New York Car Accident Statistics 2025

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Traffic safety affects everyone in New York City, from busy Manhattan intersections to congested roads in Queens. At Chopra & Nocerino, we know firsthand how devastating car accidents can be, not only for victims but also for their families, communities, and first responders. These collisions disrupt daily life, burden the health care system, and create ripple effects far beyond the crash site.

This report examines the most recent New York accident statistics from the first three months of 2025. These numbers reflect how and where accidents happen, what’s changing on the streets, and which safety measures may be gaining traction.

As experienced New York City car accident lawyers, we believe it’s essential for the public to have access to clear, up-to-date information that affects their daily lives.

Overview of Motor Vehicle Collisions in New York City (2025)

According to data released by the NYPD, in the first three months of 2025, New York City recorded 19,116 motor vehicle collisions. This reflects a year-over-year decline from the same period in 2024, when 21,989 crashes were reported. In the first three months of 2023, the city saw 21,752 collisions.

These numbers point to a slow but steady decline in crashes across the city.

This trend is promising, but it doesn’t mean the streets are risk-free. March 2025 saw a noticeable uptick compared to the previous month. Winter weather conditions contributed to scattered spikes in crashes across all boroughs. Monitoring these month-to-month shifts is crucial for understanding how seasonal factors and citywide initiatives impact road safety.

Fatal Crashes

While overall collisions have decreased, fatal crashes continue to be a significant concern. In the first quarter of 2025, 41 traffic-related fatalities were reported in the five boroughs, down from 64 deaths during the same period in 2024. This significant improvement represents the lowest first-quarter total since the city began tracking Vision Zero.

Pedestrian fatalities remain a particularly stubborn issue. In the first three months of 2025, 26 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the five boroughs. That is only a slight decrease from the 27 pedestrian deaths in early 2024 and higher than the 21 reported during the same period in 2023.

Borough-Level Crash Analysis and High-Risk Areas

Brooklyn reported the highest number of collisions in the first quarter of 2025, with a total of 6,241 crashes.
Queens followed with 5,641
Manhattan with 3,078
The Bronx with 3,020,
Staten Island has the fewest at 1,136.

These figures, illustrated in the chart below, underscore the significant disparity in traffic volume and collision risk across the five boroughs.

Each borough faces unique challenges regarding traffic flow, infrastructure, and pedestrian safety. Tailoring safety interventions to these conditions is essential to making real progress citywide.

High-Risk Locations and Times

Certain neighborhoods continue to emerge as hotspots for traffic-related injuries and fatalities. In Brooklyn, Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue remain trouble zones. Queens Boulevard, often dubbed the “Boulevard of Death,” still accounts for a high concentration of pedestrian-involved crashes. In Manhattan, intersections near Times Square and the FDR Drive are routinely flagged in monthly NYPD reports.

Time of day also plays a critical role. Peak crash times occur during weekday rush hours, particularly between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Weekends also see increased activity, especially late at night and in the early morning hours. Weather-related spikes are most common in winter when snow and ice lead to sharp upticks in fender benders and multi-car pileups.

Common Types of Vehicle Collisions

Not all crashes are the same. Momentary distractions cause some, while others involve more complex chain reactions at busy intersections. Knowing which types of collisions are most common in New York City helps highlight where interventions can be most effective.

The most common types of collisions in New York City include:

Rear-end crashes: Often caused by stop-and-go traffic or distracted driving
Sideswipe accidents: Common on congested roads when vehicles merge or change lanes
Intersection-related collisions: Frequently involve left turns and failure to yield
Pedestrian-involved incidents: In high foot traffic areas with limited signals
Single-vehicle crashes: Typically result from loss of control, weather, or impaired driving

Crash type data gives city planners and policymakers a clear starting point and helps them decide on targeted safety efforts, be it stricter distracted driving enforcement or redesigning problem intersections. It also helps drivers and pedestrians understand where extra caution is needed.

Primary Causes of Traffic Accidents in NYC

Understanding why crashes happen is just as important as knowing how many occur. Every traffic collision reported by the NYPD includes at least one contributing factor, offering a data-driven snapshot of what’s going wrong on the roads.

The most common causes of traffic accidents in New York City during the first quarter of 2025 include:

Driver inattention/distraction: The top factor, involved in 5,322 crashes
Failure to yield right-of-way: Responsible for 1,387 incidents, often at intersections
Following too closely: Linked to 1,319 crashes, many of them rear-end collisions
Passing or improper lane usage: Contributed to 846 crashes during unsafe passing or weaving
Unsafe speed: A factor in 752 collisions, especially in poor conditions
Passing too closely: Caused 653 crashes, typically involving sideswipes
Backing up unsafely: Involved in 579 crashes, often in parking areas or tight spaces

Understanding the most common contributing factors can help both policymakers and the public take steps that reduce risk and improve safety for everyone.

Road Safety Initiatives and Preventive Measures in Place

New York City continues implementing a range of programs to reduce collisions and protect the public. These efforts are constantly evolving in response to emerging data and community needs.

Vision Zero

This citywide strategy focuses on eliminating all traffic deaths and serious injuries. It includes infrastructure improvements, enhanced enforcement, and legislative changes. Key efforts under Vision Zero include implementing lower speed limits in high-crash zones and redesigning intersections to reduce pedestrian exposure and calm traffic.

Automated Traffic Enforcement

Speed and red-light cameras have been widely deployed throughout the five boroughs, particularly around schools and intersections with high violation rates. These automated traffic enforcement systems help enforce speed limits and deter repeat offenders, even when officers aren’t present.

Street Redesign Projects

Department of Transportation-led projects target dangerous corridors and intersections. Changes may include narrowing lanes, adding curb extensions, installing protected bike lanes, and creating pedestrian islands. These redesign projects enhance visibility and provide non-drivers with safer access to city streets.

Public Education Campaigns

Outreach efforts aim to change behavior and raise awareness, particularly during high-risk periods, such as dusk in winter. Public education campaigns use ads, school visits, and multilingual materials to engage a broad audience. They often focus on visibility, distracted driving, and right-of-way rules.

Legal Support for Road Safety and Accident Victims

Everyone has a role to play in keeping New York’s roads safe. Whether you’re behind the wheel, on a bike, or crossing the street, following traffic laws can prevent serious harm. But when accidents do happen, legal support becomes essential.

At Chopra & Nocerino, we’re committed to helping accident victims rebuild their lives. As real New Yorkers, we treat every client like family, providing honest guidance, personalized attention, and tireless representation. Our attorneys advocate for stronger protections, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight to make sure victims receive the compensation they deserve.

We offer free consultations and bilingual legal services for car accident cases throughout New York City. If you were injured in New York, don’t wait to secure top-notch legal representation.