Traffic deaths plummet in NYC, mirroring downward trend in murders

Deadly car crashes are way down in New York City this year, marking a major milestone in officials' long-standing effort to make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Data published by the city transportation department on Wednesday shows 87 people were killed by motorists across the five boroughs during the first six months of 2025. That’s down sharply from the 128 deaths reported over the same period last year. It also ties 2018 for the lowest number of traffic deaths recorded during the first half of a calendar year since former Mayor Bill de Blasio launched the city’s “Vision Zero” program in 2014 with the goal of eliminating fatal car crashes altogether.

“While one traffic fatality is one too many, whether you are a pedestrian, a cyclist or a driver, our streets are safer than ever and the important work must continue,” city Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said.

The 32% reduction in traffic deaths so far this year comes as violent crime in New York — as well as other cities across the country — has fallen significantly after rising sharply in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NYPD reported a 23% drop in murders during the first half of the year from the same period last year.

The transportation department reported 51 pedestrians were killed by motorists during the first half of the year, down from 63 during the same period of 2024.

The data shows only one person was killed riding a traditional, pedal-powered bicycle this year, compared to three during the first half of last year. The city reported 20 people died on e-bikes or other motorized two-wheelers so far in 2025, compared to 33 during the same period last year.

Deaths among drivers and their passengers also dropped — the city reported 15 deaths so far this year, down from 29 in during the first half of 2024.

Mayor Eric Adams has faced criticism since taking office at the start of 2022 for delaying, canceling or scaling back several street redesigns that aimed to improve safety.