New York car accident statistics reveal various patterns and trends regarding traffic accidents and safety within the state. Although many accidents result in minor property damage and injuries, some can be life-altering and even deadly.
A look at the most recent statistics can help show trends in the types of New York car crashes, injuries, fatalities, severity and other helpful information. In the event of an accident, a Long Island personal injury attorney can help New York drivers recover compensation for their damages.
Overview of New York Car Accident Statistics
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), the latest statistics from 2011 indicate that the total number of New York car crashes was 307,550. Of those, 1,077 were fatal and 128,036 caused injury.
The number of drivers involved was 505,648 and the number of occupants was 708,256. Of the total number of crashes in 2011, those involving pedestrians totaled 15,928 and those involving bicycles totaled 6,076.
Most New York car crashes were two-vehicle accidents (187,097). The number of single vehicle crashes was 98,836 and the number of accidents involving three or more vehicles was 21,617.
A Look at New York Car Crashes Causing Injuries
The total number of persons injured in New York car crashes in 2011 was 177,445:
- drivers – 106,335;
- passengers – 48,677;
- pedestrians – 15,689;
- bicyclists – 5,883; and
- other – 861.
Most injury crashes occurred on Friday and Wednesday. The time of day in which most of these took place was between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
According to New York car accident statistics regarding the severity of these injury crashes, most were minor (84,836). Injuries considered moderate totaled 17,427 and those considered serious totaled 10,055. Those involved in injury crashes may consult a Long Island personal injury attorney can help pursue a New York injury claim to recover financial damages.
A Look at New York Car Crashes Causing Death
The total number of persons killed in crashes was 1,153 in 2011 according to the New York car accident statistics:
- drivers – 597;
- pedestrians – 296;
- passengers – 203; and
- bicyclists – 57.
Most fatal accidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday. The time of day in which most deaths over the weekend occurred was between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Families of those killed may pursue wrongful death cases with help from Long Island personal injury attorneys who can assist New York families in filing the claim, collecting evidence, and more.
Common Causes of New York Car Crashes
The New York car accident statistics from the DMV also examined causes of accidents.
The following are the top five causes of car accidents stemming from human factors:
- driver distraction/inattention – 49,917;
- following vehicle too closely – 42,700;
- failure to yield right-of-way – 39,417;
- unsafe speed – 27,547; and
- improper lane usage/passing – 12,534.
The following are the top five known causes of car accidents stemming from vehicular factors:
- ‘other’ vehicular factors – 5,160;
- defective brakes – 1,913;
- tire failure/inadequate – 1,630;
- oversized vehicle – 836; and
- steering failure – 639.
The following are the top five causes of car accidents stemming from environmental factors:
- slippery pavement – 24,995;
- animal involvement – 22,645;
- obstructed/limited view – 5,645;
- glare – 2,454; and
- debris/obstruction – 2,157.
New York Car Accident Statistics Based on Age and Gender
More males died in car accidents than females (1,116 deaths compared to 362). The same is true for injuries. Males accounted for 129,766 and females 84,186.
The age group among males that accounted for most deaths was 25 to 29 year olds (123) and then 21 to 24 year olds (118). For females it was both 21 to 24 year olds and 25 to 29 year olds, tied at 35 deaths. The second highest age group for females was 50 to 54 year olds (34).
Accounting for most injuries, the age group most affected among males was also 25 to 29 year olds (14,089) and then 45 to 49 year olds (13,521). For females it was 25 to 29 year olds (9,794). The second highest age group for females was 21 to 24 year olds (9,016).
Help from a Long Island Personal Injury Attorney
Regardless of what the New York car accident statistics say, if you’re in a car crash and in need of legal assistance in Long Island, contact a personal injury attorney in New York atGacovino, Lake and Associates.
