Why More Kids Are Dying on City Streets
The streets of New York City are becoming deadlier for children. According to a new report from Transportation Alternatives that was referenced by Streetsblog New York City, 16 children lost their lives in traffic crashes in 2024, tying the record set just two years earlier. This alarming trend highlights a growing crisis on NYC roads – one that demands urgent action.
For grieving families, these tragic losses are more than just statistics. Each number represents a child whose life was cut short due to reckless driving, dangerous road conditions, or inadequate safety measures. Whether they were walking, biking, or riding in a vehicle, these young victims deserved better.
At Giampa Law, our pedestrian accident lawyers have seen firsthand the devastating impact of these incidents on New York families. When a negligent driver takes the life of a child, parents deserve answers, accountability, and justice. Here’s what the latest data reveals – and what can be done to make NYC streets safer for children.
What's Causing These Tragic Accidents?
The rise in child traffic fatalities isn’t random – it’s the result of dangerous driving behaviors, inadequate infrastructure, and policy failures that continue to put pedestrians and cyclists at risk. According to the Transportation Alternatives report, multiple factors contributed to the record number of child deaths in 2024:
- Reckless driving & speeding: Many crashes involve drivers who are speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield at crosswalks. High-speed collisions are more likely to result in fatal injuries, especially for children.
- Lack of pedestrian & bicycle infrastructure: The report found that 85% of cyclists killed in 2024 were on roads without protected bike lanes. Many pedestrian deaths also occurred at intersections without proper safety measures.
- SUVs & larger vehicles: Studies have shown that SUVs and trucks pose a greater threat to pedestrians and cyclists due to their size and weight. These vehicles have larger blind spots and cause more severe injuries in crashes.
- Failure to enforce traffic laws: While NYC has implemented safety measures like speed cameras and red-light enforcement, some drivers continue to rack up violations with little consequence. Repeat offenders pose a major threat to public safety.
These issues aren’t new – but the rising number of child fatalities highlights the urgent need for stronger traffic enforcement, improved street design, and tougher penalties for reckless drivers.
"Our elected leaders must realize that their inaction has consequences in the form of dead children, siblings, parents, and friends," said Maria Sumba, per Streetsblog NYC. Sumba's daughters, Jael and Leslie, were struck by a truck driver last June, killing Jael, 16, and seriously injuring Leslie, 8. "Leslie survived with serious physical injuries and the psychological trauma of watching her beloved older sister die in front of her. My family will live with this horrific, previously unthinkable loss and pain for the rest of our lives."
What Can Be Done to Prevent Child Traffic Deaths?
The rising number of child fatalities on NYC streets is unacceptable, and immediate action is needed to protect young pedestrians and cyclists. Transportation Alternatives and other safety advocates have outlined several key measures that could help reduce deadly crashes:
- Expand protected bike lanes and pedestrian zones – More than 85% of cyclists killed in 2024 were riding on streets without protected bike infrastructure. Adding protected bike lanes, raised crosswalks, and pedestrian-only zones near schools can create safer routes for children.
- Stronger speed enforcement and lower speed limits – Speeding is a leading cause of fatal crashes, yet NYC’s automated speed camera program only operates during certain hours. Expanding 24/7 enforcement and lowering speed limits to 20 mph in high-risk areas could save lives.
- Universal daylighting at intersections – Most pedestrian deaths in 2024 occurred at intersections without physical daylighting, meaning parked cars blocked visibility. Banning parking near crosswalks can give drivers a clearer view of pedestrians.
- Hold repeat traffic violators accountable – Some of the most dangerous drivers in NYC have dozens of speeding or red-light violations, yet they remain on the road. Installing speed governors on vehicles owned by repeat offenders and suspending registrations for reckless drivers would help keep dangerous motorists off city streets.
Families Deserve Justice After the Death of a Child
When a child is killed in a preventable traffic crash, the emotional devastation for families is unimaginable. The pain of losing a child is made even worse when reckless driving, poor street design, or inadequate enforcement of traffic laws contributed to the tragedy.
At Giampa Law, we believe that negligent drivers and government agencies that fail to improve street safety must be held accountable. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling wrongful death claims for pedestrian accident victims and their families throughout New York City.
We have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in cases involving fatal crashes, including:
- A $1.5 million verdict for a Bronx pedestrian accident victim
- A $1.3 million settlement for a Bronx pedestrian fatality
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can provide grieving families with financial support for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and other damages. But more importantly, it can send a powerful message that unsafe streets and reckless driving will not be tolerated in NYC.
If you lost a child or loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face this fight alone. Giampa Law is here to demand justice and compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
"...the attorneys at Giampa Law are known for their empathy and patience, taking the time to listen and address each client’s concerns with care. Their impressive track record demonstrates not only their legal skill but also their deep commitment to helping clients. For anyone needing dedicated, knowledgeable, and client-centered legal representation, Giampa Law is a firm you can trust." — Kareem H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