Congestion Pricing in NYC Reduces Traffic Crashes

Fewer Cars Below 60th Street Means Fewer Accidents, But Legal Rights Still Matter for Those Harmed

New York City’s implementation of congestion pricing below 60th Street is showing encouraging early signs—especially for those concerned about road safety. According to the city’s most recent crash data, traffic collisions and resulting injuries have dropped significantly during the first 12 days of the program’s rollout in January 2025. Compared to the same 12-day period in 2024, there were 55% fewer crashes and 51% fewer injuries. That means fewer emergency room visits, fewer traumatic injuries, and fewer families disrupted by preventable roadway violence.

Even when compared to January 2023, a year with relatively stable pedestrian injury trends, 2025 still reflects a 48% drop in crashes and a 27% decline in injuries. This is an early but meaningful sign that fewer cars and calmer traffic flow are already making streets safer in the congestion relief zone.

While this is good news for the broader population, traffic collisions still happen—and those injured in crashes have legal rights. If you were hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Manhattan, you may be entitled to compensation even with fewer cars on the road.

What Is New York’s Congestion Pricing Zone?

Congestion pricing is a policy aimed at reducing traffic volume in Manhattan’s busiest neighborhoods by charging vehicles a toll to enter the area south of 60th Street. The goal is to reduce gridlock, improve air quality, and make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. As of early 2025, data suggests that it is already delivering results—especially when it comes to lowering the risk of serious traffic accidents.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) are monitoring these trends closely. Fewer vehicles on the streets has led to less aggressive driving, fewer high-speed collisions, and fewer opportunities for distracted or negligent drivers to cause harm. Still, not every driver obeys traffic laws, and some roadways remain dangerous even with lower traffic volume.

Legal Options for Those Injured in the Congestion Relief Zone

A drop in traffic volume doesn’t eliminate the risk of accidents. Every day, individuals still suffer injuries while crossing intersections, walking to work, riding a bicycle, or driving through Manhattan’s congestion pricing zone. Common causes of injury include:

• Drivers running red lights or stop signs
• Speeding on open roadways with less congestion
• Distracted driving, including texting or using navigation apps
• Unlawful turns into crosswalks or bike lanes
• Rear-end collisions during sudden stops

If you or a loved one was injured in one of these scenarios, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. New York law allows crash victims to seek financial compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
• Long-term rehabilitation or physical therapy
• Lost wages or future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage, including vehicles and bicycles

In cases involving serious injury or wrongful death, families may also pursue claims for funeral costs, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.

Why Traffic Injury Claims Still Matter—Even with Fewer Crashes

Fewer accidents does not mean fewer rights. Even a single collision can permanently alter a victim’s health, mobility, and financial stability. A broken leg, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or other serious injury can result in months—or years—of treatment, therapy, and missed work.

The cost of these injuries can be staggering. Insurance companies may offer a quick payout, but these offers often fall far short of what victims truly need to recover. Accepting an early settlement can mean giving up your right to full compensation. That’s why injured individuals need legal representation to protect their rights and ensure their future isn’t compromised by someone else’s negligence.

The Importance of Documenting a Manhattan Traffic Crash

If you’ve been hurt in a crash within the congestion pricing zone, acting quickly is crucial. The first priority should always be your health and safety—seek immediate medical attention. After that, try to take the following steps if possible:

• Get a copy of the police report from the NYPD
• Take photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
• Obtain contact information for any witnesses
• Request medical records from all treating providers
• Keep receipts and records for all out-of-pocket costs related to the accident

These documents help build a strong personal injury claim. A qualified attorney can assist in gathering additional evidence, working with crash reconstruction experts, and negotiating with insurance adjusters to fight for a fair settlement.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable in New York City

New York law requires drivers to operate vehicles with reasonable care. When someone fails to yield the right of way, drives while distracted, or ignores traffic control signals, they may be held legally liable for any injuries that result. Legal accountability sends a message that careless driving will not be tolerated, especially in areas where pedestrian safety is critical.

In personal injury cases, victims can hold individual drivers, ride-share companies, commercial fleets, and even municipal entities responsible, depending on the facts. For example:

• A delivery driver who caused an injury while working for a restaurant
• A rideshare driver who hit a cyclist while checking their app
• A cab driver who sped through a yellow light and hit a pedestrian

An attorney can evaluate your case to identify all liable parties and determine the best course of action for securing full compensation.

New York’s Vision Zero and the Role of Congestion Pricing

Vision Zero is New York City’s policy goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. Launched in 2014, the program led to major safety improvements in its first few years, including expanded bike lanes, redesigned intersections, and lower speed limits. But in recent years, traffic injuries and deaths began to climb again.

Congestion pricing represents one of the city’s latest tools to curb this trend. By reducing the number of cars entering Midtown and Lower Manhattan, city officials hope to create a safer and more predictable environment for everyone who uses the streets. Early 2025 data suggests that this approach may be working.

Still, the Vision Zero goal hasn’t been reached. People are still being injured and killed in avoidable traffic collisions. And when that happens, legal accountability becomes a key tool for protecting victims and preventing future harm.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you’ve been injured in a crash in Manhattan’s congestion relief zone, legal help is available. Parker Waichman LLP is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm based in New York. Our attorneys fight for victims hurt in preventable crashes and help secure the compensation they deserve. Don’t let an insurance company minimize your pain. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free consultation and protect your rights today.