Traffic Deaths in New York City Reach Lowest Number Since 2018

Strategic Insights -

New York City has experienced a significant decrease in traffic deaths, with 87 fatalities recorded in the first half of 2025, matching the same period in 2018. This marks the lowest number of traffic deaths since the city began keeping records on traffic fatalities 115 years ago. City officials attribute the decline to the Vision Zero program and congestion pricing, as well as initiatives such as adding protected bike lanes and lowering maximum speeds on e-bikes to 18 miles per hour.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of traffic deaths in the first half of 2025 (87) is the same as in the first six months of 2018, which was the safest year on record.
  • Officials credit the Vision Zero program and congestion pricing for the decline in traffic deaths.
  • 51 pedestrians, 15 drivers or passengers, and 20 motorcyclists or scooter riders have been killed in the first half of 2025, with a total of 87 deaths.
  • The number of cyclist deaths in the first half of 2025 (1) is down from 6 in the comparable period in 2023 and 11 in 2019.
  • The city has completed 87.5 miles of protected bike lanes in the last three years, a key initiative under the Vision Zero program.
  • Transportation Alternatives, a mass transit advocacy group, notes that the city has fallen short of Mayor Eric Adams' promise to build 300 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of his term.

Statistics:

  • 87 traffic deaths in the first half of 2025, matching the same period in 2018.
  • 51 pedestrians killed in the first half of 2025, down from 63 in the first six months of 2024.
  • 15 drivers or passengers killed in the first half of 2025, down from 29 in the first six months of 2024.
  • 20 motorcyclists or scooter riders killed in the first half of 2025, down from 33 in the first six months of 2024.
  • 1 cyclist killed on a conventional, nonelectric bike in the first half of 2025, down from 3 in the comparable period in 2024.

Sources:

  • "87 traffic deaths in New York City so far this year, the lowest number since 2018" (New York Times article)
  • "City officials attribute decline in traffic deaths to Vision Zero program, congestion pricing" (New York Times article)
  • "NYC transportation commissioner credits protected bike lanes for decrease in cyclist deaths" (New York Times article)
  • "Congestion pricing in Manhattan reduces vehicle traffic and crashes" (New York Times article)
  • "Speed cameras and red-light cameras help make streets safer" (New York Times article)