7 shocking statistics about car accidents in New York City
Heavy traffic and crashes are part of city life. For those in New York City, traveling on foot, in a vehicle or on a bicycle can be particularly dangerous.
A review of recent crash statistics helps provide insight into the risks people face when traveling the city. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to focus on safety if they don’t want to contribute to the concerning collision statistics outlined below.
There are hundreds of crashes daily
The New York City police department releases monthly crash statistics to track traffic safety. In September, there were 7,699 crashes reported citywide. That breaks down to more than 250 collisions each day.
Nearly half of crashes result in injuries
Of the 7,699 crashes reported in September, 3,449 resulted in injury or death. There were 15 traffic fatalities and 4,626 people who reported injuries from wrecks.
Pedestrians have outsized risk
According to September crash data, there were 749 pedestrian incidents. 741 pedestrians sustained injuries in those collisions, and eight pedestrians died. Cyclists also contributed heavily to fatality statistics, with three cyclists dying and 513 reporting injuries in the 516 reported cycling crashes.
Distraction was the top-reported cause
When looking at the reported cause of the crashes reported, distraction or inattention was the top issue. There were 2,154 distraction-related crashes. That is far more than the 153 crashes related to drugs/alcohol and the 546 caused by following people too closely in traffic.
Brooklyn sees the most crashes
When looking at recent crash data, it’s clear Brooklyn has the highest number of crashes. Of the 7,699 crashes reported in September, 2,652 were in Brooklyn. Five of the reported pedestrian deaths occurred in Brooklyn.
Large vehicles were a common factor
There were 5,814 passenger vehicles involved in crashes, but a large percentage of them were SUVs, station wagons and pickup trucks. There were 4,610 SUVs/station wagons involved in crashes and 406 pickup trucks. In comparison, only 98 vans were involved in crashes.
Most crashes were preventable
The vast majority of crash causes involved preventable factors, like falling asleep at the wheel, road rage, unsafe backing and improper passing. Drivers who multi-task or ignore traffic laws are far more likely than those who focus on safety to cause collisions.
Those involved in crashes in New York City often have a complex process ahead. The liability and no-fault insurance requirements may make claims complex. Those injured by motor vehicle collisions may need help exploring coverage and determining if a lawsuit is necessary, and that’s okay. People who do not cause crashes can potentially hold those who do financially accountable for their negligence or misconduct.