Statement from Transportation Alternatives after Traffic Violence Kills Three New Yorkers and Leaves Two Others Critically Injured over Thanksgiving Weekend
Traffic violence has killed 238 New Yorkers this year so far, which is 7% higher than the Vision Zero average.
Pedestrian deaths are up in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
76% of pedestrians killed this year were struck by SUVs, pickups, or other large vehicles.
NEW YORK — Over the holiday weekend, traffic violence killed three New Yorkers and left two others critically injured. Drivers struck four pedestrians in the Bronx and Brooklyn, killing three people. These tragedies underscore the alarming and persistent rise in pedestrian fatalities across the city — highlighting an urgent need for action to protect our most vulnerable residents.
There were three fatal crashes:
In the Bronx, a speeding sedan hit and killed 60-year-old Dwight Downer as he was standing next to a parked car in front of his home. The driver also hit an additional four vehicles at the scene.
In the Bronx, an SUV driver hit and killed 60-year-old Uddin Shahi as he was crossing the street in his neighborhood.
In Brooklyn, an SUV driver hit and killed 73-year-old Chana Layosh as she was crossing the street just steps from her home.
There were two crashes that left New Yorkers in critical condition:
In the Bronx, an SUV driver struck a person walking, leaving them with critical injuries.
In Brooklyn, a motorcyclist was struck and critically injured. The driver did not stop.
Pedestrian deaths are up in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Nineteen pedestrians have been killed in the Bronx — more than at this point in five of the past six years. Thirty-five pedestrians have been killed in Brooklyn — higher than in six of the past eight years. Twenty-seven pedestrians have been killed in Manhattan — higher than any in the past seven years, and 23% above the Vision Zero-era average. The 73-year-old killed in Midwood is the forty-second senior to be killed in traffic violence this year — half of the seniors killed this year were in Brooklyn.
All three New Yorkers who lost their lives over the weekend were killed in front of or near their homes.
Large vehicles, particularly SUVs, play a significant role in the rise of pedestrian deaths in our city. An alarming 76% of pedestrian fatalities so far this year were caused by SUVs, pickups, or other large vehicles. A pedestrian hit by a full-size SUV is twice as likely to die compared to being struck by a car. Meanwhile, e-bikes have not caused any pedestrian or cyclist fatalities in New York City this year.
The rise of traffic violence is not just a statistic; it’s a crisis impacting families, neighborhoods, and the very fabric of this city. The personal stories behind these numbers are heart-wrenching: parents who lose their children, elders who never make it home, and communities left reeling from preventable tragedies.
Statement from Philip Miatkowski, Interim Deputy Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives:
"Over the holiday weekend, traffic violence tragically claimed the lives of three New Yorkers and left two others critically injured. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities of everyone impacted by these acts of traffic violence.”
“New York is failing its residents — particularly those most vulnerable on our streets. The alarming increase in pedestrian fatalities and the deadly role of SUVs should serve as a wake-up call for all of us."
“We must act now. Our elected officials from City Hall to Albany need to prioritize safety and pass meaningful legislation that protects our communities. This includes daylighting intersections with curb extensions, and implementing lower speed limits to create safer streets for everyone.”
“We have the tools to ensure safety. It's time to act — New Yorkers can't wait.
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Families for Safe Streets members — crash survivors or loved ones of crash victims — are available for interviews upon request.
