New York Traffic Fatalities Reach Highest Levels in Over a Decade

According to a report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, fatal motor vehicle accidents in New York increased by 25.8% between 2019 and 2022—outpacing the national increase of 17% over the same period. This spike in deadly crashes is particularly concerning given the simultaneous decline in the number of vehicle miles traveled, licensed drivers, and overall traffic accidents across the state.

In 2022 alone, 1,175 people were killed in traffic collisions throughout New York—the highest fatality count since 2013. This alarming trend runs counter to technological advancements in vehicle safety and efforts to improve road infrastructure. As fewer vehicles are on the road post-pandemic, more fatal crashes are occurring, and the causes are not only tragic but often preventable.

If you or a loved one suffered serious injury or the loss of a family member due to a motor vehicle accident in New York, you are not alone. Our national civil litigation law firm is actively investigating wrongful death and injury claims linked to these fatal crashes. Victims and families may be entitled to financial compensation, and we are here to help you understand your legal rights.

Regional Trends: Where Fatal Accidents Are Happening the Most

DiNapoli’s report provides detailed regional data, showing that the rise in fatalities is not evenly distributed across the state. Certain areas are experiencing disproportionately high crash death rates:

• Long Island reported the highest number of fatalities statewide, with 164 deaths in Suffolk County and 81 in Nassau County in 2022.
• The North Country recorded the highest fatality rate per capita, with 12.9 deaths per 100,000 people.
• New York City had the lowest fatality rate, with 2.9 per 100,000 residents, likely due to its extensive public transit system and the lower percentage of car ownership.

The findings underscore that while urban density may offer some protective factors through fewer vehicle miles traveled, suburban and rural regions are facing escalating risks, often due to longer travel distances, higher speeds, and fewer traffic-calming measures.

If you or someone you love was involved in a crash in Nassau, Suffolk, or any of New York’s high-fatality regions, our attorneys could help assess whether speeding, impaired driving, or other factors contributed to the collision—and whether you have a case for legal action.

Contributing Factors: Why Are More People Dying in Crashes?

Despite progress in vehicle engineering and road design, fatal crashes continue to increase—particularly in New York. The Comptroller’s report highlights three major risk factors behind these deadly incidents:

Speeding

Approximately one in three fatal crashes involved excessive speed. With fewer vehicles on the road during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns, many drivers took advantage of open highways, pushing their vehicles far beyond safe limits. Speeding significantly increases the risk of both losing control and causing more severe injuries during impact.

Drunk Driving

Roughly one-third of all traffic deaths in New York involved a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08. Even more concerning is the 45% increase in alcohol-related fatalities between 2019 and 2022. Drunk driving continues to be a persistent and deadly threat despite public awareness efforts and strict legal penalties.

Lack of Seat Belts and Helmets

Among those killed in fatal crashes, 64% were not wearing seat belts or helmets. These simple protective measures often mean the difference between survival and death. Their absence reflects broader issues with safety enforcement, vehicle culture, and risky driving behaviors.

Each of these behaviors is entirely preventable. Yet they continue to cause devastating loss throughout the state. If your loved one was killed in a crash where speed, alcohol, or seatbelt use played a role, we can help you explore your options for a wrongful death lawsuit.

A Closer Look at Vehicle Types and Road Conditions

Passenger vehicles and light trucks were involved in three out of four fatal crashes in 2022. These vehicles are widely used for commuting, family transport, and business purposes, meaning that drivers and passengers of all ages are affected.

Another notable trend is the 68% increase in fatal crashes on urban roadways since 2017. This statistic contradicts the assumption that higher-density city roads are safer. Factors contributing to urban crash risks include:

• Distracted driving in congested environments
• Confusing intersections or signal timing
• Lack of dedicated infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians
• Reckless driving during non-peak hours or holidays

As fatalities increase on both highways and city streets, it’s clear that roadway design alone cannot protect drivers from human error or negligence. Those who are injured or lose a loved one in these high-risk environments often face overwhelming medical costs, emotional trauma, and long-term financial hardship.

State and Federal Response: Policy Measures in Motion

To address the rising death toll, New York is deploying both state and federal resources aimed at improving traffic safety:

• $641 million from the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program has been allocated to New York over five years to enhance road conditions and reduce crash risk.
• Sammy’s Law, enacted in the 2024-25 state budget, allows New York City to lower its speed limits—a move that may reduce pedestrian and cyclist deaths in dense areas.
• Calls for Local Control: Comptroller DiNapoli’s report urges lawmakers to allow more municipalities to control their own speed limits, expanding beyond NYC.

While these steps reflect growing concern, they cannot undo the harm already caused. Injured victims and grieving families deserve answers—and compensation—for crashes that should never have happened in the first place.

How a Fatal Accident Lawsuit Can Help

If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash or suffered life-altering injuries in a traffic collision, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. A wrongful death or personal injury claim can provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income and future support
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence (such as drunk driving)

Our law firm investigates the root causes of each crash, whether they involve driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, inadequate signage, vehicle defects, or lack of enforcement. Every fatal accident deserves a full examination to determine what went wrong—and who is responsible.

Parker Waichman LLP: Fighting for New York Crash Victims

Parker Waichman LLP is a national civil litigation firm with extensive experience handling fatal motor vehicle accident cases throughout New York State. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these tragedies take on victims and families.

Our legal team works with crash reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and insurance investigators to build strong cases on behalf of our clients. Whether your loved one died in a crash involving a drunk driver, a high-speed collision, or an urban intersection hazard, we are here to fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident in New York, legal help is available. The surge in fatal crashes is devastating communities across the state—but victims have rights.

Call Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are investigating wrongful death and serious injury cases related to the recent rise in New York traffic fatalities. Let us help you seek justice, accountability, and financial recovery. You pay nothing unless we win your case.