After years of decline, traffic injuries up slightly in New York City
Longtime residents of New York have been witness to a changing urban landscape over the past decade; it wasn’t long ago when there were no painted bike lanes on major avenues. But now, the efficacy of innovative engineering solutions to motor vehicle injury is being tested in The Big Apple, the world’s largest real-world safety laboratory.
The data is promising. While traffic injuries and deaths were up slightly last year, and many are still falling victim to negligent drivers, the long term trend seems to be safer roads, sidewalks and bike lanes for New Yorkers.
Just over 4,000 New Yorkers were seriously injured in traffic over last two years
The addition of more dedicated bike lanes has been one of the most visible – and controversial – aspects of New York’s street level safety makeover. More subtle changes have included designating more vehicle lanes as turn-only lanes, increasing the distance between corners and parked cars to improve visibility, and narrowing certain streets to reduce traffic in key areas. Pedestrians may also have noticed some changes, with pedestrian islands having been installed at wide avenues to cut the length of crosswalks and pedestrian walk signals at traffic lights having been adjusted to give walkers more time.
These strategies are not without their critics, and some New Yorkers question modifications to the character of some areas; Manhattan streets in particular have been home to some of the most dramatic changes. But, statistics from the New York City Department of Transportation seem to show that the streets are becoming safer with the implementation of the changes.
In 2001, 5,897 people were killed or severely injured in traffic accidents in New York City. By 2012, that number had fallen to 4,203. In fact, the annual serious injury and death total in New York City has fallen year to year in eight out of the last ten years.
The number of New Yorkers killed or seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents was up slightly in 2012 compared to 2011, from 4,044 to 4,203. But, from January to September of 2012, the New York City Department of Transportation recorded 218 fatalities; from January to September of this year, there have been only 209 traffic fatalities, indicating that 2013 could end with fewer roadway deaths and injuries than last year.
If you were harmed by a negligent motorist, talk to a New York City personal injury lawyer
While the number of traffic injuries and deaths in New York City has been on a gradual decline, thousands still suffer the disastrous consequences of a serious crash every year. Engineering solutions are only one part of the equation, and they can never completely eradicate the threat posed by motorists who are not dedicating their full attention to safely operating their vehicles.
If you have been injured on a New York City street, talk to a personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your injury, and only an experienced attorney can ensure you receive the full payout you deserve.
Related Practice Areas
Image note: photographs accompanying our blog articles are illustrative and digitally created. They do not depict actual clients, actual attorneys of this firm, or actual events.
Read more
Beyond the App: Unmasking Uber’s Strategy to Evade Passenger Liability
When a passenger steps into an Uber on the streets of New York, there is an implicit expectation that the multi-billion-dollar ride-hailing giant stands behind the safety of that journey. Yet, in courtrooms and arbitration proceedings across the country, Uber’s primary defense line remains remarkably consistent: we are merely a technology platform, not a transportation […]
When the Safety Net Fails: What Michael Wagner’s Story Teaches NYC Construction Workers About Labor Law 240(1) & Injury Rights
In the immediate aftermath of a severe construction site accident, most injured workers focus on one thing: getting back on their feet. They assume that if they play by the rules, report the incident, and file their claims, the safety net will be there to protect them and their families. Unfortunately, as millions of workers […]
Can New York City Be Liable for a Dangerous Street or Intersection?
When a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorist is seriously injured in a New York City traffic accident, the investigation should not always end with the drivers involved. In some cases, the design, operation or maintenance of the roadway itself may have contributed to the crash. New York City has a duty to maintain its streets in […]