There are simply too many cars in Manhattan, and it is getting worse every day. The population is growing and so are business, but the size of roads stay the same. Delivery trucks double park at will, even on Fifth Avenue. Businesses use public streets as personal parking lots and worsen gridlock. This terrible tragedy could easily be repeated by Penn Station, Grand Central, or downtown as distracted drivers become angry, and loose control. A car can be a serious weapon, so why are they encouraged in Manhattan? There are solutions but feckless leaders. Albany should stop worrying about pleasing benefactors and institute ideas to help real people. Congestion pricing, time limits on deliveries, tolls on all bridges and known traffic calming methods are needed right now, not later. Public transport needs serious attention. Why should anyone suffer, or loose a precious young life due to the inaction of Albany?
Safe as any where else. Listen in my neck of the woods we had a 90 years old driver plow through a sidewalk and kill a thirty year old mother of who was on he bike. As long as people as that close to car traffic incidents will happen, just the law of averages.
"Alyssa Elsman, the 18-year-old killed on Thursday in a chaotic accident in Times Square. . . ."
It wasn't an accident. Richard Rojas deliberately plowed at high speed into people and kept going for three blocks.
And please, enough with articles about his descent into depression. The Times is already trying to get us to pity him.
It's enough with pitying such people. I am sorry for this eighteen-year-old and her little sister, their family, and all those people mowed down by someone who should have been in jail for harassment, drunk driving, and attacking police officers.
"Accident" indeed.
It wasn't an accident. Richard Rojas deliberately plowed at high speed into people and kept going for three blocks.
And please, enough with articles about his descent into depression. The Times is already trying to get us to pity him.
It's enough with pitying such people. I am sorry for this eighteen-year-old and her little sister, their family, and all those people mowed down by someone who should have been in jail for harassment, drunk driving, and attacking police officers.
"Accident" indeed.
5
"How Safe is Times Square?" Not too. But then, most native New Yorkers know this already, which is why we avoid it at all costs --- And that has nothing to do with the unfortunate car accident yesterday.
Times Square was, is, and has always been the center of the world for every tourist and exhibitionist in need of an immediate audience.
It's overcrowded, nosiy, and the traffic is almost always at a standstill.... Don't even think about taking the M5/M55 bus if you want to reach your destination in the same day.
So let Mayor deBlasio and Commissioner O'Neill say what they want.
We New Yorkers know better.
Times Square was, is, and has always been the center of the world for every tourist and exhibitionist in need of an immediate audience.
It's overcrowded, nosiy, and the traffic is almost always at a standstill.... Don't even think about taking the M5/M55 bus if you want to reach your destination in the same day.
So let Mayor deBlasio and Commissioner O'Neill say what they want.
We New Yorkers know better.
3
Mr. Koita's recommendation is wise and ratuonal: raise the curbs and put in speed bumps. With so many tourists carrying cell phones, taking pictures, looking up in awe... Mr. Koita is right on target.
3
daily dose of fear mongering.
Safe? I'm 69 and lived most of my work life on 46th and 7th Ave. Safe? I depends on what you mean. Saw people defecate on the sidewalk. People have panhandled forever. Now they do it with costumes and threaten you if you don't pull over with a "tip" for their entertaining you. I have been groped and sexually propositioned of course. That's when you take matters in your own hands and make it known your a normal New Yorker, not "cruising", and verbally chase them away. The ticket grifters are still there. The age old Monte game. The tourists must go to Times Square so they can go home bragging about it like a thrill ride at an amusement park. "Went to Times Square and got out alive, Ma!"
Safe? Yeah, it's safe. Whatever that means.
Safe? Yeah, it's safe. Whatever that means.
3
police presence in times square has provided extra comfort? are they kidding? the only police in times square prior to this incident have been the 5 that stand outside the little station posing for pictures with tourists. there are often dudes hanging out on the side streets of times square smoking marijuana at night with no police around (last i checked it was still illegal here). times square subway station entrances outside the main one, like 40th St, 41st St, later evening there are always persons jumping the turn styles, obviously mentally ill people lingering about, never any police around. at best there are some police in the station early morning standing around posing, making a show for business commuters.
