'New York Streets Are Nearly Empty, but Speeding Tickets Have Doubled' diff viewer (4/5)

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New York Streets Are Nearly Empty, but Speeding Tickets Have Doubled	New York Streets Are Nearly Empty, but Speeding Tickets Have Doubled
2020-06-09 22:16:51 UTC	2020-06-13 04:08:39 UTC (3 days later)
Drivers have roared through deserted New York City streets as if they were taking a lap at Le Mans.	Drivers have roared through deserted New York City streets as if they were taking a lap at Le Mans.
They have openly drag raced on major commuting arteries, including Sixth Avenue and the West Side Highway in Manhattan. And they have racked up thousands of speeding tickets across the city — and in some cases, they have left behind wrecked cars and lives.	They have openly drag raced on major commuting arteries, including Sixth Avenue and the West Side Highway in Manhattan. And they have racked up thousands of speeding tickets across the city — and in some cases, they have left behind wrecked cars and lives.
As traffic has disappeared from New York’s streets during the coronavirus pandemic, some drivers have responded by revving their engines and taking off. The open streets have also brought out motorcycle gangs and daredevils on dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles doing wheelies and stunts in traffic lanes, residents said.	As traffic has disappeared from New York’s streets during the coronavirus pandemic, some drivers have responded by revving their engines and taking off. The open streets have also brought out motorcycle gangs and daredevils on dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles doing wheelies and stunts in traffic lanes, residents said.
“Now that the streets are empty, the Fast & Furious wannabes really think they’re living in a video game,” tweeted City Councilman Justin Brannan, a Democrat who represents southwest Brooklyn, adding that the sounds of racing cars and motorcycles on the Belt Parkway in Bay Ridge “have become a scary lullaby.”	“Now that the streets are empty, the Fast & Furious wannabes really think they’re living in a video game,” tweeted City Councilman Justin Brannan, a Democrat who represents southwest Brooklyn, adding that the sounds of racing cars and motorcycles on the Belt Parkway in Bay Ridge “have become a scary lullaby.”
Even with fewer cars on the streets, the city’s automated speeding cameras have issued almost twice as many speeding tickets daily. There were 24,765 speeding tickets on March 27, up from 12,672 tickets issued daily a month earlier, according to city data.	Even with fewer cars on the streets, the city’s automated speeding cameras have issued almost twice as many speeding tickets daily. There were 24,765 speeding tickets on March 27, up from 12,672 tickets issued daily a month earlier, according to city data.
Rush-hour traffic speeds have also soared on the city’s highways. The average speed from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. increased 85 percent in Brooklyn to 46 miles per hour, In Queens, it rose 84 percent to 49 m.p.h., and in the Bronx, 58 percent to 45 m.p.h., according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.	Rush-hour traffic speeds have also soared on the city’s highways. The average speed from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. increased 85 percent in Brooklyn to 46 miles per hour, In Queens, it rose 84 percent to 49 m.p.h., and in the Bronx, 58 percent to 45 m.p.h., according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.
The fastest average speed was 58 m.p.h. on Staten Island, up 34 percent. Even the slowest average speed, 25 m.p.h. in Manhattan, was up 49 percent.	The fastest average speed was 58 m.p.h. on Staten Island, up 34 percent. Even the slowest average speed, 25 m.p.h. in Manhattan, was up 49 percent.
City officials have become alarmed by a spate of high-speed crashes, though the overall number of motor vehicle crashes has declined along with traffic. A total of 1,106 motor vehicle crashes were reported from March 23 to March 28, down 63 percent from 2,951 crashes from Feb. 23 to Feb. 28, according to city data.	City officials have become alarmed by a spate of high-speed crashes, though the overall number of motor vehicle crashes has declined along with traffic. A total of 1,106 motor vehicle crashes were reported from March 23 to March 28, down 63 percent from 2,951 crashes from Feb. 23 to Feb. 28, according to city data.
“We are gravely concerned about the dramatic rise in speeding we are seeing on our now emptier roadways,” said Polly Trottenberg, the city’s transportation commissioner.	“We are gravely concerned about the dramatic rise in speeding we are seeing on our now emptier roadways,” said Polly Trottenberg, the city’s transportation commissioner.
With emergency rooms already overburdened with Covid-19 patients, Ms. Trottenberg added, “Drivers need to think about their fellow New Yorkers — and slow down. It is a small sacrifice to make during this terrible crisis.”	With emergency rooms already overburdened with Covid-19 patients, Ms. Trottenberg added, “Drivers need to think about their fellow New Yorkers — and slow down. It is a small sacrifice to make during this terrible crisis.”
In Midtown Manhattan, fancy sport cars like Porsches and Maseratis have taken over some streets, speeding, running red lights and weaving recklessly along empty stretches, according to residents. One driver nearly totaled his luxury Gemballa Mirage GT sports car after ramming into several parked cars in Hell’s Kitchen.	In Midtown Manhattan, fancy sport cars like Porsches and Maseratis have taken over some streets, speeding, running red lights and weaving recklessly along empty stretches, according to residents. One driver nearly totaled his luxury Gemballa Mirage GT sports car after ramming into several parked cars in Hell’s Kitchen.
Rachel Tenney, 35, a special-education teacher, was nearly struck by a driver in a red sports car while recently biking on Park Avenue. The teacher, who prefers the courtesy title Mx., caught up to the driver at the next red light and told him to slow down. His response? Get a bike helmet. “It’s like a speedway,” Mx. Tenney said.	Rachel Tenney, 35, a special-education teacher, was nearly struck by a driver in a red sports car while recently biking on Park Avenue. The teacher, who prefers the courtesy title Mx., caught up to the driver at the next red light and told him to slow down. His response? Get a bike helmet. “It’s like a speedway,” Mx. Tenney said.
