Pedestrian Accident Statistics in New York

Pedestrian accident statistics in New York reveal a growing safety problem across both the city and state. According to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), more than 10,000 pedestrian crashes happen each year across the five boroughs. These collisions cause hundreds of pedestrian fatalities and thousands of serious injuries. Factors such as dangerous driving, distracted behavior, and heavy foot traffic worsen the issue. At Davidoff Law, we help injured New Yorkers recover compensation after pedestrian accidents. Our legal team works hard to hold negligent drivers accountable and make city streets safer for everyone.

The State of Pedestrian Safety in New York City

Pedestrian safety remains a major concern in New York City. Despite years of Vision Zero efforts, pedestrians still suffer a disproportionate share of traffic deaths. Many accidents happen because of:

• Speeding or running red lights
• Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
• Driver inattention or cellphone use
• Unsafe street designs and poor lighting

Older adults and children remain especially vulnerable to severe injuries and pedestrian fatalities. At Davidoff Law, we support safer street designs, lower speed limits, and stronger enforcement to prevent traffic violence and save lives.

Manhattan Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Manhattan has some of the highest pedestrian crash numbers in the city. The borough’s constant congestion, large number of tourists, and high walking rates make it one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians. According to NYC Open Data, thousands of pedestrian crashes occur each year in Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

Frequent danger zones include:

• Times Square and Broadway intersections
• 14th Street and Park Avenue
• Areas near Penn Station and Herald Square

These locations often involve drivers ignoring traffic signals or turning without checking for pedestrians. Our firm helps victims in these areas file personal injury claims and recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Brooklyn consistently records one of the highest numbers of NYC pedestrian accidents. Vision Zero data shows that intersections along Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue remain among the most dangerous. The causes often include:

• Speeding and reckless driving
• Distracted or impaired drivers
• Poor lighting and confusing crosswalks

Although city programs have improved some intersections, pedestrian injuries and fatalities still occur at alarming rates. We help Brooklyn residents injured in these crashes pursue fair compensation and ensure property owners and drivers are held legally responsible.

Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island Data Overview

Pedestrian crashes in Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island show how widespread this issue has become across New York.

• Queens: High crash rates along Northern Boulevard and Queens Boulevard, often involving speeding and unsafe turns.
• Bronx: Frequent pedestrian injuries near Grand Concourse and Fordham Road, where dense traffic and limited visibility create dangerous crossings.
• Staten Island: Fewer total crashes but a higher rate of pedestrian fatalities, meaning each crash is more likely to result in a life lost.

These trends highlight the continued need for safer streets, improved crosswalk designs, and stronger enforcement citywide. At Davidoff Law, we serve clients in all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — helping victims of pedestrian crashes recover compensation and rebuild their lives.

New York State Pedestrian Accident Overview

Pedestrian accident statistics in New York State show that this issue extends far beyond city limits. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, thousands of pedestrian crashes occur every year across the state. While New York City records the highest numbers, upstate regions like Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester also see steady increases in pedestrian injuries and deaths. Many of these crashes involve motor vehicles speeding or failing to yield at crosswalks. At Davidoff Law, we help injured persons throughout the state seek justice and the compensation they deserve after pedestrian accidents.

Urban vs. Rural Pedestrian Crashes

Urban areas in New York—such as New York City, Albany, and Buffalo—experience higher pedestrian crash rates due to heavy traffic and dense development. Busy intersections, shared streets, and pedestrian plazas bring more people into close proximity to fast-moving motor vehicles. In contrast, rural areas report fewer pedestrian crashes but a higher percentage of pedestrian fatalities. This is often because of poor lighting, slower emergency response times, and longer travel distances to hospitals.

Key differences include:

• Urban areas:
  • More foot traffic and intersections
  • Frequent crossing mid-block incidents
  • Greater exposure near protected bike lanes and shared streets
  • Street redesigns and speed cameras have improved safety over the past decade
• Rural areas:
  • Fewer cars but higher speeds on open roads
  • Limited lighting and sidewalk access
  • Slower emergency medical response increases fatality risk

We believe that improving highway safety and adding safer street designs in both settings can save lives statewide. At Davidoff Law, we support policies that encourage safer crossings, lower speed limits, and better protection for pedestrians everywhere.

Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New York

Pedestrian crashes across New York State often stem from dangerous driving and unsafe street conditions. Speeding, distraction, and failure to yield remain among the top causes of pedestrian deaths. In many areas, wide roads, poor lighting, and long signal cycles make crossing more dangerous. These hazards, combined with high foot traffic, continue to make pedestrian safety a serious public health issue. At Davidoff Law, we’ve seen how design changes such as safer crossings, improved traffic signals, and protected bike lanes can reduce traffic fatalities across the city.

Speeding, Distracted Driving, and Failure to Yield

Speeding is one of the main contributors to pedestrian crashes. Under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law §1180, drivers must follow posted speed limits or face fines and possible criminal charges. Failure to yield—especially at intersections where pedestrians have the walk signal—is another major factor. According to NYC DOT studies, reducing speed limits has lowered pedestrian fatalities by up to 25% in several boroughs.

Common driver behaviors that lead to serious pedestrian injuries include:

• Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
• Ignoring stop signs or traffic signals
• Failing to yield at crosswalks and intersections
• Texting or using a phone while driving

Mayor Adams and the Adams Administration have continued street redesigns, expanded school zones, and added more speed cameras under Vision Zero to improve pedestrian safety. We support these life-saving efforts and continue to advocate for strict enforcement to protect New Yorkers.

Alcohol Use, Nighttime Conditions, and Weather Factors

Nighttime conditions and alcohol use greatly increase pedestrian crash risks. Many fatal pedestrian crashes happen between dusk and dawn, when visibility is low and driver alertness drops. Impaired drivers cause a high percentage of pedestrian deaths across New York. Bad weather—such as heavy rain, fog, or snow—reduces visibility and makes streets slippery, creating hazards for both drivers and pedestrians.

Major risk factors include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Poorly lit intersections and broken streetlights
• Wet or icy roads make it hard to stop
• Longer braking distances during storms or snow

Even when there are fewer cars on the road, dangerous driving and speeding continue to cause tragic outcomes. Our legal team at Davidoff Law conducts a thorough investigation of each case to uncover negligence and help every injured person seek fair compensation.

Who Is Most at Risk in NYC Pedestrian Accidents

Certain groups of pedestrians face higher risks of injury or death on New York City streets. Older adults, children, and delivery workers are among those most frequently hurt in pedestrian accidents. These individuals often walk longer distances, cross multiple intersections, and rely heavily on public transportation. At Davidoff Law, we represent victims from all age groups, helping them recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Vulnerable Populations and High-Risk Occupations

New data shows seniors make up a large share of pedestrian fatalities in New York City. Older adults often sustain severe injuries, even at low vehicle speeds, because of their higher injury threshold. Delivery workers and cyclists also face daily dangers while working on shared streets and near busy intersections.

Groups most at risk include:

• Seniors and older adults – slower walking speeds make crossings riskier
• Children and teens – more likely to cross mid-block or without assuming drivers will stop
• Delivery and gig workers – often exposed to heavy traffic and long hours outdoors
• Cyclists and pedestrians near bike lanes – vulnerable in mixed-traffic zones

Neighborhoods such as the South Bronx and Queens Blvd remain among the most dangerous for pedestrians. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have backed laws like Sammy’s Law, which allows New York City to lower speed limits in school zones and dense neighborhoods. We strongly support these safer street measures to protect vulnerable New Yorkers.

Dangerous Intersections and Streets in New York City

Several city streets and intersections continue to see high numbers of pedestrian crashes despite ongoing Vision Zero work. NYC DOT Vision Zero maps highlight some of the most hazardous areas where enforcement and redesigns are most needed:

• Brooklyn: Flatbush Avenue, Atlantic Avenue
• Manhattan: Broadway, Canal Street
• Queens: Northern Boulevard, Jamaica Avenue
• Bronx: Grand Concourse, South Bronx intersections
• Staten Island: Victory Boulevard, Hylan Boulevard

These locations see frequent pedestrian injuries due to speeding, turning vehicles, and drivers ignoring traffic signals. Street redesigns with protected bike lanes, shorter crossings, and extended walk signals have already helped reduce crashes in several boroughs. As the city continues to improve street safety, our firm remains dedicated to helping injured pedestrians recover the justice and compensation they deserve under New York law.