BBG: AND MILES TO GO
Drink in the azaleas, devour the peonies,
Springtime bouquet--
I could loaf in this flowering garden forever.
But not today.
Drink in the azaleas, devour the peonies,
Springtime bouquet--
I could loaf in this flowering garden forever.
But not today.
1
As soon as I read this news, the first thing that came to my mind was an accident that happened near Time Square that killed 6 people, one of them who I was working with at the time. It is unfortunate but I guess it is the cost of living in a modern world.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/28/nyregion/6-killed-in-herald-square-by-...
The way this news of car running into a crowd at Time Square spread truly shocked me. Every one was racing to a conclusion that is least possible, which is an attack branded as terrorism. Even though some 60K people die in road accidents and gun violence each year in the US, somehow we are all scared when these accidents and violence occurs in a specific manner. Frankly I am terrorized on a daily basis by all the road rage, texting & drunk drivers, and all the people carrying guns.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/28/nyregion/6-killed-in-herald-square-by-...
The way this news of car running into a crowd at Time Square spread truly shocked me. Every one was racing to a conclusion that is least possible, which is an attack branded as terrorism. Even though some 60K people die in road accidents and gun violence each year in the US, somehow we are all scared when these accidents and violence occurs in a specific manner. Frankly I am terrorized on a daily basis by all the road rage, texting & drunk drivers, and all the people carrying guns.
3
Times Square is safe. Even drivers high on whatever they're smoking, who drive three blocks in a deliberate effort to mow down as many pedestrians as possible, are safe.
It's too bad that the New Yorkers who seized Richard Rojas didn't tear him limb from limb. But then, that's what makes us New Yorkers. Most of us are incredibly law-abiding under even trying circumstances.
The City Council needs to reconsider its easygoing excusing of low-level crimes. Aggressive men who harass people, self-indulgent drunk drivers who drive high on whatever substance they choose and then get just a slap on the wrist, drivers whose car stereos set off car alarms along their way, or young men who walk the streets spewing stinking marijuana into crowded sidewalks, or who urinate on buildings and into people's hedges need to be seen for what they are: uncontrolled impulses.
And uncontrolled impulses are never good. They get worse. Just look at our President. He's even more corpulent than when he was campaigning. He's courting an apoplectic attack.
It's too bad that the New Yorkers who seized Richard Rojas didn't tear him limb from limb. But then, that's what makes us New Yorkers. Most of us are incredibly law-abiding under even trying circumstances.
The City Council needs to reconsider its easygoing excusing of low-level crimes. Aggressive men who harass people, self-indulgent drunk drivers who drive high on whatever substance they choose and then get just a slap on the wrist, drivers whose car stereos set off car alarms along their way, or young men who walk the streets spewing stinking marijuana into crowded sidewalks, or who urinate on buildings and into people's hedges need to be seen for what they are: uncontrolled impulses.
And uncontrolled impulses are never good. They get worse. Just look at our President. He's even more corpulent than when he was campaigning. He's courting an apoplectic attack.
5
The heavy metal posts that eventually stopped that car, more of those need to go up in that whole area that is always heavy with pedestrians.
And they need to be installed as soon as possible.
And they need to be installed as soon as possible.
5
Royals flush Yankees! They Called-A-Head!
2
But you get the poker pun, right?
My office is on 7th Av in Times Sq. Times Sq is always bustling with people of all kinds; employees, tourists, artists, police, secret service etc. I've never felt threatened or scared here. What happened yesterday is a possibility we live with anywhere in the world we live today. A person in a car is one reckless move away from a felon. Road rage and drunken driving has wrecked many homes. In an increasingly polarized world divided on every possible line imaginable it's sad that we are not staring at a solution. We have to cover each other's backs and be vigilant at all times. And despite that there will be people who terrorize us, I hope we will be able to collectively stand up to all that and make this world a safe place for future generations.
