Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, New York City, NY recorded 822 traffic deaths in 787 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 2.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 7/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 7% of ranked US cities (#83 of 90 in New York, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in New York City, New York?
New York City has a Road Danger Score of 7/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 787 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 822 people — 2.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
New York City ranks #83 out of 90 ranked cities in New York and #2,012 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 7% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in New York City's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 59% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in New York City fell 9% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind New York City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 787 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | New York City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 113 | 14.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 210 | 26.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 464 | 59.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 444 | 56.4% | 49.8% |
New York City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in New York City, New York from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 162 |
| 2023 | 146 |
| 2022 | 175 |
| 2021 | 189 |
| 2020 | 150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in New York City, New York?
According to NHTSA FARS data, New York City recorded 787 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 822 traffic deaths — an average of 164.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in New York City?
New York City has a Road Danger Score of 7/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 7% of ranked US cities. The city averages 2.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in New York City?
Of New York City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 14% involved a drinking driver, 27% involved speeding, 59% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in New York City each year?
An average of 164.4 people per year died in car accidents in New York City across 2020–2024 (822 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in New York City more dangerous than in other New York cities?
New York City ranks #83 of 90 ranked New York cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #2,012 of 2,153 nationally.