Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Children

Health Department: Car Crashes Remain Leading Injury Killer of NYC Kids

The blue line represents the total number of children killed by motorists. The brown, orange and peach lines line represent non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, and Hispanic victims, respectively. Graph: DOH
The blue line represents the total number of children killed by New York City motorists. The brown, orange and peach lines line represent black, white, and Latino victims, respectively. Graph: DOH
The blue line represents the total number of children killed by motorists. The brown, orange and peach lines line represent non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, and Hispanic victims, respectively. Graph: DOH

Fewer New York City children are dying in traffic, but car crashes continue to be the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among kids ages 1 to 12, according to an annual child mortality report issued by the Department of Health [PDF].

New York City motorists killed 44 children between 2009 and 2013, according to the DOH. That’s a decrease from 67 deaths between 2004 and 2008. Fires were the second leading cause of unintentional child injury death during the latest reporting period, with 16 fatalities between 2009 and 2013.

The report distinguishes between "unintentional" injury deaths and deaths that were classified as homicides and suicides.

The decline in deaths caused by motor vehicle collisions occurred mainly among black children, the DOH reports. However, disparities probably remain. The report doesn't spell out per capita traffic fatality rates by race or income, but kids living in the poorest neighborhoods are more likely to suffer unintentional fatal injuries, and the fatal injury rate among black children is higher than among white, Asian, or Latino children:

fatal_injury_rates

The 2015 child mortality report focused on traffic deaths and included a list of recommendations to make streets safer for kids, including expanding the city’s speed camera program. This year the DOH kept its traffic safety recommendations to two bullet points: one suggesting that officials "[p]romote policy and program initiatives for safer streets, such as street re-designs and focused enforcement to deter hazardous driving," and another advising parents to be "role models for safe walking."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

SEE IT: Mets Pitcher Sean Manaea Is Just Another Guy On The Subway

As the beloved Amazin's open a crucial homestead, we took a subway ride to Citi Field with a man on whose arm depends everything. The ride, at least, was no big deal for this veteran commuter.

September 12, 2025

DOT Canal Street Plan Adds Pedestrian Space, Bike Route, But Next Mayor Must Think Bigger

The changes are a good start, but Canal Street deserves a radical transformation.

September 12, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: In Spite of You Edition

A new report shows NYC DOT can accomplish a lot when the mayor cuts his meddling. Plus more news.

September 12, 2025

Jay Z-Backed Times Square Casino Shrinks Sidewalks and Bus Lanes to Serve More Cars

New Yorkers aren't only gambling with their future inside the casino: Developer SL Green wants to remove a bus lane and the 19-foot "super sidewalks" installed on Eighth Avenue just three years ago.

September 11, 2025

The Explainer: Council Seeks to Ban Sale of E-Bikes That Can Go 25MPH

A new city council bill would ban the sale of Class 3 e-bikes, which are only allowed in NYC and can reach speeds of 25 mph.

September 11, 2025

West Side Community Board Fails to Back Safety Over Parking

Oh, they're fine with safety ... as long as parking comes first. No, seriously, that's what they did.

September 11, 2025
See all posts