Legal Impact of Pedestrian Accidents in New York

Pedestrian accidents have serious legal consequences under New York negligence law. Victims have the right to seek compensation when a driver or another party causes harm through careless or reckless behavior. Under CPLR §1411, New York follows a comparative negligence system, meaning an injured person can still recover damages even if they share some fault. The person’s percentage of fault reduces the final award. At Davidoff Law, we use this law to protect victims’ rights and make sure they receive fair compensation after traffic crashes.

Determining Fault in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Fault in pedestrian crashes is not always clear. Sometimes, both the driver and the pedestrian share responsibility for the accident. For example, a driver might speed or ignore a walk signal, while a pedestrian might cross mid-block. Our firm carefully reviews each case to determine what really happened and who is at fault. We collect witness statements, camera footage, and police reports to prove liability.

We focus on:

• Gathering crash scene photos and surveillance videos
• Reviewing driver records and vehicle data
• Examining street design and visibility issues
• Consulting experts on traffic patterns and reconstruction

At Davidoff Law, our legal team has decades of experience handling pedestrian accident cases. We build strong claims that show how driver negligence caused the injuries and fight for fair settlements in every case.

Compensation for New York Pedestrian Accident Victims

Victims of pedestrian crashes often suffer long-term physical and financial harm. Under New York law, injured pedestrians may be entitled to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. The state’s No-Fault Insurance Law may cover some medical bills and lost income, but it rarely covers the full extent of the harm suffered. That is why filing a personal injury claim is often necessary.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
• Pain and suffering from serious injuries
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

We help clients across all five boroughs secure fair compensation for their recovery. Whether the crash happened in the first half of the year or during the same period last year, our focus remains the same—protecting victims’ rights and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

New York’s Efforts to Reduce Pedestrian Crashes

New York City continues to expand its programs to reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries. Through data-driven policies and public safety initiatives, the city has made progress under Vision Zero. Despite thousands of traffic crashes each year, the city’s focus on enforcement and design has helped lower fatality rates in several boroughs. At Davidoff Law, we support these changes because safer streets protect both pedestrians and drivers.

NYC DOT Vision Zero and New Data Tracking

The Vision Zero program, started in 2014, aims to eliminate traffic deaths across New York City. Since then, improved street designs and better enforcement have led to fewer pedestrian fatalities in many neighborhoods. According to new data from the NYC DOT, intersections with speed cameras have seen major drops in pedestrian deaths.

Key achievements include:

• Expanded speed camera zones near schools and crosswalks
• Redesigned intersections with shorter crossing distances
• Added protected bike lanes and pedestrian plazas
• Increased penalties for failure-to-yield violations

During the same period, the two boroughs with the highest reductions in crashes—Manhattan and Brooklyn—show that data-based design saves lives. We support Vision Zero’s continued efforts to make city streets safer for everyone.

Community Education and Safe Streets Initiatives

Citywide education programs help reduce pedestrian injuries and promote safe habits. These efforts focus on teaching drivers and pedestrians to share the road and respect traffic signals. Campaigns run by the NYC DOT and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee remind New Yorkers to slow down, look for pedestrians, and assume drivers may not always stop.

Community-driven initiatives include:

• Safety workshops in schools and senior centers
• “Safe Streets for Seniors” and youth awareness programs
• Public reporting apps for street hazards and broken signals
• Street redesigns in high-crash zones like Queens Blvd and the South Bronx

We believe these education and enforcement efforts are key to preventing future pedestrian accidents. At Davidoff Law, we will continue to stand beside injured pedestrians and advocate for stronger policies that protect every New Yorker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Our New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

At Davidoff Law, we understand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be. We have years of experience representing victims in New York City and across New York State. Our legal team handles pedestrian crash claims, wrongful death lawsuits, and complex liability disputes with care and dedication.

We know every injured person deserves personal attention and strong legal support. Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation possible for medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to help you seek justice and move forward after a serious pedestrian accident.