NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The number of speed camera tickets in the city has skyrocketed even with much less traffic on the road.
Reckless driving is never good, but it's especially bad right now says Sam Schwartz.
"To have a crash during a period when we need hospital beds urgently for people with the virus. This is very selfish for people to be speeding right now,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz, known as "Gridlock Sam,” is a former city traffic commissioner.
He says a combination of open roads and pent up anxiety is leading to drivers stomping on the gas.
"it is easier to speed with fewer vehicles that are on the road."
Gothamist reports that the month of march saw almost double the number of tickets from school zone speed cameras than January.
"They should be driving lower than the speed limit during this time,” Schwarts said.
With walkers, runners, cyclists all looking to keep their distance. Many are heading into the street to avoid the city's notoriously cramped sidewalks.
"They have every right to be there,” he reminds New Yorkers.