New York City traffic deaths for the first quarter of 2026 are at near-record lows according to a statement on Thursday from Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn.

The commissioner said overall traffic fatalities are down 7 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025. The overall total of 42 from Jan. 1 through March 31 this year is the third-lowest total since the city began keeping records in 1910.

Only 2018 with 40 deaths and 2015 with 41 are lower. Flynn said the combined deaths for pedestrians and motor vehicle occupants are down 20 percent from last year.

“New York City leads the nation in reducing traffic deaths, with progress driven by targeted, data-informed street redesigns and targeted enforcement against speeding, red-light running, and other dangerous driving behaviors,” Flynn said. “But our work is far from done — because one death is one too many.”

Flynn said the Mamdani administration is committed to building on the success of Vision Zero through street redesign and other tools, such as continuing automated enforcement and supporting “Super Speeders” legislation that is pending in Albany.

If passed, it would require intelligent speed assist technology for recidivist speeders.

“The most exciting thing happening on our streets this year is what’s not happening,” Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said in the DOT press release. “So far in 2026, there are fewer road deaths than at this time last year, which is impressive after 2025 was a record year for road safety in our city.

“Traffic deaths are preventable, and this shows that thanks to New York City’s Vision Zero initiative, and the dedication of community members and advocates across the five boroughs, our streets are safer than ever.”

Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, called the results fantastic progress.

“These numbers aren’t just statistics, they’re our fellow New Yorkers, and every life saved is a neighbor, family member, or partner who comes home at the end of the day,” Furnas said. “We’ll keep fighting until no one is killed or seriously injured on our streets, and that starts with slowing down super speeders, the most reckless repeat speeders on our streets. We’re counting on Albany to include this critical bill, Stop Super Speeders, in the final state budget.”

So is Councilman Shaun Abreu (D-Manhattan), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“Now the next step is clear: go after the drivers who pose the greatest risk. Super speeders turn ordinary streets into dangerous ones, and we need real consequences for that behavior. Albany should pass Super Speeder legislation so we can hold repeat offenders accountable and keep New Yorkers safe.”

“I carry the physical and psychological trauma of being hit by a car with me every day. We must use every available tool to prevent crashes that kill and seriously injure New Yorkers,” said Families for Safe Streets-NY Co-Chair Kate Brockwehl. “Albany needs to act now to pass the Stop Super Speeders bill to rein in the most reckless drivers on our streets.”