Repeat Speeding Drivers Behind Rising Traffic Deaths in NYC, Report Reveals

Despite 24/7 Speed Cameras, Dangerous Driving Continues to Kill Pedestrians and Children in New York City

New York City recorded 253 traffic deaths in 2024, with fatalities rising sharply among children and pedestrians. According to a new report by Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets, someone was killed in a crash every 35 hours—many by drivers with long histories of speeding violations.

While the city’s automated speed camera program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, some drivers are racking up hundreds of speeding tickets without meaningful consequences. At least 132 vehicles received 100 or more speed camera violations in 2024. Two cars had more than 500 tickets each, with one vehicle logging 562 separate violations—an average of one every 16 hours.

Families who’ve lost loved ones are now demanding stronger traffic enforcement, including intelligent speed assistance systems, expanded daylighting at intersections, and serious consequences for repeat offenders.

Child and Pedestrian Fatalities Surge in 2024

The most heartbreaking trend in the new report is the rise in child traffic deaths, which increased 33% in 2024. A total of 16 children under 18 were killed. The number of pedestrian fatalities rose by 21%, totaling 121 deaths—most occurring in crosswalks or intersections lacking safety measures.

These figures are not abstract statistics. They represent mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and friends. They include a 16-year-old girl killed while walking home from her last day of school in June 2024. Her younger sister survived with serious injuries but now carries the trauma of watching her sister die.

These deaths underscore a systemic failure to protect children and pedestrians on New York City streets.

Repeat Speeding Offenders Pose a Growing Threat

One of the most alarming aspects of the 2024 crash data is the prevalence of repeat speeding offenders. Despite a 30% drop in speed camera violations citywide since automated enforcement expanded in 2022, a small number of drivers continue to violate traffic laws at an extreme rate.

The report identified over 130 vehicles with more than 100 speed violations each in just one year. These “super-speeders” repeatedly triggered speed cameras without facing criminal charges

or license suspensions in many cases.

“Too many super-speeders are putting all of us at risk while racking up hundreds of tickets,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “Safe street infrastructure, automated enforcement, and curbing repeated speeders are key to saving lives.”

These drivers often remain on the road without intervention, even after hundreds of infractions, due to gaps in enforcement and data sharing between traffic enforcement systems and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Why Speed Cameras Alone Aren’t Enough

Speed cameras are a proven deterrent, but enforcement without accountability falls short. New York’s automated camera system records violations and issues fines, but it does not assign points on a driver’s license, nor does it guarantee a driver’s insurance company will be notified.

This means that a person can receive dozens or even hundreds of speed camera tickets and still maintain a valid license. Without escalating penalties or license suspensions for chronic violators, the system lacks the power to remove the most dangerous drivers from the road.

Advocates argue that drivers with extreme ticket histories should be required to use intelligent speed assistance (ISA) systems, which can prevent a vehicle from exceeding the posted speed limit. These systems are already used in European cities to curb repeat speeding.

Intersections Without Daylighting Remain Deadly

Another major focus of the report is the lack of daylighting at many city intersections—especially those where children walk to school. Daylighting involves removing visual obstructions (like parked cars) near intersections to improve visibility between drivers and pedestrians.

According to the 2024 data, 90% of pedestrian and child fatalities occurred at intersections without proper daylighting. Advocates are calling for “hardened universal daylighting” using physical barriers to deter illegal parking and force safer vehicle turns.

“The statistics are harrowing,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “I urge our city to prioritize hardened universal daylighting with physical barriers at the deadliest intersections to deter vehicles from speeding and taking widened turns.”

When drivers cannot see children crossing until it’s too late, even a moment of distraction or a few extra miles per hour can result in a fatal outcome.

Legal Consequences for Dangerous Driving

Drivers who repeatedly violate speed limits, run red lights, or fail to yield to pedestrians may face civil and criminal consequences—particularly if their actions result in serious injury or death. In many fatal crash cases, families may be eligible to file:

• Wrongful death lawsuits
• Survivorship actions
• Claims for negligent or reckless driving
• Dram shop claims, if the driver was intoxicated and overserved

These lawsuits can provide compensation for:

• Funeral expenses
• Lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Medical bills related to the victim’s final care

Legal action can also pressure lawmakers to address repeat offender loopholes, expand enforcement technology, and install street infrastructure that protects vulnerable users.

What Families of Victims Can Do

If your loved one was killed or seriously injured in a New York City traffic crash—especially by a known repeat offender—there are steps you can take immediately:

1. Request the crash report from the NYPD or the Department of Transportation.
2. Gather medical and police records, witness statements, and any surveillance footage.
3. Check the offending vehicle’s violation history on NYC’s open data portal.
4. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands NYC traffic litigation.

You may be entitled to significant compensation, and your case may help expose patterns of enforcement failure that could lead to policy change.

FAQs About NYC Traffic Fatalities and Lawsuits

Can I file a lawsuit if a family member was killed in a traffic crash in NYC?

Yes. Surviving family members—such as spouses, children, or parents—can bring a wrongful death lawsuit if their loved one was killed due to another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior. Compensation may include funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional damages.

What if the driver had hundreds of speed camera violations but wasn’t arrested?

This is a growing problem. Speed camera tickets are civil infractions and do not carry license points. If your family member was harmed by a driver with a long history of violations, that history can be used to establish a pattern of negligence or recklessness in court.

Are repeat offenders tracked by the city?

While NYC tracks camera violations, enforcement mechanisms are limited unless a driver also commits criminal violations or accumulates DMV points through police-issued tickets. Advocacy groups are calling for better systems to identify and intervene with repeat offenders before tragedy strikes.

What is daylighting, and why does it matter?

Daylighting refers to improving visibility at intersections by removing parked cars or other visual obstructions near crosswalks. Studies show daylighting reduces crashes significantly. Advocates want the city to install “hardened daylighting” with barriers at high-risk intersections.

Can I sue the city for dangerous street conditions?

Possibly. If the city failed to implement basic safety measures—like protected bike lanes, daylighting, or signage—at a known dangerous intersection, it could be held liable. These cases are complex and require fast legal action due to strict deadlines.

What compensation can be recovered in a pedestrian or cyclist death lawsuit?

Compensation may include:

• Medical bills prior to death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost earnings and financial support
• Pain and suffering of the deceased
• Emotional loss for the family

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If your loved one was killed or seriously injured in a traffic crash caused by a speeding or reckless driver, especially one with a history of violations, you may be entitled to compensation. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP is investigating fatal crash cases in New York City and beyond.

We represent grieving families, injured pedestrians, cyclists, and children who were hurt due to unsafe streets or negligent driving. Let us help you pursue justice and demand accountability.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free consultation today.