Calling the death of six-year-old pedestrian Amar Diarrassouba “a devastating loss that underscores the need for tougher safety measures on the streets where our children walk to school,” Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer Monday urged the Department of Transportation to beef up pedestrian protections in an area where three other East Harlem children have recently been killed.

The Borough President spoke at a news conference in front of P.S. 155, the school Amar attended, and was joined by other elected officials, advocates and residents, including Assemblymember Robert Rodriguez, Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito and Iman Konate, a Diarrassouba family member and local religious leader.

“Tragically, Amar is not the only child to be injured or killed in East Harlem in recent years,” Borough President Stringer wrote in a letter to DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. Stringer noted there were five incidents where Manhattan pedestrians under the age of 15 were killed from 2009-2011 -- and three of them took place within 7 blocks of P.S. 155, according to statistics recently released by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. Two of these deaths took place just a block and a half from the intersection; a 12 year old female who was killed on November 13^th, 2010 and a 52 year old male who was killed on September 24^th, 2011. The Borough President requested that the DOT “launch an individualized planning study to determine both short-term and long-term measures to improve pedestrian safety in the neighborhood.”

Six-year old Amar was tragically struck and killed by the back of a tractor-trailer Thursday morning as he crossed 1^st Avenue at 117^th Street, less than half a block from his school, P.S. 155 in East Harlem. The over-sized vehicle that struck him was driving on East 117^th Street, from which it made a right turn onto 1^st Avenue, as Amar entered the crosswalk with his older brother. Trucks exceeding 55 feet in length, like the truck in the accident, are not permitted on residential streets like East 117^th St. without a permit, according to New York City traffic regulations.  

“Despite these tragedies, few traffic calming devices have been implemented in the neighborhood,” Stringer wrote. “For instance, of the 145 leading pedestrian interval signals in Manhattan—which show walk signs before showing a green light to traffic, thereby giving pedestrians a chance to begin crossing the street before cars and trucks make turns across the crosswalk—only two are in East Harlem.”

The Borough President also noted that, while many schools have special reduced speed limit signs with flashing lights, no such treatment exists near P.S. 155, despite the history of pedestrian deaths in the neighborhood. He urged DOT to beef up traffic safety measures in the area surrounding P.S. 155, which also includes P.S. 57, P.S. 37, P.S. 112, P.S/M.S. 206, I.S.A. 25, P.S. / M.S. 96 and multiple private schools.

“By all accounts, Amar—the son of immigrants who came to New York City to give their children a chance at a better tomorrow—was a bright, energetic child, not unlike those who set out to schools across this City every morning looking for the chance to learn and grow,” the Borough President concluded. “His heartbreaking death must spur us to action.”

"I am proud to join President Stringer in calling for sound and safety measures to protect pedestrians from injuries on our streets,” said Congressmember Charles Rangel. “Neither Amar, nor any other innocent child, should fall victim to deadly accidents that could have been prevented. Clearly we need to find and implement solutions to make our neighborhoods safer.”

“I join with the Borough President in calling for an immediate study by DOT to determine where and how to increase traffic safety in the East Harlem area,” said State Senator Bill Perkins. “Traffic patterns have to be looked at to make sure that proper measures are taken to correct any dangerous conditions. Urgent in this regard in the need to make sure there are no gaps in crossing guard service for our children.  If a guard needs to leave his or her post or is unable to be there for any reason a replacement must be in place to ensure that there is no break in coverage.  Having attended the funeral of this young student and spoken with the family I urge the city to do everything we can to prevent another child and his/her  family from experiencing such a tragic loss.”

"My heart felt condolences go out to the family of Amar Diarrosova,” said State Senator Jose M. Serrano. “We must do everything we can to honor Amar's memory and ensure tragedies like this do not occur again. I urge the DOT to conduct a comprehensive review and find ways to enhance the street safety of our East Harlem community."

I am deeply troubled by this tragic and unnecessary loss of a child of our community and I offer my sincere condolences to his family, knowing there is little I can do to ease their distress,” said Assemblymember Robert Rodriguez. “I believe action can be taken to make our streets safe for all of our residents, especially our children.  This starts with the DOT truly analyzing how pedestrians and residents use our streets and sidewalks and what types of traffic use our roadways.  We must assure that the health and wellbeing of those who live here weigh heavily in any planning decisions about the use of our roadways.”

“Last Thursday's heartbreaking accident which led to the death of a 6-year-old boy is an absolute tragedy,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “I have been in touch with both DOT and the NYPD in the wake of the accident to express my concerns about the flow of truck traffic in this area. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pursue some needed improvements. I thank the Borough President for pulling us all together following this unfortunate incident. I offer my most sincere condolences to this child's family in this extremely difficult time.”

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