NYC Began 2022 With Most Traffic Deaths In Years, Data Show

NEW YORK CITY — New York City's streets as 2022 dawned reached their deadliest level in years, according to staggering new traffic data.

Traffic fatalities claimed the lives of 59 people, young and old alike, during the first three months this year, data released Wednesday by Transportation Alternatives shows.

The deaths eclipsed several grim milestones, according to the data.

Fatalities from traffic increased 44 percent from the same point last year — and it was the deadliest start to any year since the city launched its Vision Zero safety effort in 2014, the data shows.

The deaths included Jack Mikulincer, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor who was struck by a BMW in February while crossing the street in his electric wheelchair.

“My grandfather survived the horrors of the the Holocaust, but was not able to cross the street in his neighborhood," said Elke Weiss, a member of Families for Safe Streets, in a statement. "Crossing the street should not be a life-or-death risk."

Young New Yorkers weren't spared either, the data shows.

Vision Zero envisions streets so safe that no one dies, yet 2022 began with crashes claiming the lives of more children — eight — than any year since the effort began, according to the data.

Overall, traffic fatalities this year are on pace to eclipse those in 2021 — the city's deadliest year since Vision Zero, data shows.

The data covers Mayor Eric Adams' first three months in office, which has seen violence of all sorts — whether from traffic or the barrel of a gun — increased.

Advocates such as Transportation Alternatives have been heartened by Adams' promises to redesign intersections and upgrade protected bike lanes. But Danny Harris, the group's executive director, also pressed the mayor to effectively back up the talk with cash.

"The Mayor must include the City Council’s $3.1 billion ask to fund the NYC Streets Plan in the City’s final budget, while working with DOT to fast-track redesigns of dangerous corridors and redesign 1,000 intersections," Harris said in a statement. "Finally, Albany must grant New York City home rule over traffic safety so we can make immediate use of the lifesaving effectiveness of our existing red light and speed safety camera programs. In this time of crisis, New York City needs more groundbreakings — not vigils."