STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 While New York City ended 2025 with the fewest traffic deaths ever recorded since data collection began in 1910, one borough bucked the trend. Staten Island saw an increase in traffic deaths, according to the New York City Department of Transportation.<\/p>\n
Overall, the city recorded 205 traffic fatalities last year, down 19% from 253 in 2024, and one fewer than the previous record low of 206 deaths in 2018.<\/p>\n
Citywide, motor vehicle driver and passenger deaths dropped 40%, while motorcycle fatalities fell 32% and pedestrian deaths decreased 9%. Child fatalities also reached near-record lows, with six deaths recorded in 2025, down 63% from 16 in 2024.<\/p>\n
The citywide decline represents continued progress under Vision Zero, the city\u2019s traffic safety initiative that was launched in 2014, the city stated. Traffic deaths have dropped 31% since the program began.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo New Yorker should lose their life while walking, driving, or biking in our city,\u201d said Deputy Mayor of Operations Julia Kerson. \u201cVision Zero has shown that the choices we make\u2014how we design our streets and how we enforce traffic laws\u2014save lives. Last year was the safest year on record, with the fewest traffic deaths since records began in 1910. But one life lost is one too many. That\u2019s why the Mamdani administration will double down on street redesigns, protected bike lanes, and protected bus lanes that make our streets safer and better for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bronx and Queens saw the biggest improvements among the five boroughs.<\/p>\n
The Bronx saw a 39% decline in traffic deaths, falling from 54 fatalities in 2024 to 33 in 2025, according to data. Queens recorded a 23% drop, from 74 deaths to 57. Manhattan\u2019s traffic fatalities decreased 11%, from 44 to 39, while Brooklyn saw a 9% decline, from 69 to 63.<\/p>\n
Staten Island, on the other hand, saw an increase, with 13 fatalities compared to 12 in 2024, according to the transportation department data.<\/p>\n
Last year, the Advance\/SILive.com published a series of stories <\/a>examining the state of safety, traffic and civility on borough streets.<\/p>\n