Hit-and-Runs
Guler Ugur was one of over 30,000 annual traffic fatalities in the U.S. While laws alone
won’t entirely prevent such tragedies, they can help reduce these numbers and provide
better punitive results for irresponsible motorists who cause them.
Many forms of traffic violence need to be addressed, but two prominent flaws in the legal
system were apparent in the case of the driver who fatally collided with Guler:
1) Hit-and-Runs. In New York State, fleeing fatal crashes carry a maximum
punishment of 3-to-7 years in prison, encouraging those who are intoxicated to
flee collisions. Why? Because fatality-causing motorists who are proven to be
driving while intoxicated can receive a significantly harsher sentence of up to
25 years in prison.
In recent years, several states have recognized the shortcomings in such laws by
passing common sense legislative changes:
a) Pennsylvania: Since 2013, fatal hit-and-runs carry a minimum punishment
of three years in prison.
b) Florida: Since 2014, fatal hit-and-runs carry a minimum punishment of
four years in prison.
c) Texas: Since 2014, fatal hit-and-runs carry the same punitive weight as
intoxicated manslaughter.
Unlicensed Driving
It is our mission for New York State to adopt similar legislative changes, and to
encourage families of victims of this horrible crime to advocate for the similar
legislation in all fifty states.
2) Unlicensed Driving. Operation of a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right. In
the wrong hands, an automobile ceases to be a means of transportation and instead
becomes a lethal weapon. The bare minimum evidence of demonstrating enough
responsibility to operate a motor vehicle is to have a valid driver’s license.
Sadly, the laws of New York State play down the importance of licensed driving.
The maximum sentence for fatal driving without a valid license is only 30 days in
prison and a $500 fine. We advocate much more stringent laws, ensuring that
anyone who causes injury to another human being while illegally operating a
motor vehicle faces much more serious punishment.
These are only two of many legal challenges facing the crisis of vehicular violence in
America.
How Can You Help to Prevent more Casualties?
In the documentary below (made by friends of Guler Ugur while mourning her
loss), numerous other victims of reckless drivers were encountered, and they include:
1. Brittney Walsh – A high school graduate killed in 2012 by a drunk driver. This case
inspired the passage of New York State Senate Bill S3940A , which would deem
aggravated vehicular homicide a Class B violent felony.
2. Rubin Baum – A senior citizen who saved the life of his wife Denise while hailing a
cab in 2012. This case inspired the passage of “Ruby’s Law” through the New York
State Senate, which would mandate testing in the event of a motor vehicle collision
resulting in death or injury.
3. Lucian Merryweather, Victoria Nicodemus and Ariel Russo – Pedestrians who were
all killed in separate instances while standing on the sidewalk.
4. Ella Kottick Bandes and Seth Kahn – Pedestrians who were separately struck and
killed by New York City buses.
5. Emma Blumstein and Matthew Brenner – Bicyclists who were separately struck and
killed while riding with the right of way.
6. Dulcie Canton and Alan Halter – Victims of separate hit-and-run crimes.
7. Sammy Cohen Eckstein – A twelve year old boy killed by a moving van.
8. Ida Rosenblatt – A senior citizen killed by a moving SUV.
How can you help?
--- Share this link and film with friends, family and on social media. Encourage others to
do the same.
-- Contact your state and local legislators, and encourage them to be supportive of
seeking legal solutions to traffic violence.
-- Participate in organizations that advocate awareness of traffic violence, such as
Families for Safe Streets, Transportation Alternatives, Right of Way, or Mothers Against
Drunk Driving.
For questions or comments, please email us at rememberguler@gmail.com
Safer Streets
Guler Ugur was one of over 200 people killed by vehicles in NYC during 2014. Hit-and-run drivers are rarely arrested in New York City and when they are, the majority are not convicted. One of the main reasons for the high rate of such senseless crime is the fact that people - witnesses, police and the justice department - do not want to get involved. They become numb to the frequency of these horrible crimes and the perpetrators get off with little or no sentencing. This must change. We are working with Families for Safe Streets to raise awareness for traffic deaths in New York City. Their goals include adding bike lanes, putting more traffic lights on dangerous intersections, changing traffic light patterns, etc. We want to help NYC attain the ultimate goal of Vision Zero. Please support Families for Safe Streets by visiting their website and adding your name to their petitions. We have felt the deep pain of losing Guler to the street of New York and we want to do our part to ensure that no one else has to bear this kind of loss.
A stencil was made with the help of Right of Way Organization at the corner of Amsterdam & 113th street on June 6th, 2015. You can still see it today and it serves as a reminder to all who step onto that corner that they should look twice before crossing, whether or not they have the green light. Right of Way's mission: "The fundamental human right to move about in public space without being intimidated, injured, or worse is the “right of way.” On the streets of New York City, drivers routinely violate this basic right of others. Right of Way uses direct action to highlight this issue and rectify it. Our mission is to assert the public right of way and turn the streets into vibrant public space for all."
Killed by Auto
Documentary by Guler's friend Derek Rose
The film premiered at Wild Project Theatre in NYC on October 23, 2016