New Analysis Shows Traffic Fatalities Remained Above Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2022 With Record Number of Children Killed
Sixteen children under 18 were killed in 2022, more than any other year under Vision Zero.
Traffic crashes killed 257 people in 2022 — a 25% increase over 2018, the safest year under Vision Zero — with a record-tying 56 fatalities in the Bronx.
Note: Since this analysis was published, two people died from crashes that happened in 2022. These fatalities count toward 2022's total, bringing total Vision Zero traffic fatalities last year to 257.
NEW YORK — In Mayor Adams’ first year in office, traffic fatalities remained above pre-pandemic levels, according to a new analysis from Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets. Traffic violence killed 255 people last year — a 24% increase over 2018, the safest year under Vision Zero, and higher than any year under Vision Zero except 2014 and 2021.
“As we near the 10-year mark of Vision Zero, it’s clear we haven’t moved fast enough to address this crisis. In 2023, our leaders must recommit to ending traffic violence and achieving Vision Zero,” said Danny Harris, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “The solutions to traffic violence are in front of us. In 2022, we saw safe streets projects such as Queens’ Paseo Park on 34th Avenue and a new protected bike lane on Brooklyn’s Schermerhorn Street open. To end this crisis of traffic violence, Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez must scale these life-saving projects citywide by implementing the NYC Streets Plan and NYC 25x25 without delay.”
“My daughter Kala was just trying to bike to work when she was killed in Brooklyn on October 12. She should still be here today with her two babies who now have to grow up without their mother,” said Families for Safe Streets member Leeanna Alois. “All New Yorkers should be able to walk on the sidewalk, ride a bike, wait for the bus, and cross the street without fearing for their lives. Instead, traffic violence continues to rob New Yorkers of their children, parents, siblings, friends, and loved ones. Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez must invest in safe streets and implement the NYC Streets Plan without delay and our elected officials in Albany must pass the full SAFE Streets Act this session. We can’t wait for action — we need it now.”
Key takeaways from 2022:
Traffic violence is concentrated on streets known to be dangerous to the City of New York.
In 2022, 33% of all fatalities and 44% of pedestrian fatalities occurred on Vision Zero Priority Corridors, which account for the most dangerous 7% of streets in New York City.
Crashes killed more children in 2022 than any other year under Vision Zero.
During 2022, 16 children under age 18 were killed in crashes, including three who were killed walking or biking to or from school. This is double the number of children killed in 2020 or 2018. Crashes have killed 94 children since Vision Zero began in 2014.
HIT-AND-RUNS REMAIN ABOVE PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS, SOLVE RATE REMAINS LOW AND SOLVES ARE CONCENTRATED IN WHITE NEIGHBORHOODS.
While the number of hit-and-runs involving death or critical injury declined from 2021, the 79 reported last year are more than any year between 2016, the first full year with data, and 2020. In 2022, 31% of all fatalities were hit-and-runs. Yet, just four hit-and-runs were solved in 2022. Since 2017, 55% of hit-and-run cases were solved or a suspect has been arrested in precincts where a majority of residents are white versus only 36% in precincts where a majority are people of color, according to the NYPD's own data.
97% of pedestrians killed were struck by drivers of vehicles.
Last year, 114 pedestrians were killed by vehicles, while four were killed by micromobility devices such as bikes, e-bikes, or e-scooters. As cars and trucks continue to get heavier, the threat posed by cars will increase without government regulation. For every 1,000 pounds a car weighs over a sedan, the chance of killing someone outside the vehicle goes up by 46 percent. Children are eight times more likely to be killed in crashes involving SUVs and pick-ups than regular cars.
Crash data identifies council districts with most fatalites.
To account for population differences between districts, TA and FSS calculated the number of fatal crashes per 100,000 residents. District 8 — which includes East Harlem, Mott Haven, Highbridge, Concourse, Longwood, and Port Morris — had the most fatal crashes at 6.2/100,000 residents. District 13 in the Bronx had the second most fatalities at 5.93/100,000 residents, while District 35 in Brooklyn had the third most with 5.9/100,000 residents. Many of the deadliest districts in 2022 are also ranked as most deadly from 2014-2022, as seen on Spatial Equity NYC.
Deaths in the Bronx continue to rise.
