New York City, November 18, 2025
New York City has recorded a remarkable drop in traffic fatalities, marking the lowest figures in its history. With 87 traffic deaths reported in the first half of 2025, the city has seen a 32% reduction compared to the same period in 2024. This achievement is largely attributed to Vision Zero initiatives, improved street designs, and increased traffic enforcement, with all road user groups experiencing a decline in fatalities, particularly in boroughs like the Bronx and Queens.
New York City Achieves Historic Decline in Traffic Fatalities
New York City has reported a significant reduction in traffic fatalities, marking the lowest number in recorded history. Through the first six months of 2025, the city recorded 87 traffic deaths, a 32% decrease from the same period in 2024. This figure ties with 2018 for the fewest fatalities since records began in 1910.
Key Factors Contributing to the Decline
The decline in traffic fatalities is attributed to several key factors:
- Vision Zero Initiatives: The city’s Vision Zero program, aimed at eliminating traffic deaths, has been instrumental in implementing safer street designs, expanding pedestrian spaces, and enhancing traffic enforcement.
- Street Redesigns: Transformative street redesigns, such as the conversion of Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn to a one-way street with a parking-protected two-way bike lane, have led to a 31% reduction in pedestrian injuries and a 16% drop in injuries to vehicle occupants.
- Increased Enforcement: The New York Police Department’s focused traffic enforcement efforts have contributed to the reduction in fatalities.
Decline Across All Road User Groups
The reduction in fatalities spans various road user groups:
- Motor Vehicle Occupants: Deaths among drivers and vehicle occupants decreased by 48%, from 29 in 2024 to 15 in 2025.
- Motorized Two-Wheeled Vehicles: Fatalities involving e-bikes, mopeds, motorcycles, and other motorized two-wheelers fell by 39%, from 33 in 2024 to 20 in 2025.
- Cyclists: Traditional bicycle fatalities reached a record low, with just one death in 2025, compared to nine in 2024.
- Pedestrians: Pedestrian fatalities declined by 19%, from 63 in 2024 to 51 in 2025.
Geographical Variations
Notable declines in traffic fatalities were observed in specific boroughs:
- The Bronx: Fatalities decreased by 43%, from 23 in 2024 to 13 in 2025.
- Queens: Deaths dropped by 38%, from 39 in 2024 to 24 in 2025.
Background Context
Despite the positive trend, challenges remain. The Trump administration has renewed efforts to terminate New York City’s vehicle congestion pricing program, which charges most vehicles $9 during peak hours to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. This program, launched in January, is expected to generate $500 million in 2025, funding key mass transit improvements.
Additionally, the New York State Comptroller reported a 25.8% increase in motor vehicle fatalities from 2019 to 2022, highlighting the ongoing need for effective traffic safety measures.
Conclusion
New York City’s efforts in implementing Vision Zero initiatives, redesigning streets for safety, and enhancing traffic enforcement have led to a historic decline in traffic fatalities. Continued commitment to these strategies is essential to maintain and further this progress.
FAQ
What is Vision Zero?
Vision Zero is New York City’s program aimed at eliminating traffic deaths through safer street designs, expanded pedestrian spaces, and enhanced traffic enforcement.
How much did traffic fatalities decrease in New York City in the first half of 2025?
Traffic fatalities decreased by 32%, from 128 in the first half of 2024 to 87 in the same period in 2025.
Which boroughs saw the largest decline in traffic fatalities?
The Bronx and Queens experienced the largest relative declines, with fatalities decreasing by 43% and 38%, respectively.
What is the vehicle congestion pricing program?
The vehicle congestion pricing program charges most vehicles $9 during peak hours to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, generating funds for mass transit improvements.
Has the vehicle congestion pricing program been challenged?
Yes, the Trump administration has renewed efforts to terminate the program, which is expected to generate $500 million in 2025 for key mass transit improvements.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Traffic Fatalities in 2025 | 87, a 32% decrease from 128 in 2024 |
| Vision Zero Initiatives | Implemented safer street designs, expanded pedestrian spaces, and enhanced traffic enforcement |
| Street Redesigns | Converted Schermerhorn Street to a one-way street with a parking-protected two-way bike lane, leading to a 31% reduction in pedestrian injuries |
| Motor Vehicle Occupant Fatalities | Decreased by 48%, from 29 in 2024 to 15 in 2025 |
| Motorized Two-Wheeled Vehicle Fatalities | Fell by 39%, from 33 in 2024 to 20 in 2025 |
| Cyclist Fatalities | Reached a record low with just one death in 2025 |
| Pedestrian Fatalities | Declined by 19%, from 63 in 2024 to 51 in 2025 |
| Vehicle Congestion Pricing Program | Charges most vehicles $9 during peak hours to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, generating funds for mass transit improvements |
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