According to data from the city, the number of traffic injuries is up in New York City for 2018. Collisions were up 11% in 2018 compared to 2014 with a total of 228,227. Collisions resulting in injuries were up 18% with 44,508 in 2018. The good news is that traffic fatalities are at record lows with a total of 200 for 2018. However, there has been an increase in pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities.
Vision Zero
Mayor de Blasio attributes the decrease in fatalities to the Vision Zero project, the goal of which is to eliminate traffic deaths in the city by 2024. The city is increasing the number of bike lanes, promoting the use of bike sharing services, and using speed-enforcement throughout the city. In addition, the speed limit on most streets has been decreased to 25 mph. However, despite these efforts, there is still a high rate of traffic collisions on city streets. This may be due to an increase in traffic and more congestion. Many feel the city has to do more to redesign the streets to make them safer.
Causes of Traffic Accidents in New York City
A serious car accident can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved, and they are very common on New York City roadways. Common causes of traffic accidents in the city include:
- Reckless Driving—this includes speeding, failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists, ignoring traffic signs and signals, following too closely, and making illegal turns.
- Distracted Driving—this includes driving while talking and texting on the phone, putting on makeup, eating, reading, playing with the radio and other distractions that can take a driver’s attention off the road
- Impaired Driving—drivers who are operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs make poor driving decisions and are a risk to pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers on the road
- Defective Roadways—badly designed roadways, construction and other debris in the road, and poor traffic control can all lead to accidents.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, you should consult with an experienced and trusted attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.