Citywide, three more people have been killed in motor vehicles this year as of April 14 compared with the same period last year, even though the overall number of traffic deaths has dropped to 47 people from 55 people.	Citywide, three more people have been killed in motor vehicles this year as of April 14 compared with the same period last year, even though the overall number of traffic deaths has dropped to 47 people from 55 people.
At the same time, there were five fewer cyclists killed this year after a spike last year. And six fewer pedestrians were killed — the 30-day stretch from March 14 to April 13 without a single pedestrian fatality was the longest in decades, city officials said.	At the same time, there were five fewer cyclists killed this year after a spike last year. And six fewer pedestrians were killed — the 30-day stretch from March 14 to April 13 without a single pedestrian fatality was the longest in decades, city officials said.
Police officials pointed to the recent decline in traffic crashes and fatalities, and noted that just 1.3 percent of the more than 2.3 million drivers who drove past the city’s automated speeding cameras on a recent day were found to be speeding, which is defined as going more than 10 m.p.h. over the speed limit.	Police officials pointed to the recent decline in traffic crashes and fatalities, and noted that just 1.3 percent of the more than 2.3 million drivers who drove past the city’s automated speeding cameras on a recent day were found to be speeding, which is defined as going more than 10 m.p.h. over the speed limit.
The department has increased patrols and speed-radar enforcement along some highways, deployed hundreds of officers to locations with many speeding drivers and posted more highway safety signs, police officials said.	The department has increased patrols and speed-radar enforcement along some highways, deployed hundreds of officers to locations with many speeding drivers and posted more highway safety signs, police officials said.
“The N.Y.P.D. continues to focus on combating speed on the highways and on the streets, where cars are most likely to interact with bicyclists and pedestrians as well as with first responders, food delivery workers and other essential users of the roads,” said Deputy Chief Michael Pilecki of the department’s Transportation Bureau.	“The N.Y.P.D. continues to focus on combating speed on the highways and on the streets, where cars are most likely to interact with bicyclists and pedestrians as well as with first responders, food delivery workers and other essential users of the roads,” said Deputy Chief Michael Pilecki of the department’s Transportation Bureau.
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who has taken to Twitter to implore people to stop speeding and acting recklessly on the city’s streets, said he was considering pushing for tougher measures, including raising fines for speeding tickets, which are $50 when issued by automated cameras.	City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who has taken to Twitter to implore people to stop speeding and acting recklessly on the city’s streets, said he was considering pushing for tougher measures, including raising fines for speeding tickets, which are $50 when issued by automated cameras.
“People are already on edge and anxious and this exacerbates the situation,” he said. “What it really shows us is we need to have safer streets — even when we’re not in the middle of a pandemic.”	“People are already on edge and anxious and this exacerbates the situation,” he said. “What it really shows us is we need to have safer streets — even when we’re not in the middle of a pandemic.”
Mr. Johnson also wants to bring back a short-lived city pilot program that was suspended by Mayor Bill de Blasio: It had closed stretches of four major thoroughfares and turned them over to pedestrians for social distancing. Mr. Johnson said he favored significantly expanding it to close many more streets in almost every neighborhood.	Mr. Johnson also wants to bring back a short-lived city pilot program that was suspended by Mayor Bill de Blasio: It had closed stretches of four major thoroughfares and turned them over to pedestrians for social distancing. Mr. Johnson said he favored significantly expanding it to close many more streets in almost every neighborhood.
Danny Harris, the executive director of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group, also called for reducing speed limits — which are typically 20 m.p.h or 25 m.p.h. on residential streets — as well as restricting all driving that is not an essential service during the pandemic.	Danny Harris, the executive director of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group, also called for reducing speed limits — which are typically 20 m.p.h or 25 m.p.h. on residential streets — as well as restricting all driving that is not an essential service during the pandemic.
“Unfortunately, some people see this as open season to take out their car and speed,” said Mr. Harris, who has been awakened by cars racing on the F.D.R. Drive in Manhattan. “Now is not the time for our city to plead with drivers to slow down — they must take immediate action to force them to do so.”	“Unfortunately, some people see this as open season to take out their car and speed,” said Mr. Harris, who has been awakened by cars racing on the F.D.R. Drive in Manhattan. “Now is not the time for our city to plead with drivers to slow down — they must take immediate action to force them to do so.”
Shelia Dunn, a spokeswoman for the National Motorists Association, a grass-roots organization of drivers, said that most drivers try to abide by speed limits and cannot afford to get speeding tickets. “Most people are not trying to drive purposely faster,” she said.	Shelia Dunn, a spokeswoman for the National Motorists Association, a grass-roots organization of drivers, said that most drivers try to abide by speed limits and cannot afford to get speeding tickets. “Most people are not trying to drive purposely faster,” she said.
Ms. Dunn added that speed cameras and tickets will not stop people who speed excessively or drive recklessly. “These outliers give other motorists a bad name because traffic safety is important to everyone,” she said.	Ms. Dunn added that speed cameras and tickets will not stop people who speed excessively or drive recklessly. “These outliers give other motorists a bad name because traffic safety is important to everyone,” she said.
~~Updated June 5, 2020~~	Updated June 12, 2020
	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.	Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.	Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.	Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.	The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.