New York is well-known for its packed roads, but a new analysis finds that some of its highways are among the most deadly in the country. According to MoneyGeek research based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, New York has ten of the country’s deadliest road sections, with 63 fatal crashes and 67 fatalities between 2017 and 2019.
The Worst Roads in New York
The analysis ranked the road stretches based on the number of fatal crashes per mile and the total number of fatalities. According to the research, the most dangerous road in New York is 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, which stretches from 7th Street to 52nd Street and has eight fatal crashes in 2.2 miles. This route has 3.6 crashes per mile, more than ten times the national average of 0.3.
Other dangerous roads in New York include Atlantic Avenue from Rochester Avenue to 85th Street in Brooklyn and Queens, with seven fatal crashes and seven deaths in 3.8 miles; County Road 93 from Richmond Boulevard to 13th Street in Islip and Bohemia, with seven fatal crashes and seven deaths in 4.8 miles; and Lake Avenue from Denise Road to Phelps Avenue in Rochester, with six fatal crashes and seven deaths in 4.9 miles.
The survey also highlighted New York’s deadliest highways, which are primarily concentrated in the New York City area. The top five most deadly highways include:
- The Major Deegan Expressway (I-87), with eight fatal crashes and eight deaths.
- The Bruckner Expressway (I-278), with eight fatal crashes and eight deaths.
- The New England Thruway (I-95), with seven deadly crashes and seven deaths.
- The West Side Highway (NY 9A) had six fatal crashes and six deaths.
- The Sprain Brook Parkway has six fatal crashes and six fatalities.
The Factors Behind Fatalities
The survey also looked at the factors that contributed to fatal crashes in New York, including drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, and the time of year. Some of the significant discoveries include:
Drunk driving was implicated in 20% of fatal crashes in New York, accounting for 549 of the total 2,725 fatalities between 2017 and 2019. The national average for drunk driving deaths is 28 percent.
Speeding was involved in 28% of fatal crashes in New York, accounting for 756 of the 2,725 total fatalities between 2017 and 2019. The national average for speeding fatalities is 26 percent.
Distracted driving was implicated in 12% of fatal crashes in New York, accounting for 330 of the 2,725 total fatalities between 2017 and 2019. The national average of distracted driving deaths is 9%. In New York City, distracted driving was linked to more deadly crashes than drunk driving or speeding.
September had the highest number of fatal crashes in New York, accounting for 273 of the 2,725 total fatalities between 2017 and 2019. Despite having the sixth-highest number of winter driving fatalities in the country, New York’s summer months were the most dangerous for driving.
How to Drive Safely in NYC
The research provides various ideas and recommendations for drivers to lower the risk of fatal crashes in New York, including:
- Avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and if you are impaired, choose an alternative form of transportation.
- Follow the speed limits and change your speed based on road and weather conditions.
- Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or grooming while driving, and keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.
- Wear seat belts and ensure that all passengers, particularly children, are properly secured.
- Drive defensively and anticipate the activities of other vehicles, particularly in congested places.
- Maintain a safe following distance while avoiding unexpected lane changes or braking.
- Before driving, inspect the vehicle’s tires, brakes, lights, and fluids, and schedule regular maintenance.
- Plan your route ahead of time and try to avoid traveling during peak hours or in terrible weather.
Final Words
Finally, a study of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data demonstrates that New York faces a huge difficulty with some of the country’s worst roads and highways. Factors such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving all contribute to fatalities, underlining the importance of raising safety awareness and adherence. The research makes important recommendations for drivers to reduce risks and improve road safety in the state.