New York is known for its busy and congested roads, but a new report reveals that some of its highways are also among the most dangerous in the country. According to a study by MoneyGeek, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New York has 10 of the deadliest road stretches in the nation, with a total of 63 fatal crashes and 67 fatalities from 2017 to 2019.
The Deadliest Roads in New York
The report ranked the road stretches by the number of fatal crashes per mile, as well as the total number of fatalities. The most dangerous road in New York, according to the report, is 3rd Avenue from 7th Street to 52nd Street in Brooklyn, with eight fatal crashes and eight fatalities in a span of 2.2 miles. This road has a crash rate of 3.6 per mile, which is more than 10 times the national average of 0.3 per mile.
Other deadly roads in New York include Atlantic Avenue from Rochester Avenue to 85th Street in Brooklyn and Queens, with seven fatal crashes and seven fatalities in 3.8 miles; County Road 93 from Richmond Boulevard to 13th Street in Islip and Bohemia, with seven fatal crashes and seven fatalities in 4.8 miles; and Lake Avenue from Denise Road to Phelps Avenue in Rochester, with six fatal crashes and seven fatalities in 4.9 miles.
The report also identified the deadliest highways in New York, which are mostly located in the New York City area. The top five most dangerous highways are:
- The Major Deegan Expressway (I-87), with eight fatal crashes and eight fatalities
- The Bruckner Expressway (I-278), with eight fatal crashes and eight fatalities
- The New England Thruway (I-95), with seven fatal crashes and seven fatalities
- The West Side Highway (NY 9A), with six fatal crashes and six fatalities
- The Sprain Brook Parkway, with six fatal crashes and six fatalities
The Factors Behind the Fatalities
The report also analyzed the factors that contributed to the fatal crashes in New York, such as drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, and time of year. Some of the key findings are:
Drunk driving was involved in 20% of the fatal crashes in New York, accounting for 549 of the 2,725 total fatalities from 2017 to 2019. The national average for drunk driving fatalities is 28%.
Speeding was involved in 28% of the fatal crashes in New York, accounting for 756 of the 2,725 total fatalities from 2017 to 2019. The national average for speeding fatalities is 26%.
Distracted driving was involved in 12% of the fatal crashes in New York, accounting for 330 of the 2,725 total fatalities from 2017 to 2019. The national average for distracted driving fatalities is 9%. In New York City, distracted driving was associated with more fatal crashes than drunk driving or speeding.
September was the month with the most fatal crashes in New York, with 273 of the 2,725 total fatalities from 2017 to 2019. Despite having the sixth-highest count of winter driving fatalities in the nation, the summer months were New York’s deadliest for driving.
How to Drive Safely in New York
The report offers some tips and recommendations for drivers to reduce the risk of fatal crashes in New York, such as:
- Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and use alternative modes of transportation if impaired.
- Obey the speed limits and adjust the speed according to the road and weather conditions.
- Avoid distractions such as texting, eating, or grooming while driving, and keep the eyes on the road and the hands on the wheel.
- Wear seat belts and ensure that all passengers are properly restrained, especially children.
- Drive defensively and anticipate the actions of other drivers, especially in congested areas.
- Maintain a safe following distance and avoid sudden lane changes or braking.
- Check the vehicle’s tires, brakes, lights, and fluids before driving, and perform regular maintenance.
- Plan the route ahead and avoid driving during peak hours or bad weather if possible.
Conclusion
New York highways are among the most dangerous in the country, according to a new report by MoneyGeek. The report ranked the deadliest road stretches and highways in New York, and analyzed the factors that contributed to the fatal crashes, such as drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, and time of year. The report also provided some tips and recommendations for drivers to drive safely in New York and prevent fatal accidents. By following these guidelines, drivers can help make New York roads safer for everyone.