Ten years after Vision Zero was deployed in 2014, car traffic fatalities are still a significant concern in NYC. While risks are declining, more than 2,555 motorists were seriously injured in crashes between January 2022 and September 2023. By borough, the most injuries occurred in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, followed by Manhattan and Staten Island.
According to recent data, the vast majority of all motorist fatalities occur between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM and are related to speeding and reckless driving. This is one of the downsides of being a city that never sleeps – dangerous driving often happens at night. While much more must be done to improve car accident statistics in NYC, speed camera enforcement during peak accident hours has produced promising results.
New York City Car Accident Statistics
From the table above, you can see that fatal crashes have remained fairly steady throughout the years, indicating that New York City is on the right track with its Vision Zero program. Still, deaths have not declined (they’ve slightly increased), so there is still much progress to be made.
In 2023, most accidents resulting in injuries occurred in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. There were fewer accidents in Manhattan and Staten Island. Why? Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx are all high-traffic areas with lots of late-night activity, and the data shows that the majority of accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities are caused by late-night, reckless driving.
In January 2024, Queens and Brooklyn had the most recorded accidents leading to injury, but it’s too early in the year to get an accurate snapshot of the statistics.
Street Redesigns Lead to Improved New York City Car Accident Statistics
According to a statement from Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis RodrÃguez, traffic deaths in New York City have declined by 12% over the past ten years, a success attributed to various street redesigns. These redesigns include reducing speed limits and implementing speed cameras at locations known for high fatalities.
Since Mayor Eric Adams implemented 24/7 speed camera enforcement in New York City, there has been a significant reduction (upwards of 25%) in traffic fatalities in speed camera zones during extended hours.
Previously, speed cameras were only operational on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. These improvements occurred after the legal operating hours of speed cameras were extended, proving that they are, in fact, fulfilling their intended purpose of deterring speeding.
The Future of Road Safety in NYC
While recent New York City car accident statistics show improvements, New York City’s traffic safety challenges remain a serious concern, with motor vehicle accidents being a leading cause of death among NYC residents. Despite efforts to improve road safety, fatal crashes continue to occur at an alarming rate, and more must be done to effect change. The good news is that there are a few initiatives underway to improve road safety, including NYC’s Dusk and Darkness Campaign.
Dusk and Darkness Campaign
New York City has launched its annual “Dusk and Darkness” public safety campaign, encouraging drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to be more aware of safety risks at night. This initiative is especially important as daylight saving time ends, which is known to increase risks for pedestrians and cyclists.
While New York City continues to make concerted efforts to reduce traffic fatalities through law enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements, residents should continue to work with state and local governments to advocate for safer roads.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident in New York City?
Recent New York City car accident statistics reveal that road safety remains a major concern for NYC residents. Nearly four out of every ten accidents on city streets result in serious injury or death. Simply put, aggressive efforts must be made to protect residents from the dangers of NYC roads.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident in New York City, The Law Offices of Eric Richman offer expert legal advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Immediately following a car accident, you may have questions about your rights, the statute of limitations, and how to navigate the legal and financial challenges that arise. We can help.
Eric Richman’s team offers compassionate, expert legal representation for the New York City Area. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation or call us at (800) 801-9655.
