New York City Experiences Lowest Number of Traffic Deaths on Record in 2025
The city has recorded its lowest number of traffic deaths in 2025, with a total of 205 fatalities, marking a significant decrease from the previous year's 253 deaths and one less than the safest record set in 2018. The decline is attributed to various initiatives launched by the city under Vision Zero, a road safety plan aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities.
According to data, pedestrians accounted for the majority of those killed, with 111 fatalities in 2025 compared to 122 in 2024. In contrast, car crashes resulted in 31 deaths, down from 70 in 2020. Moped and bicycle fatalities also saw a decline, with 15 and four deaths respectively.
However, some road users continued to face increased risks, including motorcyclists and other road users, who were involved in a significant number of fatalities. The outer boroughs experienced the sharpest proportional declines in traffic deaths, with the Bronx leading the way with a 39% decrease.
Transportation advocates attribute the decline in traffic deaths to street redesign projects and congestion pricing. Alexa Sledge, spokesperson for Transportation Alternatives, praised the city's transportation department for their efforts, noting that the record low number of fatalities is an "absolutely massive statistic."
However, there are concerns about reversing road safety projects under pressure from politicians. The change in leadership within the transportation department has raised questions about the continuity and commitment to Vision Zero principles.
As the new administration takes office, advocates are calling for a renewed focus on making the city's roads safer. Sledge urged the incoming mayor to recommit to the principles of Vision Zero and take quick action to address road safety issues.
The city has recorded its lowest number of traffic deaths in 2025, with a total of 205 fatalities, marking a significant decrease from the previous year's 253 deaths and one less than the safest record set in 2018. The decline is attributed to various initiatives launched by the city under Vision Zero, a road safety plan aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities.
According to data, pedestrians accounted for the majority of those killed, with 111 fatalities in 2025 compared to 122 in 2024. In contrast, car crashes resulted in 31 deaths, down from 70 in 2020. Moped and bicycle fatalities also saw a decline, with 15 and four deaths respectively.
However, some road users continued to face increased risks, including motorcyclists and other road users, who were involved in a significant number of fatalities. The outer boroughs experienced the sharpest proportional declines in traffic deaths, with the Bronx leading the way with a 39% decrease.
Transportation advocates attribute the decline in traffic deaths to street redesign projects and congestion pricing. Alexa Sledge, spokesperson for Transportation Alternatives, praised the city's transportation department for their efforts, noting that the record low number of fatalities is an "absolutely massive statistic."
However, there are concerns about reversing road safety projects under pressure from politicians. The change in leadership within the transportation department has raised questions about the continuity and commitment to Vision Zero principles.
As the new administration takes office, advocates are calling for a renewed focus on making the city's roads safer. Sledge urged the incoming mayor to recommit to the principles of Vision Zero and take quick action to address road safety issues.
! It's amazing how far we've come since those crazy '90s and early 2000s when it felt like every other day someone was getting hurt on the roads. Street redesign projects and congestion pricing have definitely made a difference, and I'm all for that 
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. Like, what's the point of even having Vision Zero if we're just gonna go back on our word? I'm glad Transportation Alternatives is speaking out and advocating for a renewed focus on making our roads safer 
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We need more of those kinds of stories coming out. And can we please, please, PLEASE keep pushing for more bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure? I'm all about progress, not regression 
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! traffic deaths have been going down in nyc for years now and it's insane that we're seeing a record low this year 
i'm not surprised though, all the initiatives they've been doing under vision zero are totally making a difference 
congestion pricing, street redesigns... it's like the city is finally getting serious about road safety 
i'm keeping my fingers crossed that the new admin takes over and continues to support these efforts 
maybe we'll see even more numbers go down next year 
, and it still feels like I'm gonna get mowed down by a truck 
, but apparently the city is getting its act together! 205 traffic deaths in 2025? That's crazy low! I mean, I remember when I was a kid, my friends and I used to be obsessed with playing "chicken" on the highway 
. It sounds like we've come a long way, baby!
. And what's with all these politicians trying to reverse progress? Can't they just leave the safety initiatives alone? 
. Maybe we can finally see some real change around here! 
. Still gotta worry about motorcyclists tho 
. As a parent, it's terrifying to think about my little ones walking or biking around the city, and I'm so grateful that our leaders are making efforts to create safer streets for them 
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205 is a whole lotta people dyin on the streets and i think we should be doin more than just congratulating the city for its efforts 
street redesigns and congestion pricing might be helpin but what about all the other factors that are still at play? like, how are motorcyclists and other road users gettin protected too?
But at the same time, I'm a bit concerned about the fact that pedestrians are still taking a hit. Like, what can we do to make sure they're safe? We need to keep pushing for better infrastructure and design.
. Hope the new admin is committed to Vision Zero and prioritizes road safety 
111 of those were just pedestrians. I think the street redesign projects and congestion pricing are huge wins 
4 moped & bike ppl r still losin their lives tho...but overall im all 4 tht we havnt had more deaths 
I'm so stoked to see NYC reaching its lowest number of traffic deaths on record! 
! but also kinda worried at the same time... like, what's gonna happen when the new admin takes over? 
Congestion pricing and street redesigns must be working like a charm 
, we don't wanna see those numbers creep back up 
. The Bronx leading the way with that 39% decrease?!