New York City has achieved a major milestone this year, as the number of traffic deaths plummeted to its lowest level ever at 205 in 2025. This represents a staggering 19% decrease from the previous year's figure of 253 deaths and an even more significant drop of one death compared to the safest year since records began in 1910.
The city's transportation department has been credited with making the roads safer through various initiatives, including street redesign projects and congestion pricing. Transportation advocates are hailing this achievement as a major victory for their efforts, with some even suggesting that it primes the next administration to take further action on road safety.
While pedestrian fatalities remained the largest contributor to traffic deaths, accounting for 111 lives lost in 2025 compared to 122 in 2024, the number of people killed in car crashes decreased significantly, from 70 in 2020 to just 31. In contrast, moped fatalities dropped dramatically, with only 15 reported in 2025 compared to 19 in the previous year.
However, fatalities among motorcyclists and other road users remained a concern, accounting for a significant proportion of the city's traffic deaths. The outer boroughs saw some of the sharpest declines in traffic fatalities, particularly in the Bronx and Queens, which experienced reductions of 39% and 23%, respectively.
While the transportation department under Rodriguez deserves credit for its efforts to make the roads safer, advocates are now urging the incoming administration to take further action. Transportation Alternatives spokesperson Alexa Sledge has called on Mayor Mamdani's team to recommit to the principles of Vision Zero and implement quick and easy solutions to reduce traffic fatalities even further.
As the city looks to build on this momentum, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in preventing future traffic deaths. But for now, it is clear that New York City has made a significant step towards making its roads safer, and advocates are eager to see what the future holds.
The city's transportation department has been credited with making the roads safer through various initiatives, including street redesign projects and congestion pricing. Transportation advocates are hailing this achievement as a major victory for their efforts, with some even suggesting that it primes the next administration to take further action on road safety.
While pedestrian fatalities remained the largest contributor to traffic deaths, accounting for 111 lives lost in 2025 compared to 122 in 2024, the number of people killed in car crashes decreased significantly, from 70 in 2020 to just 31. In contrast, moped fatalities dropped dramatically, with only 15 reported in 2025 compared to 19 in the previous year.
However, fatalities among motorcyclists and other road users remained a concern, accounting for a significant proportion of the city's traffic deaths. The outer boroughs saw some of the sharpest declines in traffic fatalities, particularly in the Bronx and Queens, which experienced reductions of 39% and 23%, respectively.
While the transportation department under Rodriguez deserves credit for its efforts to make the roads safer, advocates are now urging the incoming administration to take further action. Transportation Alternatives spokesperson Alexa Sledge has called on Mayor Mamdani's team to recommit to the principles of Vision Zero and implement quick and easy solutions to reduce traffic fatalities even further.
As the city looks to build on this momentum, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in preventing future traffic deaths. But for now, it is clear that New York City has made a significant step towards making its roads safer, and advocates are eager to see what the future holds.
. Congrats to the transportation department for their hard work! But seriously though, 205 deaths in a city with over 8 million people is still a staggering number 
. I think it's awesome that they're giving credit where credit is due and acknowledging the efforts of advocates like Alexa Sledge 
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. Pedestrian fatalities are still a major concern 
, and it's crazy that motorcyclists and other road users continue to be at risk 
. Can't wait to see what the incoming administration does next 
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. Motorcyclists still a concern tho 
. What's next, gonna need some serious investment in bike lanes and helmet safety 
I think this is awesome news! 205 fatalities is crazy low considering how big NYC is 
. Congestion pricing was the game changer here imo 
. The numbers are still pretty high, and it's like we're just patching up the same old problems instead of addressing the root issues 
I'm loving this news about NYC's plummeting traffic deaths! It's awesome to see all those years of advocacy paying off. 19% decrease is huge! 
Still a problem that needs to be tackled. The outer boroughs saw some amazing drops, so fingers crossed those numbers stay low. Transportation Alternatives should definitely keep pushing for Vision Zero and quick solutions – it's not over yet! 
! I remember when I was a kid, my grandma used to tell me stories about how crazy traffic was back in the day 
. And now, New York City is one of the safest places to drive around 
. Motorcyclists too 
. Now, let's see if the new admin can keep the momentum going 
. I'm also loving the decline in moped fatalities - hopefully, this trend continues! 
As for motorcyclists and other road users, it's a shame that they're still accounting for so many deaths 
. the fact that congestion pricing worked is a big deal btw 
. maybe the next admin can take it to the next level? 
. And it's awesome to see transportation advocates getting excited about this achievement – it's a major win for their cause!
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. Fingers crossed they can keep this momentum going 
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like 39% in the Bronx! 
! 205 traffic deaths in NYC is crazy low! Congrats to the transportation department for all their hard work 
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