The Bronx had 56 deaths in 2022, tied for highest in the last 20 years, and about two times higher than 2019. More Bronx bike riders were killed in 2020, 2021, and 2022 combined than the 11 years prior to 2020 combined. Queens had 68 fatalities in 2022, two more than the 66 in 2021.
Traffic violence killed 255 people in 2022. These are their names:
Throughout 2022, TA and FSS have recorded each reported fatality in New York City confirmed by DOT. We’ve recorded names and other details where possible.
To get Vision Zero back on track, our elected officials must:
IMPLEMENT THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE NYC STREETS PLAN.
Last year, DOT missed the benchmarks set in the NYC Streets Plan for new protected bike lanes and new bus lanes. Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez must expedite the construction of the NYC Streets Plan requirements to finish 2022’s mileage and achieve 2023’s benchmarks. DOT's own 14-year long study shows that protected bike lanes reduce fatalities and severe injuries for all road users by 18% and for pedestrians by 29%.
REQUIRE DOT TO USE THE VISION ZERO DESIGN CHECKLIST IN NEW PROJECTS.
Existing law requires DOT to consider major street safety design elements whenever it undertakes a major improvement — but the agency constantly eschews these proven life-saving design elements. Street safety elements should not be optional.
SCALE UP THE DANGEROUS VEHICLE ABATEMENT PROGRAM.
This law requires drivers to take a safety course if their cars are slapped with 15 or more camera-issued speeding tickets or five camera-issued red light tickets in one year. In the first year of the program, according to DOT, 630 people have taken the course, a tiny percentage of the 22,300 cars who have met the recklessness threshold.
PASS THE FULL SAFE STREETS ACT THIS YEAR.
Elected officials in Albany must pass the six pieces of legislation in the SAFE Streets Act. This includes Sammy’s Law, which would give New York City the authority to control its own speed limits and was endorsed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
WHAT ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE SAYING:
“Every traffic death is preventable, and it’s heartbreaking and infuriating that even more New Yorkers are being killed by cars than before the pandemic,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “It’s shameful that nine years after Vision Zero was launched, we’re losing record numbers of children to traffic violence. We must make choices and changes today to save lives in the future, from drivers to pedestrians to our neighbors who rely on mobility devices.”
“Commuting to work, taking your children to school, and biking around your neighborhood should not be a matter of life and death. Investing in safer streets for people walking and biking, slowing down vehicle speeds, and holding reckless drivers accountable are necessary for our collective safety. New York must double down on its commitment to Vision Zero before we lose more neighbors to this ongoing public health crisis,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.
“All New Yorkers deserve to live in communities with safe streets,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The increase in traffic fatalities since 2018 is alarming, particularly the rise in children killed by traffic violence. Behind every crash is a family and community impacted by preventable tragedies, and it is critical that we advance equitable policies and investments that will result in safer streets for all.”
“No New Yorker should have to fear for their safety on the street,” said Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “We must advance policies and fund upgrades to street infrastructure that protect New Yorkers from traffic violence, including in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color that have historically been denied equitable investment. I look forward to hosting discussions in the Council on street safety in the coming months and working alongside my colleagues toward making Vision Zero a reality in New York.”
“We have so much work to do if we’re going to improve the safety of our streets and truly achieve Vision Zero,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Open Streets, protected bike lanes, and significant improvements to our public transit infrastructure must all be prioritized as we aim to build a city that doesn’t have to rely on dangerous cars for conveniently getting around. We must be thinking comprehensively about the way New Yorkers move about and how we can facilitate safer, more environmentally friendly transportation for all. I’m grateful to Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets for continuing to hold us accountable as we aim to reimagine mobility in New York City.”
“One traffic fatality is one too many and highlights the need for us to continue to advocate and bring attention to the need for safe and equitable mobility for all on our city roads,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Traffic violence is preventable and we will continue to work with Mayor Adams, the New York City Department of Transportation, Transportation Alternatives and advocates to create the necessary infrastructure to make our streets safer for our residents and families.”
“Even just one death on our streets is one too many, and our work must continue until every mile of roadway in this city is truly safe for all New Yorkers, regardless of how they get around,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I commend Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets for their tireless work to make our streets safer and to address the troubling increase in traffic fatalities we have seen since the pandemic. Together, we can and we will save lives.”
