The number of people killed in traffic collisions regionwide fell in 2007 over 2006 levels, according to preliminary data collected from the New York City DOT, NJ State Police and ConnDOT. 1,290 people were killed in crashes in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York City in 2007, down from about 1,400 in 2006. Regional pedestrian fatalities declined even more significantly in 2007, falling to 313 from 371 in 2006, a 15.6 percent drop.In New Jersey, the total number of people killed in collisions dropped to 717, the lowest figure in more than two decades. New York City also saw a dramatic decline in traffic fatalities, with the number of people killed falling 15.6 percent from last year. Just over 300 people were killed on Connecticut roadways in 2007, a slight decline from the number killed in 2006.

Both New Jersey and Connecticut showed double-digit declines in pedestrian fatalities over the period. The biggest drop in pedestrian deaths occurred in New York City, where pedestrian fatalities fell to 136, an all-time low. This good news, however, was tempered by the increase in bicyclist fatalities to 23 in 2007. Non-motorist fatalities have typically accounted for about half of NYC’s total traffic deaths. But this year, as driver and passenger deaths fell to 77 citywide (28 percent of deaths), pedestrians and bicyclists made up nearly 59 percent of the total. Only a huge jump in motorcyclist deaths (from 23 in 2006 to 35 in 2007) kept the balance between motorist and non-motorist deaths somewhat in place.

Traffic fatalities tend to fluctuate year-to-year, as represented in the graph above, and short-term statistical shifts may not reflect broader trends. However, improvements in automobile technology, emergency room care, and seat belt use have helped reduce traffic deaths over time–though historically these gains have been eroded by a steady increase in miles driven. With gas prices climbing above $3 per gallon, perhaps drivers are finally cutting back.

Regardless of the cause, the Campaign hopes that the recent trend represents a lasting shift in regional traffic safety, and not a blip. NJDOT has ramped up pedestrian safety spending since 2006 (see MTR # 566). Under Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, New York City DOT has worked to make make pedestrian and bicyclist safety a top priority (for example, the department recently announced a new Safe Routes for Seniors program and an expanded Safe Routes to Schools program). These efforts are clearly well-placed given the over-representation of pedestrians and cyclists in total traffic deaths.