Logo

The past six months have been the deadliest for traffic fatalities across the Big Apple since the launch of the Vision Zero program nearly a decade ago.

The latest data, compiled by Transportation Alternatives, shows 61 pedestrians were killed by cars during the first half of 2024 — a 27% increase over the same period last year.

Eight were killed while walking through the proposed congestion relief zone.


  The past six months have been the deadliest for traffic fatalities across NYC since the launch of the Vision Zero program, according to reports. Paul Martinka The past six months have been the deadliest for traffic fatalities across NYC since the launch of the Vision Zero program, according to reports. Paul Martinka

Twelve cyclists died after being struck by cars.

Approximately 51 drivers have been killed behind the wheel since the start of the year, a record high for New York City.

Midtown Manhattan has been the deadliest area for pedestrians, with 74 people killed since 2019.

“In the first two quarters of 2024, traffic violence killed a New Yorker every 34 hours, or 5 times a week,” reads a statement on the latest figures. “Brooklyn had its deadliest first six months since Vision Zero was adopted in 2014.”


  During the first half of 2024, traffic crashes killed 127 people, a Vision Zero-era record, according to a new analysis from Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets. transalt During the first half of 2024, traffic crashes killed 127 people, a Vision Zero-era record, according to a new analysis from Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets. transalt

  61 pedestrians were killed by cars during the first half of 2024 — a 27% increase over the same period last year, reports say. Peter Gerber 61 pedestrians were killed by cars during the first half of 2024 — a 27% increase over the same period last year, reports say. Peter Gerber

“Our leaders are failing New Yorkers,” said Elizabeth Adams, interim co-executive director for Transportation Alternatives.

“By canceling congestion pricing, Governor Hochul has left New Yorkers behind on congested, dangerous streets,” she added.

Back in May, a 5-year-old boy mowed down by a car near a Queens playground become the 2,500th New Yorker to be killed in a traffic incident since Vision Zero was launched in 2014 by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio.


  Midtown Manhattan has been the deadliest area for pedestrians, with 74 people killed since 2019. Peter Gerber Midtown Manhattan has been the deadliest area for pedestrians, with 74 people killed since 2019. Peter Gerber

  Transportation Alternatives said implementing congestion pricing, adding bike lanes, and daylighting more intersections must happen to decrease traffic-related deaths. Gregory P. Mango Transportation Alternatives said implementing congestion pricing, adding bike lanes, and daylighting more intersections must happen to decrease traffic-related deaths. Gregory P. Mango

At the time, de Blasio vowed the program would eliminate fatal crashes entirely by 2024.

Transportation Alternatives said implementing congestion pricing, adding bike lanes, and daylighting more intersections — removing parking spots towards the end of roadways, improving visibility in crosswalks — must happen to reduce traffic-related deaths.

“At the current rate of fatalities, 2024 is on pace to be the deadliest year for traffic violence in the Vision Zero era, which should alarm all New Yorkers,” added Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “This is not the direction we should be moving in, and as a city, we must not reverse the important progress we have made over the past decade to become a safer city.”

Added a Department of Transportation spokesperson: “One traffic fatality is too many. Under Vision Zero, the city has approached traffic safety holistically through the engineering of our streets, public education, and enhanced traffic enforcement. We’ve installed a record amount of pedestrian space and protected bike lanes; dramatically expanded automated enforcement programs targeting reckless driving; and launched new educational campaigns around the most dangerous behaviors on our streets.”

Over the next year, the city will improve visibility at 1,000 intersections citywide while also reducing speed limits on hundreds of streets, thanks to Sammy’s Law.

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy