The number is the highest since the city pledged to end traffic deaths through Vision Zero policies a decade ago.
Traffic deaths in New York City are at their highest level since the city launched its Vision Zero program ten years ago, reports Michael McDowell for Patch, with 127 deaths in the first six months of 2024.
The article notes that although the connection between enforcement and traffic deaths is unclear, “Speeding in particular is a key cause of traffic fatalities, and according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, about a third of fatal crashes are speeding related.”
The New York Police Department (NYPD) issued fewer citations for moving violations this year, yet “Last year, drivers who ran red lights caused incidents that resulted in the highest annual number of deaths due to red light running ever recorded in the city.” According to an NYPD spokesperson, “The NYPD has been, and continues to be, laser focused on combating dangerous driving behaviors, most notably drivers that speed and drivers that fail to yield to pedestrians and cyclists.”
Meanwhile, traffic congestion in the city is also at historic highs. “For example, the MTA, which tracks traffic volume on bridges and tunnels, recorded the highest annual traffic volume in 87 years in 2023.”
FULL STORY: Traffic In 2024 Kills Most New Yorkers Since ‘Vision Zero’ Began
NYC Pedestrian Deaths Rose in 2024
The city’s Vision Zero efforts seem to have stalled.
San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras
The city is the first in the state to use automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and traffic deaths.
States Have Mixed Feelings on Speed Cameras
While some states and cities are embracing automated traffic enforcement as a tool for improving road safety, others are banning the technology over concerns that the programs are designed for profit rather than public benefit.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service