New Nationwide Data Shows Alarming Increase in Traffic Fatalities, New York State Advocates Urge Immediate Action to Save Lives by Passing Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act

NHTSA report estimates 2020 had highest number of traffic fatalities nationwide since 2007; 12 percent more traffic fatalities in New York State in 2020 compared to 2019 

National Safety Council report estimates 2021 motor vehicle deaths were 19 percent higher than pre-pandemic 2019 nationwide; 21 percent more motor vehicle fatalities in New York State in 2021 compared to 2019

Earlier research found 2021 was the deadliest year on New York City streets since 2013.

NEW YORK — The New York State Safe Streets Coalition responded today to startling new figures showing rising traffic deaths nationwide and in New York State. Preliminary data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows there were more traffic deaths nationwide in 2020 than any year since 2007. Data from the National Safety Council shows that as many as 46,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021. This represents a sharp 19 percent increase over 2019, even though Americans drove fewer miles. Both data sets released today show a significant increase in traffic deaths across New York State too.

In response, coalition members statewide are urging state lawmakers to act now by passing the Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act, a package of eight bills aimed at reducing traffic deaths and safeguarding the legal rights of those who are injured and for family members of those who are killed.  

What the NYS Safe Streets Coalition is saying:

"The data speaks for itself. We are facing a traffic safety crisis that must be addressed today,” said Leah Golby, New York Bicycling Coalition's Board President “Passing all eight bills of the Crash Victim Right and Safety Act now will protect New York's most vulnerable road users, people who walk and use bicycles for years to come."

“Too many New York families are going through the shattering process right now of having to bury a loved one, like mine did years ago” said Amy Cohen, co-founder of Families for Safe Streets, whose 12-year-old son Sammy was killed by a reckless driver in Brooklyn. “State lawmakers must act with urgency, not continue to stand as a barrier to life saving changes.”

"Passing these bills will save lives,” said Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart, who is one of many local politicians supporting the Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act. “Traffic violence has increased during the pandemic, and there are real solutions to make our streets safer and accessible to all."

“The rise in traffic fatalities is truly disturbing. The legislative bills comprising the Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act represent common sense tools that will make our roads safer and more accessible for all New Yorkers and we urge our state legislators to swiftly pass this important legislative package,” said Mark Robbins, Rochester Bicycling Club Advocacy Coordinator

“This data release confirms the everyday experience of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers all over America: our streets have gotten deadlier and more dangerous,” said Andrew Neidhardt, Founder of Walkable Albany. “It is past time for our leaders to take action. The New York State Legislature must pass the Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act immediately.”

"All who want to bike — no matter race, age, gender, culture, religion or even ability – in any corner of our city or state, should be able to do so safely. We are very proud to be part of the New York State Safe Streets Coalition working to pass the Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act in Albany. We know that with the confidence and security of passing these bills, it will help make streets safe here in Syracuse for cyclists and pedestrians. We look forward to partnering with our local Assemblyman and Chair of the Transportation Committee, Bill Magnarelli, to get the package across the finish line this year,” said Anika Flagg, President & Lead organizer, Slow Roll Syracuse.

“One hundred years of building streets solely for motor vehicles has had catastrophic effects - from fatalities and injuries to the climate crisis and destroyed neighborhoods – and it’s only getting worse,” said Sara Lind, Director of Policy at Open Plans. “It’s time to reclaim streets for people, and the CVRSA is an important step in getting that done.”

“We cannot continue to tolerate a preventable epidemic of traffic deaths on our streets,” said Danny Harris, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “Both statewide and in New York City, we are experiencing a crisis of traffic violence. We need our leaders to meet this crisis with the bold, systemic solutions needed to save lives. We need our leaders to support the entire Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act this year.”

The Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act would change state laws to incentivize safer road design. It would also improve drivers’ education training and establish safe passing regulations for drivers overtaking cyclists. 

In addition, the package would give localities greater authority to set speed limits based on local conditions and concerns. And ensure some basic legal rights for victims of crashes and their families — such as access to police reports and the right to file a victim impact statement.

Find out more about the Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act campaign and the New York State Safe Streets Coalition.

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