7
This story should be on the front page of the times, unless I am mistaken, it is not. I am getting pretty tired of all the Trump stuff, pick the recent and most important news about Trump and then let's read about what is going on with the rest of the country and world. I did not vote for him and hopefully he will be gone in 4 years.
3
It's impossible to eliminate all risk but a simple fix to reduce stress and judgement is to disallow cars from turning when when pedestrians have the walk sign. It should be either cars or pedestrians but never both at the same time. There is a place for judgement in a quieter town but not in a city where there is constant traffic and tourists who don't have the same rule in their own country.
3
Royal rule Yankees
Many if not all of man made problems have solutions, however impractical to some and inconvenient to others. It requires JFK type "Profiles in Courage" to make "Times Square" a pedestrian area only, much like it is cordoned off from traffic during New Year's Eve. The most recent incident should not even be the catalyst for a such a change that should have been made a long time ago. While this incident was not related to terrorism, set your watches, as someday it could be.
Every time I board an airplane and I go through the onerous security detail necessary for the state of where we are today I am reminded of a different time when this was not necessary.
Terrorism is another man-made challenge that appears as if there is no solution. It's a creation of our own making with the formation of Israel and occupation of Palestinians lands and Americas invasion of Iraq and its consequences with Americas Middle East occupations. Terrorism "Made in America". Man made theses problems we have the ability to fix them.
Be safe.
Every time I board an airplane and I go through the onerous security detail necessary for the state of where we are today I am reminded of a different time when this was not necessary.
Terrorism is another man-made challenge that appears as if there is no solution. It's a creation of our own making with the formation of Israel and occupation of Palestinians lands and Americas invasion of Iraq and its consequences with Americas Middle East occupations. Terrorism "Made in America". Man made theses problems we have the ability to fix them.
Be safe.
2
I travel a lot and I feel safe wherever I go be it in the states or overseas. I do take precautions like not carrying a lot of cash or plastic, just enough to get through the day. Since 9/11 I have known folks that refuse to travel because "they" are out to get them. Who ever "they" are. I'm of the opinion if something happens, then something happens. Events like what happened in Times Square play throughout the world everyday but without the airtime.
2
Mr. Khattan said it best. The fact that an intersection such as Times Square, which arguably sees unparalleled levels of pedestrian movement, is still open to vehicular traffic is mind-boggling when considering the city's efforts towards creating safer streets and cultivating a culture of walkability and sustainable transportation modes.
Especially when we see how other cities around the world have taken bold action in banning vehicles. If New York were to act on this long overdue transition, Times Square is where to start.
As for the original question, I do not feel so much unsafe in Times Square, as I do unnerved at the overwhelming activity, crowdedness and commerce that defines Times Square. For this reason, I like many other New Yorkers, do everything possible to avoid the area.
Especially when we see how other cities around the world have taken bold action in banning vehicles. If New York were to act on this long overdue transition, Times Square is where to start.
As for the original question, I do not feel so much unsafe in Times Square, as I do unnerved at the overwhelming activity, crowdedness and commerce that defines Times Square. For this reason, I like many other New Yorkers, do everything possible to avoid the area.
11
Remembering the Times Square of old. Billions poured into sprucing up Times Square and people still don't feel safe. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
4
As far as out-of-control cars and their DUI drivers are concerned, Times Square is no more or less safe than the other places in midtown Manhattan (and below midtown) where Broadway intersects an avenue.
What frightens and repulses me about Times Square, though, is the incredible waste of electricity on those 'billboards' that are a monument to hyperconsumerism. How about some solar panels, folks?
What frightens and repulses me about Times Square, though, is the incredible waste of electricity on those 'billboards' that are a monument to hyperconsumerism. How about some solar panels, folks?
10
A realistic assessment of the hysteria and military bonanza we call "The War On Terror" is this:
In a sophisticated hi-tech, densely populated country where disruption is an easy game, the only real security is the good will we create within the country and without.
