New York State, with its bustling cities and sprawling highways, presents a unique challenge for road safety. Recent data reveals a concerning trend: from 2019 to 2022, traffic fatalities in New York surged by 23%, with the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increasing by 39% despite a 9% decrease in vehicle travel. This increase in fatalities highlights a worrying trend of riskier driving behaviors amidst changing driving patterns, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. New York's high rate of seat belt usage, at approximately 93%, contrasts with the fact that it had the highest percentage of restrained car occupant fatalities in the U.S., pointing to the severity of accidents that occur.
Speeding emerges as a primary concern, being a contributing factor in 28% of fatal accidents across New York from 2017 to 2019. Drunk driving is also a significant issue, involved in 20% of fatal accidents in the same period. In New York City, the bustling urban environment adds layers of complexity to driving, with distracted driving leading the list of causes for accidents, closely followed by issues like following too closely and failing to yield the right of way. The diversity of New York's landscape, from dense urban areas to remote mountainous regions, presents unique challenges for drivers.
Speeding emerges as a primary concern, being a contributing factor in 28% of fatal accidents across New York from 2017 to 2019. Drunk driving is also a significant issue, involved in 20% of fatal accidents in the same period. In New York City, the bustling urban environment adds layers of complexity to driving, with distracted driving leading the list of causes for accidents, closely followed by issues like following too closely and failing to yield the right of way. The diversity of New York's landscape, from dense urban areas to remote mountainous regions, presents unique challenges for drivers.
New York's bustling streets and complex road networks contribute to its challenging driving conditions, making certain roads particularly hazardous. Based on an analysis of fatal crashes from 2017 to 2019, the top five most dangerous roads in New York are characterized by a high frequency of accidents and fatalities. These roads include:
That said, New York stands as one of the top 5 states in the US with the fewest fatal accidents per 100,000 people.
Following a car accident in New York, a comprehensive and methodical approach is crucial for ensuring your safety, fulfilling legal obligations, and safeguarding your interests. The steps outlined below are designed to guide you through the immediate aftermath of a collision:
Firstly, move to a safe location to avoid further accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions or heavy traffic. Use hazard lights, safety cones, or flares to warn other motorists if your vehicle poses a hazard where it cannot be moved.
Dial 911 immediately to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. This step is vital for obtaining necessary medical assistance and fulfills the legal requirements to report the incident.
Individuals are encouraged to get the names and contact information of witnesses of the accident. Ask them to wait for law enforcement or take their contact details if they cannot. In addition, it is advisable to take pictures of the scene, vehicles, and any injuries. Include all license plates involved in the collision and ensure the pictures cover the roadway where the accident occurred.
Documenting the scene thoroughly can be invaluable. Take extensive photos and videos capturing vehicle positions, visible damages, injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. Note down the time, date, and exact location of the crash.
Exchange vital details with the other driver, such as names, contact information, driver's license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registrations. This information is critical for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
If there are witnesses, collect their contact information. Objective accounts of the accident can significantly impact insurance claims and legal proceedings.
New York law mandates reporting any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days. You need to fill out this form. Failure to report can lead to penalties, including the suspension of your driving license.
All New York drivers must have auto insurance, so notify your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide them with the gathered information, but avoid admitting fault or liability until you have consulted with a legal professional.
Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney, especially if the accident involves significant damages, injuries, or potential disputes over fault. Legal advice can help you navigate the complexities of insurance negotiations and protect your rights.
Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not manifest immediately. A thorough medical examination can uncover hidden injuries and provide a record that links them directly to the accident.
Compile a file of all documents related to the accident, including police reports, medical records, correspondence with insurance companies, and any legal documents. These records are essential for insurance claims and legal matters.
Age RequirementTo drive in New York State, you must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver's license or learner permit from New York or a valid license from another state or country.
Residency RequirementNew residents must obtain a New York State driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you have a valid license from another U.S. state, territory, or Canadian province, you may be eligible to exchange it for a New York license.
Seat Belt LawsNew York requires all front-seat occupants to wear seat belts. The state also mandates that it is mandatory for all back-seat passengers under 16 years old to wear seat belts or child safety restraint systems. New York employs primary enforcement for its seat belt law, meaning you can be pulled over and ticketed for not wearing a seat belt.
Child Passenger Safety LawsChildren must be in an appropriate child restraint system until their 8th birthday. This includes car seats or booster seats that are federally approved and appropriate for the child's age, weight, and height.
Headlight UseDrivers must use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, during poor visibility conditions, or whenever windshield wipers are in use due to precipitation.
Hands-Free LawNew York prohibits all drivers from using portable electronic devices while driving. This includes talking on a handheld mobile phone, texting, emailing, and browsing the internet. The use of hands-free devices is allowed.
Drunk Driving LawsDriving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal in New York. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, there is a zero-tolerance law, meaning any detectable alcohol can lead to penalties.
Right on RedIn New York City, turning right on red is prohibited unless a sign explicitly allows it. This rule differs from many other areas where right on red is permitted after a complete stop, provided the way is clear, and no signs prohibit the turn.
Move Over LawWhen drivers encounter an emergency vehicle parked on the roadside with its lights flashing, they are required to reduce speed and, if feasible and safe, change lanes to provide a buffer zone.
Safety InstructionsAll vehicles registered in New York must get a safety/emissions check every 12 months, at least before the current sticker expires.
New York's traffic laws include some unusual ones that might surprise you. For instance: