ABOUT
Families for Safe Streets was founded in 2014 by the families of loved ones who were killed or injured in crashes in New York City and is now a growing national movement. Our mission is to confront the preventable epidemic of traffic violence by advocating for life-saving changes and providing support to those who have been impacted by crashes.
Together, we transform our grief by telling our personal stories of trauma and loss in order to make our streets safe for everyone — because no death or life-altering injury in a traffic crash is acceptable. These are preventable crashes — not "accidents” — and the problems that cause these crashes have proven solutions.
We believe no one should have to endure the physical, emotional and spiritual trauma of traffic violence alone and provide a range of support services to crash victims and survivors that is available to anyone in the United States.
National
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New York Chapter
By partnering with Transportation Alternatives — leaders in reclaiming NYC streets for people since 1973 — our fight for safe streets became a reality.
As a grassroots advocacy group of people directly impacted by crashes, we are now several hundred people strong, working tirelessly for legislative and policy change.
In our very first year, we celebrated a major victory in a hard-fought campaign to lower the citywide speed limit to 25 mph.
After building a coalition of over 300 organizations, hosting 24-hour vigils and marathons, and even delivering 400 boxes of pudding to an obstinate State Senator, FSS won its #EverySchool campaign for speed safety cameras, the nation’s largest automated enforcement program of its kind — a lifesaving speed management program that does not involve police.
From transforming “boulevards of death”, to lowering speed limits and installing speed limiters in the vehicles of repeat offenders, we know that change is hard. FSS is committed to this formidable challenge. We want to ensure our fellow New Yorkers can navigate their neighborhoods without fear, and are never forced to endure the pain and suffering we have known.
While activism itself can be healing, supporting each other is at our core. Our FSS support services include monthly support communities, peer-mentoring, logistical assistance, and a detailed resource guide.
Chapter Leadership
Policy and Advocacy
Chairs: Julie Huntington & Kate Brockwehl
Vice Chair: Sandra Voss
The policy and advocacy committee leads FSS’ efforts to identify and fight for streets safety projects and legislation to prevent future crashes. The committee is currently focused on Local Control over New York City Street Speeds (Sammy’s Law), Speed Limiters for Repeat Reckless Drivers (Intelligent Speed Assistance), and Universal Truck Side Guards as well as the rest of the SAFE Streets Act Agenda.
Outreach
Chairs: Fabiola Mendietta Cuapio & Monique Williams
The outreach committee works to create relationships and initiatives to ensure that those who are affected by traffic violence are aware of Families for Safe Streets. The committee is currently working on forming connections with institutions and a project to place posters at the sites of fatal crashes to raise awareness about FSS.
Fundraising and national growth
Chair: Amy Cohen
The fundraising and national expansion committee develops initiatives to raise financial support for FSS’ current efforts and to enable us to reach others who have been affected by the epidemic of traffic violence throughout the country.
Communication
Chair: Devan Sipher
Vice Chairs: David Shephard Dan Levinsohn
The communication committee ensures that FSS members are informed of that is happening within the organization and the safe streets movement, as well as enabling connections between members. To achieve this, the committee is leading the shift to a new online community platform (Geneva), fostering an environment where members can easily engage with one another.
Support
Chair: Judy Kottick
Vice Chair: Rita Barravecchio
The support committee fosters connections between members by creating space for those affected by traffic violence to come together in a loving environment to support and be supported by others. The committee facilitates our peer mentorship program, monthly support groups, and events throughout the year that are dedicated to ensure all our members know that they are not alone as they navigate the horror and trauma of losing a loved one or surviving a serious injury.