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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Supreme Court Ruling in Pipeline Case Guts Federal Environmental Law
The decision limits the scope of a federal law that mandates extensive environmental impact reviews of energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
Texas State Bills to Defund Dallas Transit Die
DART would have seen a 30% service cut, $230M annual losses had the bills survived.
Bikeshare for the Win: Team Pedals to London Cricket Match, Beats Rivals Stuck in Traffic
While their opponents sat in gridlock, England's national cricket team hopped Lime bikes, riding to a 3-0 victory.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)