In a sophisticated hi-tech, densely populated country where disruption is an easy game, the only real security is the good will we create within the country and without.
11
Wow, I really like that tie that Gene Russianoff is wearing in your picture. A map of the NYC subway system! I wonder where we might purchase them? Gotta have that sucker!
2
My guess would be gift shop of The Transit Museum:
http://www.nytransitmuseumstore.com
http://www.nytransitmuseumstore.com
Transit Museum should have some. Might not look as sharp as his.
cityquilter.com has the exclusive rights to the fabric, depending on how creative you are.
1
Responding to the question in the headline, Times Square is about as safe as anywhere else.
Over the past decades we have accepted the reality that NOWHERE is safe. Home invasions, road rage, our workplaces, our schools - no one is safe anywhere when anyone with the slightest grudge or anyone who has drunk too much is free to inflict irremediable damage, whether deliberately or in a drunken stupor.
It might help if Attorney General Jeff Sessions were to focus his attention not on minor drug crimes but on alcohol abusers and people who have already demonstrated a capacity to harm others and if our various protective services were to focus their attention not on undesirable immigrants who MIGHT be terrorists but on those people, already residents by birth or naturalization, who have already been identified as possessing terrorist inclinations.
Over the past decades we have accepted the reality that NOWHERE is safe. Home invasions, road rage, our workplaces, our schools - no one is safe anywhere when anyone with the slightest grudge or anyone who has drunk too much is free to inflict irremediable damage, whether deliberately or in a drunken stupor.
It might help if Attorney General Jeff Sessions were to focus his attention not on minor drug crimes but on alcohol abusers and people who have already demonstrated a capacity to harm others and if our various protective services were to focus their attention not on undesirable immigrants who MIGHT be terrorists but on those people, already residents by birth or naturalization, who have already been identified as possessing terrorist inclinations.
12
It's hard to defend against drunks and junkies who tend to be unpredictable.
The costumed superheros are annoying. Has the IRS ever bothered to look into whether they pay their income taxes?
Remember the bad old days when Times Square was all hookers drug-pushers and xxx establishments? Giuliani cleaned all that up. Times Square is now worthy of is moniker as the Crossroads of the World.
The costumed superheros are annoying. Has the IRS ever bothered to look into whether they pay their income taxes?
Remember the bad old days when Times Square was all hookers drug-pushers and xxx establishments? Giuliani cleaned all that up. Times Square is now worthy of is moniker as the Crossroads of the World.
4
I feel safer in Times Square than on the NYC subways. :)
In all honesty, good and bad can happen anywhere. Considering the hustle and bustle of midtown, problems like yesterday's incident are relatively rare, which is why it was newsworthy in the first place. The heavy police presence helps to mitigate problems. Perhaps city planners could study Times Square and find even more solutions, but overall it's fine.
In all honesty, good and bad can happen anywhere. Considering the hustle and bustle of midtown, problems like yesterday's incident are relatively rare, which is why it was newsworthy in the first place. The heavy police presence helps to mitigate problems. Perhaps city planners could study Times Square and find even more solutions, but overall it's fine.
7
Apparently, Times Square is safer than the county roads in Kalamazoo, Michigan where last year, not one, but five residents of Kalamazoo County were killed by an impaired driver while on a group bicycle ride. That incident just didn't get as much press. #KalamazooStrong
15
Totally agree with Osama Khattan. I'd like to see the day that there are no cars in Manhattan at all, but areas like Times Square especially.
7
That'll be the day, Alexandra, when you will begin to starve. Because food trucks will not be able to drive the streets either.
No Union Square farmer's market. No car service or taxis to hospitals either, for chemo treatment et al.
And good luck getting cat food in Brooklyn.
Fewer cars -- yes. Congestion pricing, yes. Better subways, absolutely.
