Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Reminding Drivers Not To Drive Recklessly


By

Jaya Saxena

Published Sep 1, 2010

Modified Sep 1, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jaya Saxena

Published Sep 1, 2010

Modified Sep 1, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

In an effort to drive up public awareness for "Elle's Law", a new driving law giving harsher punishments to drivers who hit pedestrians while driving recklessly, the state is unveiling an ad campaign with catchy slogans like “Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives,” “Children Break… When Drivers Don’t,” and “She Almost Died For A Parking Space."

The last one will feature a picture of the law's namesake, a four-year-old girl who was seriously injured last September by a reckless driver backing down a UES street to find a parking spot. Elle's mother said, "I am proud that Elle’s Law will help protect the millions of students across New York state who are heading back to school this month, as well as pedestrians of all ages." After the accident, Elle spent eight months in the hospital, and is still recovering from massive brain trauma. The driver, Jose Castaneda, was issued a traffic ticket.

Paterson signed the bill into law two weeks ago. Drivers who injure pedestrians due to reckless driving could lose their licenses for six months, and repeat offenders could lose them for up to a year.

Tagged

elle's law

law

pedestrian

reckless driving


Jaya Saxena

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

'Insults, bravado': Legal standoff over Mamdani rent freeze grows fiery

The city’s top lawyer threatened to call his adversary, a former deputy mayor, to the witness stand.

By

David Brand

Published Oct 13, 2026 at 2:59 p.m. ET


NYC Council set to ban Central Park's carriage horse industry

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he supports the ban, and a majority of city councilmembers have signed on to support legislation that would end the industry.

By

Liam Quigley

News

NYC Council set to ban Central Park's carriage horse industry

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he supports the ban, and a majority of city councilmembers have signed on to support legislation that would end the industry.

By

Liam Quigley


22 NYC food pantries to start offering pet food

By

Karen Yi

Woman whose body was found in Brooklyn garbage can was strangled, medical examiner says

By

Charles Lane

New York Public Radio CEO steps down after 8 months on job

By

Liam Quigley


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .