NEW YORK — New speed limit signs are now installed on Canal Street in Manhattan.

The speed limit has been reduced to 20 mph as part of Sammy’s Law.

Advocates say lowering speed limits reduces the number of crashes in the area and increases crash victims’ chances of survival.

What is Sammy’s Law?

Sammy Cohen Eckstein, 12, was struck and killed by a driver in Park Slope, Brooklyn, in 2013. His family began fighting for a slower speed limit citywide after his death.

New York State Legislators passed Sammy’s Law in AprilAnd Governor Kathy Hochul signed it in May.

The law allows the city to lower speed limits without permission from Albany. On most affected streets, the maximum speed limit drops from 25 mph to 20 mph, but in some areas it could go down to 15 mph or less. New speed limits must be approved by the city council.

Lower speed limits can only be applied on roads with fewer than three lanes, and there are exceptions for main arterial roads in outlying districts.

Earlier this month, the first signs lowering the speed limit were installed in Prospect Park West. The Department of Transport says work has continued since then.

The city says the speed limit will be reduced to 250 locations by the end of next year. See the full list of these locations offered here.

The DOT says it’s also on schedule to meet this year’s goal of improving visibility at intersections at 1,000 locations across the city.