Traffic Violence Surges Across NYC from the Bronx to Queens

We can’t ignore the alarming rise in traffic violence in New York City. Traffic violence has killed 193 people and left 2,338 others seriously injured during the first nine months of 2024 — marking one of the deadliest periods our city has faced in years. This crisis highlights a public health emergency that has already cost us over $5 billion.

Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, serious injuries have surged 10% since 2022. 

• The Bronx and Queens have been particularly hard hit, with serious injuries soaring by 20% and 35%, respectively.

• Every week, 17 pedestrians suffer life-altering injuries.

• In the congestion pricing zone, someone is killed or seriously injured nearly every day.

This is unacceptable. Our streets should be safe spaces for every New Yorker, but instead traffic violence has, left families devastated and communities shattered. It’s time for our leaders to prioritize the safety of all New Yorkers.

To make a real difference, we need Governor Hochul to finally implement congestion pricing to prevent crashes and reduce traffic. At the same time, Mayor Adams has to get back on track with the NYC Streets Plan and fully commit to implementing Sammy’s Law. 

And let’s not forget about the City Council — it’s time to advance citywide legislation to daylight every intersection in our city. Beyond the 1,000 intersections that Mayor Adams and the DOT have promised to daylight each year, we need to prioritize safety over parking and ensure every intersection gets the attention it deserves.

These are real steps our leaders can take to save lives. So, the big question is: when will they take action, and how many more New Yorkers will suffer before they do?

READ OUR REPORT

Three Things to Know

DOT is transforming curb space on the Upper West Side. The “Smart Curbs” pilot program, spanning from 72nd to 86th Streets, will revitalize our city’s curb space, turning our streets into vibrant community areas that serve the needs of residents. Car parking is not the best use of our valuable curb space — and we are glad to see New York City put our curbs to higher use by transforming private vehicle storage into public space, loading zones to reduce double parking, and new bike corrals to encourage ridership. However, it’s crucial that this program delivers on its promises. We need clear metrics and a timeline to ensure that the Smart Curbs program effectively enhances our streets, rather than merely reshuffling parking privileges.

New York City expands its red light camera program. We were thrilled to see Governor Hochul join Families for Safe Streets in signing a landmark bill that allows the city to install lifesaving red light cameras at up to 600 intersections, a big jump from the previous limit of just 1% of signalized intersections. This new legislation not only boosts the number of cameras but also extends the existing red light camera program. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Families for Safe Streets, we’re excited to celebrate this lifesaving policy that prevent crashes and save lives! 

In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:

• Check out this PBS interview with Jessica Hart, a mother and organizer with Families for Safe Streets National, as she discusses why federal regulators are focusing on pedestrian safety and how new rules might help reduce the rising number of traffic fatalities.

• Read more on Streetsblog about how NYC’s EDC is retrofitting six piers for e-cargo bikes and vans to reduce truck emissions, and how two piers in Red Hook could join a ‘blue highway’ for barge and bike deliveries. 

• Jaywalking is now legal! Discover what this game-changing policy means for New Yorkers in The New York Times.

Two Things to Do

Sign up to volunteer at Prospect Heights Trick-or-Streets. Trick-or-Streets, a DOT program, transforms Prospect Heights into a safe, car-free space for families and trick-or-treaters. The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council is looking for one last volunteer to join the 7:30 p.m. closing shift. Shifts are just one hour, and costumes are encouraged (but not required!).

Cheer on Team TA in the NYC marathon this Sunday.  We are grateful to have six incredible runners representing us this weekend. Each of them has a unique story and a personal reason for running in this iconic race. Join us in supporting Team TA’s efforts as they tackle the marathon course! You can check out their individual pages to learn more about their motivations, training journeys, and the causes they’re passionate about. Every donation counts and helps fuel our mission for safer streets, better transit, and more equitable transportation options for all New Yorkers.

One Action to Take Now

Keep demanding your elected officials to start congestion pricing. Commuting on New York City streets and bridges is dangerous, filled with pollution, and painfully slow. This morning, the MTA held a board hearing on the future of our transit system. The time for action is now! Send a message to your elected officials and demand Governor Hochul start congestion pricing without delay.