Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics local governments in the state of New York will have the power to reduce the speed limits on their roads to 25 mph under legislation signed into law last week by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The measure is intended to cut down on car crashes and fatalities; it was coupled with a separate provision that increases fines for leaving the scene and failing to report a crash. The speed limit measure changes the current law that sets the default maximum speed limit in a city, town or village to 30 mph. Fines for leaving the scene of a crash without reporting it will be increased $750 to $1,000 for a first-time offense. A repeat violation could lead to a fine as high as $3,000. Hochul said, "These new laws will help prevent senseless tragedies and injuries by cracking down on erratic and irresponsible driving. Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe and using every resource available to save lives." Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.