Nassau County Police were dispatched to a serious vehicular collision on Long Island, marking yet another instance in a worrying trend of increasing traffic fatalities within the state. A recent analysis by the state highlights the magnitude of the situation, showing a notable rise in fatal incidents corresponding with a disturbing uptick in hazardous driving behaviors like speeding and DUI offenses since the onset of the pandemic.
New York has seen a marked rise in traffic-related deaths over the past few years, with a 26% jump in fatalities from 2019 to 2022. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 1,175 road deaths statewide last year, the highest recorded in a decade, while national fatalities surged by almost 17% during the same timeframe.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli emphasized in the report the paradox of increasing traffic fatalities despite fewer drivers and advances in vehicle safety. The report pointed out Long Island as a hotspot with 245 fatalities in 2022, led by Suffolk County’s 164 deaths and followed by 81 in Nassau County.
Factors such as driver distraction, speeding, intoxication, and failure to use seatbelts were identified as leading causes behind the fatal crashes. In particular, Suffolk County ranked foremost in the state for fatal accidents involving these risky driving behaviors.
Source: Newsday
