Reckless Driving Causes More Roadway Deaths on City Roads Than Rural Roads

Why are serious car accidents becoming more common in cities like the Bronx?

Car accidents on urban roads have become increasingly more common in recent years across the country and in New York, according to a recent study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

This shift toward more crashes in urban versus rural areas is no surprise to the Bronx car accident attorneys at Giampa Law. Our legal team has seen first-hand the devastation caused by negligent drivers on all types of roads. That’s why we’re focused on fighting for the rights of injury victims and holding reckless drivers accountable through the civil justice system.

Which types of roads are the most dangerous?

For many years, motor vehicle accidents were more common on rural roads and highways than on city streets in urban areas. But that has changed in the past decade, according to car accident statistics nationwide.

Between 2010 and 2019, car accident fatalities in urban areas increased by 34 percent, according to the recent AAA study based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) accident data. In contrast, motor vehicle accident deaths decreased by 10 percent in rural areas during the same period.

In 2019, more people were killed in car accidents in urban locations (19,595 deaths that year) nationwide compared to rural roads and highways (16,340 fatalities in 2019), according to the AAA study.

Car accidents are happening more on urban roads in New York.

Like the rest of the country, there’s been a similar shift toward more car accident deaths on city streets in New York versus rural roads around the state.

Between 2011 and 2019, car accident fatalities on rural roads in New York fell by 46.2 percent, from 534 deaths in 2011 to 287 deaths in 2019, according to NHTSA data.

In contrast, deaths on city roads in New York increased by 19.1 percent, from 637 fatalities in 2011 to 759 deaths in 2019.

Why are car accidents on the rise in urban areas?

According to AAA officials, part of the shift to more crashes on city roads concerns the wider range of people using the same roads in urban areas versus rural areas.

“Many urban streets in metropolitan areas are busier, with a mix of road users such as drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists,” Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, said in an interview with Fox News.

Other major contributing factors include speeding and distracted driving. This is why AAA officials recommended lowering the speed limits on city streets and roads where speed-related accidents have increased in recent years.

Negligent drivers need to be held accountable.

Car accidents happen fast in New York City. As a result, injury victims need to act fast as well. If you don’t, you might not get the money you rightfully deserve for your injury-related expenses, which can add up fast after a serious car crash.

We know what’s at stake at Giampa Law. That’s because our legal team has been fighting for the rights of injury victims and their families for years. We know how the legal system works in New York, and we won’t waste a minute getting to work on your potential claim or lawsuit.

In addition, we handle injury claims throughout New York on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we obtain a financial settlement or verdict for you.

Learn more about your legal rights. Contact us and schedule a free consultation to see how an experienced Bronx car accident attorney can help you.