New York City is one of the most data-rich cities in the world, especially when it comes to traffic patterns and roadway safety. Recent motor vehicle collision data released by the NYPD offers valuable insights—not as a cause for blame, but as a roadmap for meaningful, life-saving improvements across the city.
The latest dataset reviewed documents more than 64,500 traffic crashes citywide. Notably, about 43 percent of these incidents resulted in at least one injury. This level of consistency signals something important: crashes are not random events. Instead, they tend to follow recognizable patterns tied to specific locations, times, and roadway designs. That predictability presents a powerful opportunity for prevention.
Looking across the five boroughs, Brooklyn accounted for just over 35 percent of reported crashes, while Queens made up approximately 26 percent. Together, these two boroughs represented more than 61 percent of citywide collisions. This concentration reflects infrastructure realities rather than individual behavior. Brooklyn and Queens are home to some of New York City’s widest arterial roads, major truck routes, and high-capacity corridors—streets that move large volumes of traffic through vibrant residential and commercial neighborhoods.
When streets are designed primarily for speed and throughput, safety challenges naturally emerge. The encouraging takeaway is that thoughtful design changes—such as traffic calming, improved crossings, and better lane configurations—have the potential to significantly reduce injuries while preserving mobility.
Pedestrians and cyclists stand to benefit the most from these improvements. Nearly one in five crashes involved a pedestrian or cyclist, underscoring the importance of protecting the most vulnerable street users. These individuals are part of the daily rhythm of the city: walking to work, biking to school, or crossing the street to access public transit. Enhancing safety for them improves quality of life for everyone.
Time-of-day trends offer additional insight. Nearly 29 percent of crashes occurred between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. While traffic volumes are lower during these hours, factors such as higher speeds, fatigue, and reduced visibility can increase risk. This data highlights the value of targeted nighttime strategies, including improved lighting, speed management, and focused enforcement during overnight hours.
Perhaps the most actionable finding is the consistency of crash locations. Well-known corridors such as Broadway, Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, Northern Boulevard, and Linden Boulevard appear repeatedly in collision records year after year. These are some of the city’s most recognizable and heavily traveled streets. Their repeated presence in the data reinforces a hopeful message: when risk is predictable, it is also preventable.
New York City’s Vision Zero initiative is built on the principle that traffic deaths and serious injuries are not inevitable. That vision remains both relevant and achievable. The data suggests that renewed attention to wide, multi-lane corridors—where neighborhood life and high-speed traffic intersect—could unlock the next phase of progress.
Improving safety does not rely on a single solution. Enforcement, education, and awareness all play important roles, but the data points clearly toward the value of street design, speed management, and thoughtful traffic planning. These are long-term investments that save lives while strengthening communities.
As a personal injury attorney practicing in New York City, I witness the human side of these numbers every day—people working through recovery, families adapting to unexpected challenges, and communities affected by injuries that could have been avoided. Data shows us where crashes happen; lived experience shows us why action matters.
The path forward is well-defined. By focusing on repeat corridors, addressing nighttime risks, and designing streets that prioritize people as much as movement, New York City can continue to lead in urban safety innovation.
These numbers represent neighbors, coworkers, friends, and families. With clear data and proven solutions, the opportunity to make our shared streets safer has never been stronger.