It’s National Traffic Awareness Month, but with traffic injuries still occurring across the city, many New Yorkers are asking: Are our streets actually getting safer?
August marks National Traffic Awareness Month, an annual reminder that traffic safety remains a public concern across the country. In New York City, where millions of people travel by foot, bicycle, bus, subway, and car every day, the conversation about safer streets extends far beyond a single month.
While awareness campaigns encourage conversations about responsible driving and roadway safety, traffic incidents continue to affect pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, and motorists throughout the city. Every traffic incident may have significant consequences for the people involved and their families.
At William Schwitzer & Associates, we advocate for individuals who have been injured in traffic-related incidents. National Traffic Awareness Month provides an opportunity to reflect on why public awareness, careful investigation, and ongoing transportation safety efforts continue to matter.
Traffic Safety by the Numbers
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.19 million people lose their lives in road traffic crashes every year. Another 20 to 50 million suffer non-fatal injuries, many with long-term consequences.
Here in the U.S., the CDC reports:
-
2.8 million people are treated in emergency departments for motor vehicle crash injuries each year.
-
More than 120 people die daily in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2023.
-
$457 Billion is the total cost of deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes, including medical costs and cost estimates for lives lost in 2023.
What Contributes to These Numbers?
It’s not just speeding. Some of the most common causes of traffic-related injuries in NYC include:
-
Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting the radio)
-
Failure to yield to pedestrians
-
Crossing outside crosswalks or walking against traffic lights
-
Driving under the influence
-
Driving too slow or too fast for road conditions
Depending on the facts of an investigation, multiple factors, including roadway conditions, vehicle maintenance, traffic controls, and driver or pedestrian actions, may be evaluated.
What National Traffic Awareness Month Is Really About
Founded to encourage everyday safety, National Traffic Awareness Month draws attention to roadway safety and ongoing efforts to reduce traffic-related injuries.
“Traffic incidents can have lasting effects on individuals and families. Understanding how they occur helps inform transportation safety discussions.”
— WSAT Law
This month also serves as a reminder of the impact traffic incidents can have on individuals and families throughout New York City.
Recent NYC Accidents That Highlight the Risk
Recent traffic incidents reported in New York City have involved buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and passenger vehicles. Publicly reported incidents continue to highlight the importance of roadway safety, although the facts and contributing circumstances are determined through the appropriate investigative process.
A Call for Awareness and Support If You’ve Already Been Hurt
This August, National Traffic Awareness Month also serves as a reminder of how many people are affected when traffic incidents occur.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a traffic-related incident, William Schwitzer & Associates represents individuals and families involved in these matters. To learn more about the firm’s legal services, contact our office at (212) 683-3800 or visit wsatlaw.com/contact.
We don’t ask people to file. But if you’re struggling after an accident, we’ll help you understand your rights, and fight to protect them.
Important:
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with WSAT Law. Every case is unique. If you’ve been injured in a traffic incident, speak directly with a qualified attorney by calling (212) 683-3800 or visiting www.wsatlaw.com/contact.
The images shown in this blog are for illustrative purposes only.
