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Alcohol-related crash deaths increased in 2018 for New York

On Behalf of | Jan 28, 2020 | Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents

Newly released National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data reveals traffic fatalities fell by more than 6% in 2018 on New York roadways. However, the statistics show alcohol-related fatalities jumped by 6.6% and accounted for one-third of all traffic deaths in the Empire State.

While the 2018 report had some good news over reduced fatalities for occupants of passenger vehicles, the results also show an alarming rise in deaths for pedestrians and bicyclists as more were killed last year than at any other time since 1990.

Federal report has mixed results for New York

NHTSA says 943 people were killed in 2018 compared to 1,006 who died on New York roadways in 2017, amounting to a 6.3% decrease. However, the number of fatalities resulting from alcohol-related crashes increased to 307 from 288 crashes from the year before, an increase of 6.6%. Significant national findings from the NHTSA report include:

  • 36,560 people were killed on U.S. highways and streets
  • Cyclist deaths rose by 6.3%
  • Pedestrian fatalities increased by 3.4%
  • Deaths involving big trucks rose by 0.8%
  • Alcohol-related fatalities fell by 3.6%
  • Motorcyclist fatalities decreased by 4.7%

Pedestrian and cyclist deaths on the rise

Safety advocates say the 2018 report shows a disturbing upward trend for pedestrian and cyclist deaths. Across the country, each day, nearly 17 pedestrians and two cyclists are killed in crashes. Pedestrian deaths rose to 6,283 last year. They mainly attribute this to distracted drivers and the failure of federal, state and local governments to increase safety standards.

In addition to nearly 1,000 traffic deaths each day in the U.S., approximately 10,000 more are injured daily in motor vehicle crashes. Many suffer permanent or long-lasting physical and financial effects. If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, an experienced personal injury attorney here in New York can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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