“2022 saw 255 friends, family members, and neighbors forever taken from us, every one a tragedy we must take every step to prevent from happening in the future. We need to invest in policies, programs and infrastructure across the city that will make our streets safer and allow us to achieve Vision Zero,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “I’m committed to working with local stakeholders and partners to achieve a city where every user of the street is safe.”
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, ""Last year, the city recorded the highest number of child traffic fatalities since the start of Vision Zero. I thank Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets for continuing to sound the alarm and lead the way on street safety. We’ve made great progress in the last several years thanks to the leadership in the Senate and Assembly. This legislative session, we should continue our work together by aiming to pass the entire SAFE Streets package, which I’m proud includes three of my bills — Sammy’s Law, the Vehicle Safety Standards Act, and the Crash Victims Bill of Rights.”
“The city cannot take a one size fits all approach to reducing traffic fatalities. Every neighborhood and every street are different and having genuine coordination with each community to figure out the best strategies to utilize could be the lifesaving difference,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez.
“Pedestrians of all ages continue to be killed or seriously injured by vehicles on our city streets,” said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “We can achieve vision zero by enacting a package of new laws in Albany and getting through to motorists that speeding and reckless driving kills.”
“It is heart-wrenching that more children were killed by horrific traffic violence last year than in any other year under Vision Zero. The city and state must do much more to fight this ongoing crisis. I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to support measures that we know will save lives and lead to safer streets and greater protections for crash victims, including my bill to enact the Crash Victims Bill of Rights. I thank Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets for their persistent dedication to addressing this crisis of traffic violence,” said Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick.
“It’s mind-boggling that traffic crashes are concentrated in areas that the City has identified as dangerous and that they are not implementing safety solutions with full force,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. “Last week a community resident tragically died in a crash with a box truck at 9th Street and 2nd Avenue in Gowanus, on a narrow block with no protected bike lane. It's clear stronger street safety measures must be in place in that area and across the city. The City should fully implement Vision Zero and the State should pass the Safe Streets Act right away. I thank Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets for their continued advocacy.”
“It’s unfortunate that we’re still seeing casualties nearly ten years after a commitment to Vision Zero. It’s obvious that in order to see a reduction in traffic fatalities, the city needs to allocate more time and resources to addressing the issue,” said Deputy City Council Speaker Diana Ayala.
“With so many New Yorkers dying on our streets in traffic accidents it is our duty to continue to implement and find innovative ways to protect pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and all other New Yorkers who use our streets daily. The fact that a record number of children were killed in 2022 under Vision Zero is heartbreaking, and a deep cause for concern. We must double down on our efforts to enforce existing traffic laws and fully invest in safe streets,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse.
"As a proud Bronxite it is heartbreaking to know that traffic crashes continue to increase above pre-pandemic rates and that the Bronx is disproportionately affected by these fatal crashes. We need safety infrastructure for our drivers and our riders, especially after 16 children lost their lives in 2022 due to traffic crashes. I will continue to partner with Transportation Alternatives and the NYC Department of Transportation to ensure we are installing citywide protections for Bronxites and all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Amanda Farías.
"Traffic continues to impact our communities, contributing to injuries and fatalities across the city. We must continue working with our city and state partners to ensure our streets are safe for all New Yorkers while identifying long-term solutions. There is no reason for anyone to lose a loved one or become seriously injured due to the carelessness of drivers. We must prioritize pedestrian safety and education," said Council Member Marjorie Velázquez.
WHAT ADVOCATES ARE SAYING:
"As Mayor Adams prepares for his second State of the City address, safety must be front and center," said Sara Lind, Chief Strategy Officer at Open Plans. "Another year of traffic violence of this magnitude is barbaric. We can’t reverse the 255 tragic deaths last year, but we can pursue bold action this year. State leadership must pass every bill in the SAFE Streets Act and New York City must provide DOT with the mandate and resources needed to make swift and sweeping changes to our deadly streets. It’s not okay to keep doing this."
"Putting cars first for generations has made New York's streets both dangerous and inequitable. Mayor Adams ran for office on a promise to remedy that injustice. Many of the most dangerous streets are in areas that are heavily bus-dependent but where buses are slow and unreliable. New York City's Streets Plan law was enacted to put pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders first on busy streets and in crowded public spaces. Mayor Adams must make compliance with the Streets Plan law a top priority of his administration this year and do everything possible to make our streets safe and fair for all New Yorkers,” said Riders Alliance Policy & Communications Director Danny Pearlstein.
