Traffic Injuries
The Health Department collects, acquires and analyzes data related to traffic injuries, traffic density and driving behaviors in New York City.
The Health Department is a partner agency in Vision Zero, which uses many types of data collected by the City to improve road safety and measure progress. We contribute to Vision Zero’s traffic safety data primarily through data on mortality, hospitalizations and surveys.
Mortality
Death certificates describe characteristics of people who die in traffic crashes.
Hospitalizations
Hospital and emergency department admissions characterize people who are injured in traffic crashes.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle-related Injuries
- The Road to Safety
- Predicting Injury Outcomes using Data Linkage
Surveys
Surveys help describe how much people walk, bike and drive, as well as their risk behaviors.
- Walking, Bicycling and Driving
- Driving and Self-reported Dangerous Driving Behaviors in NYC (PDF)
- Self-reported Speeding Among New York City Adult Drivers
- Self-reported Driving Behaviors: Using Health Surveys to Inform Road Safety Efforts (PDF)
- Traffic Density and Driving Frequency
Traffic Safety Tips
Traffic injuries — including those by pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and motor vehicle occupants — are a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in NYC.
Analyses of the above datasets help inform the following safety guidance for New Yorkers.
All New Yorkers can play a role in making the roads safer.
Driving
- Follow the speed limit.
- Pause and wait before turning. A safe turning speed is 5 mph.
- Do not drive while drinking alcohol, consuming cannabis, texting or talking on a phone.
- Be especially alert when there is little light, such as during dusk and at night.
Walking
- Cross at intersections with the light.
- Listen for traffic and look both ways when you cross the street, even on one-way streets.
- Watch for turning cars.
Bicycling
- Bike in the direction of traffic.
- As required by law, use a white headlight and red taillight at night.
- Wear a helmet.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Do not wear more than one earphone while riding.
Riding a Motorcycle
- Make sure you have the proper license and registration.
- Wear appropriate gear, such as a helmet, proper eye protection, jacket, pants, gloves and boots.
- Use caution when riding near construction sites.