Traditional responses to driving offenses often fail to address the underlying issues that lead to unsafe driving while exacerbating racial and economic disparities. This evaluation of the Driver Accountability Program (DAP)—an alternative sentencing program for people arraigned on driving-related charges—builds upon a 2022 participant-focused evaluation of the program, finding that DAP has both improved street safety and cut back on the harms of the criminal legal system.
In recent years, New York City has seen a steady and alarming increase in traffic-related fatalities. In 2021, the city saw over 50,000 traffic-related injuries and 273 traffic fatalities, marking a record high in fatalities since the Vision Zero NYC legislation was launched in 2014. Traditional legal system responses to driving-related incidents such as fines or incarceration not only fail to address the root problems but also frequently result in increased socioeconomic and racial disparities.
Circles for Safe Streets, a pilot project of the Center for Court Innovation in partnership with Families for Safe Streets, provides a restorative justice response to vehicular crimes resulting in serious injury or death. The program builds on the Center’s work in both Driver Accountability and Restorative Justice, offering an avenue to support both victims and drivers.
The Driver Accountability Program is an innovative response to driving-related offenses that seeks to improve traffic safety and increase accountability among dangerous drivers. The program is rooted in principles of restorative justice, self-reflection, and self-empowerment. With support from New York City Council, the Center for Justice Innovation operates the program in all five boroughs, playing a critical role in reducing systemic harms caused by fines, criminal convictions, and incarceration.