And try a less forgiving attitude towards drinking, drug use, and quality-of-life crimes. There are a lot of cars I'd like to see impounded. Some people just shouldn't be allowed to drive; you know, the way they shouldn't be allowed to purchase guns.
No Union Square farmer's market. No car service or taxis to hospitals either, for chemo treatment et al.
And good luck getting cat food in Brooklyn.
Fewer cars -- yes. Congestion pricing, yes. Better subways, absolutely.
And try a less forgiving attitude towards drinking, drug use, and quality-of-life crimes. There are a lot of cars I'd like to see impounded. Some people just shouldn't be allowed to drive; you know, the way they shouldn't be allowed to purchase guns.
1
“The weekend is looking lovely, though — clear skies, cool nights, and highs in the 60s.”
Maybe any singing should stick to the weather and allergies? From three days in the 90’s down to possible highs in the 60’s?
Tune of “Welcome to the Sixties”
Hey pollen, hey pollen, pity me
I may just stay in here with the cool A-C
Hey pollen, hey pollen, you’re the pits
Everyone around is having sneezing fits
So say no, no, it’s getting old here
With the strange and un-springlike highs
And although we don’t like it real cold here
The cooler weather’s still a nice surprise
(chorus)
So we’d be welcoming the 60’s
Oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh
Yeah we’d be welcoming the 60’s
Oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh, weekend, temps get low
Still we’d be welcoming the 60’s
(bridge)
Now they’re saying we may get to 58
(Can we get in-between, a May norm would be great)
Next week they say 70’s the whole week through
(But today, be real safe, and protect your do)
So we’ll be welcoming high 60’s
Oh oh oh oh oh
(repeat)
Maybe any singing should stick to the weather and allergies? From three days in the 90’s down to possible highs in the 60’s?
Tune of “Welcome to the Sixties”
Hey pollen, hey pollen, pity me
I may just stay in here with the cool A-C
Hey pollen, hey pollen, you’re the pits
Everyone around is having sneezing fits
So say no, no, it’s getting old here
With the strange and un-springlike highs
And although we don’t like it real cold here
The cooler weather’s still a nice surprise
(chorus)
So we’d be welcoming the 60’s
Oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh
Yeah we’d be welcoming the 60’s
Oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh, weekend, temps get low
Still we’d be welcoming the 60’s
(bridge)
Now they’re saying we may get to 58
(Can we get in-between, a May norm would be great)
Next week they say 70’s the whole week through
(But today, be real safe, and protect your do)
So we’ll be welcoming high 60’s
Oh oh oh oh oh
(repeat)
13
9 years ago I felt safer. The quality in and around Times Square is back sliding.
1
I completly agree with you. Nine years ago I felt very comfortable there.
I came back just one month ago, and I had a very bad feeling, walking in that huge crowd, on that enlarged walkway, with almost no protection, and did not see any police around.
Unfortunately, it seemed to be in an out-of-control situation.
I came back just one month ago, and I had a very bad feeling, walking in that huge crowd, on that enlarged walkway, with almost no protection, and did not see any police around.
Unfortunately, it seemed to be in an out-of-control situation.
6
Given the amount of people that go there every day it's among the safest places in the US.
I walked through there every day for years during my commute. Never had a problem or a thought about being unsafe. Just don't walk into traffic and you're fine.
I walked through there every day for years during my commute. Never had a problem or a thought about being unsafe. Just don't walk into traffic and you're fine.
11
Given the headline, I expected some real data, not just person-in-the-street comments. What do police records show about the safety of Times Square? How does the current data compare to other sections of NYC, and to years past? Are there days, times, or seasons that it is more or less safe in Times Square?
18
... > 100 killings/day in car crashes nationwide ...
4
Times Square is exceptionally safe. Your typical Miami alleyway is of much more concern. Please stop with the terrorization of our fare city's image. NYCs finest really do shine when it come to this city's great public spaces. You may now return to your Nathan's dog and moderately sized soda.
25
It does not necessarily have to be a terror act. It could also happen when someone driving is distracted when using their phone while driving.