Some of the most current and most accessible statistics about traffic injuries and deaths in New York City can be found on the Vision Zero website, Vision Zero View. This post summarizes some of the most interesting and important statistics, but we urge you to check it out for yourself.
The interactive map that is the centerpiece of the site shows an increase in accidents since January 2015. It also provides a graphic display of the locations where accidents occurred. It provides data back to 2009, making it possible for visitors to see changes in numbers and locations of crashes year over year. One can also see the data mapped by police precinct, community district and City Council district.
As of July 31, 124 people had died in New York City crashes; 29,376 had been injured. Although the year is not yet over, the rate of fatalities appears to be declining slightly. If current trends continue, there will be around 212 fatalities on New York City streets. In all of 2014, 256 people died on NYC streets in traffic crashes. The decline in fatalities by the end of the year could be between 20 and 25 percent, a significant improvement.
However, the number of injuries has not changed much. According to the website, there were 51,036 traffic injuries in the city in 2014. So far in 2015, there have been 29,376 injuries. If the rate remains the same for the rest of the year, there will be around 2 percent fewer traffic injuries. Again, this difference between 2014 and 2015 is not large, but, like the number of fatalities, it is going in the right direction.
Breaking down the numbers by the type of fatality, the changes will be as follows if current rates continue:
- Pedestrian fatalities: The rate per month has decreased by about 22 percent, from 11.5 per month in 2014 to 9.2 per month in 2015.
- Bicyclist fatalities: There were 20 cyclist fatalities in 2014. The projected number of bicycle deaths could be as low as 10 in 2015, a decline of 50 percent.
- Motor vehicle deaths: The number of deaths in 2014 motor vehicle crashes was 98. This year, the city is on track to have slightly fewer fatalities – around 90. This represents a reduction of around 8 percent.
This is good news for the people of New York City. However, it is important not to congratulate the mayor too quickly. A few horrific crashes could change things dramatically.