A recent study by advocacy groups Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets reveals that Bronx residents face the highest risk of traffic crashes in New York City. Serious injuries per capita on Bronx streets are 20% higher than the city average, and compared to last year, serious injuries from traffic crashes in the Bronx have risen by 10%. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, traffic accidents claimed 193 lives across NYC, with more than 2,300 people sustaining serious injuries. This spike marks one of the highest death tolls in the last decade.
While Bronx streets have been hit hardest, dangerous streets impact all five boroughs. In August, member Joann Perahia lost her 29-year-old son when a box truck struck him on his motorcycle in Brooklyn.Families for Safe Streets
"My son should be with us today," she said. "He is not because of our city's failure to prioritize safe street design in our city. We must have the courage to implement changes to our streets that make them safe for everyone so that no family has to endure the horrible journey that mine has just begun."
Sadly, Bronx streets aren't alone in their risks. Throughout the city, intersections and streets with high-speed limits are especially deadly. Although streets with speed limits above 30 mph are rare in NYC, 28% of fatalities this year occurred on these faster roadways.
What changes can make Bronx streets safer?
According to Elizabeth Adams, Interim Co-Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, New York City officials must act now to save lives. Adams called for Governor Hochul to implement congestion pricing to reduce car and truck traffic. She also urged Mayor Adams to make the NYC Streets Plan a priority, which addresses congestion and safety measures.
One key change the organization recommends is "daylighting" intersections by removing parking spaces near crosswalks, which allows for better visibility. Current NYC laws allow cars to park right up to crosswalks, obstructing drivers' and pedestrians' views. Transportation Alternatives found that 88% of pedestrian fatalities this year happened at intersections without daylighting.
How can lower speed limits improve safety?
In addition to daylighting, Bronx streets and other areas would benefit from lower speed limits. High-speed streets increase the likelihood of severe crashes, and slower traffic could reduce injury rates across NYC. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has led to 12,151 traffic fatalities in 2022.
As Adams points out, these changes require strong political will. "This work isn't easy, and it will take political will to get done, but it will save lives," she said.
Let our Bronx attorneys fight for your right to fair compensation after an accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in NYC, the Bronx attorneys at Giampa Law can help you seek justice and maximum compensation. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of winning big settlements for our clients, and our case results prove it. That includes:
- A $6.8 million verdict to a scooter rider struck by a county bus after the defendant initially offered only $275,000.
- A $1.5 million verdict to a Bronx County pedestrian who suffered serious injuries after being hit by a car.
- A $1.3 million recovery for a Bronx pedestrian who was hit in a crosswalk and suffered a lower back injury.
Let our attorneys fight for your rights and handle the legal challenges on your behalf. Contact us online or call us today to schedule a free consultation at our Bronx or Westchester office. We can also meet you wherever is most convenient. Don't leave your future to chance—contact Giampa Law today and put your trust in a team that fights for the injured.