New York’s personal injury law firm
Click For Your Free ConsulationPosted in Car Accidents on February 16, 2024
As car accidents are a leading cause of death in Americans under 54 years old, it’s easy to see why driving is considered one of the most dangerous activities people do each day. While anyone on the road is at risk of being injured in an accident, some areas are more dangerous than others — including New York.
In 2021, there were approximately 40,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents across the United States. New York accounted for nearly 1,100 of those fatal accidents, or just shy of 3% of all deadly wrecks across the country.
On average, 22 people die in a New York car accident each week — just over three people per day.
Many people wonder why New York is such a dangerous state to drive in. There are several factors that often contribute to collisions in this area. Here are some of the reasons why car accidents are more likely to happen — and be deadly — in New York.
Whether you live in Manhattan or drive on the rural roads surrounding the major cities, New York is notorious for busy roads and congested traffic. In fact, data from the INRIX Global Traffic Scoreboard estimates that the average New York City driver spends 117 hours in traffic delays per year.
In congested traffic, drivers are more likely to become irritated and drive aggressively. They may tailgate, cut other drivers off, or make unsafe and illegal maneuvers like driving on the shoulder.
Even if the drivers aren’t agitated, they may pull out their phones or chat with their passengers in an attempt to pass the time more quickly, leading to dangerous levels of distraction.
Though the summers are hot and humid, New Yorkers are no strangers to snowy weather or rainfall throughout the year. Whether there’s ice on the road or deep puddles on the highway, it’s a lot more challenging to drive safely in bad weather. Reduced visibility and the increased risk of slipping or hydroplaning can easily cause drivers to lose control.
If you’ve ever tried driving in New York City, you know how difficult it can be to navigate the often narrow and crowded roads. Intersections are full of pedestrians and may not have clear signage. Missing an important cue or failing to notice a person walking or biking next to your car can have serious consequences.
In a recent investigation, nearly 70% of drivers in New York City alone were seen driving over the speed limit. Paired with heavy congestion, wet pavement, and confusing intersections, speeding can be truly hazardous. Going too fast in these conditions increases your risk not only of losing control of the vehicle but also of failing to brake or turn quickly enough to avoid a collision.
People across the world travel hundreds or thousands of miles to visit New York City. While many travelers opt for taxi cabs or ridesharing apps, others may rent a car and attempt to navigate the dense traffic on their own.
Traveling drivers aren’t inherently unsafe if they follow all traffic laws, but their lack of familiarity with the area may mean that they spend more time looking at the GPS system than at the road.
It may feel impossible to return to normal life if a loved one has been involved in a fatal car accident. If you are in this situation, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim with help from an experienced attorney.
Although no amount of money could ever make up for your loss, a successful claim could help you move forward financially and with a sense of justice. Reach out to our compassionate legal team for a free consultation and learn more.
If you need legal assistance, contact the New York City car accident lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.
We have two convenient locations in New York:
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600