FDNY Accident tax

Be extra careful when you’re driving. If you get in an accident, you may be expecting a bill from the FDNY.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that he was behind the FDNY’s plan to charge a fee to cover emergency services for those drivers involved in a car accident, no matter where the fault lies.  

The FDNY estimates that the fee would generate $1 million, and would help close its budget gap. This “crash tax” would span through all five boroughs and range from $365 to $490, depending on the severity of the accident: $365 for an accident without injury, and $490 for a crash that requires fire and medical assistance. 

On his WOR radio show last week, Mayor Bloomberg noted that the tax was a better alternative to city firehouses closing. Councilman Oliver Koppell said he’s not 100 percent decided on the issue, but is leaning towards Bloomberg’s stance. 

“If this can avoid the closing of fire companies, it is something that should be considered,” Mr. Koppell said. “In the most cases, it’s going to be covered by people’s automobile insurance.”

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz believes there’s more to the picture. 

“He’s presenting a false choice. He’s saying there are only two choices: pay the tax, or close the firehouses,” Mr. Dinowitz said. “What he’s not saying is that there are other ways to keep firehouses open.” 

Mr. Dinowitz suggested a commuter tax, a tax that he fought to keep in 1999, and continues to advocate for. 

“It’s double dipping. We’re paying taxes for city services,” he said. “People outside of the city benefit from these services ... but they’re not contributing to the cost of that. So why not ask them to pay the price for those services?”

The “crash tax” could go into affect as early as July, and although it does not need the approval of the City Council, there will be a public meeting on January 14, 2011 at FDNY’s headquarters at 9 Metrotech Center in Brooklyn.