Daily life in New York City involves walking through its packed streets; however, certain paths can pose potentially fatal hazards. Since the implementation of the “Vision Zero” program, the overall number of traffic fatalities has declined, particularly during the initial five years.

However, there has been a recent upward trend in these numbers. Consequently, in 2024, we observed a concerning increase in pedestrian accidents. Being aware of the most dangerous streets can be crucial for residents, commuters, and visitors.

At Greenberg & Stein P.C., we are aware of the profoundly traumatic nature of these accidents and are committed to assisting pedestrians who have been injured to obtain justice.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Common in New York City?

Several factors contribute to the dangers pedestrians face in New York City:

• Speeding: This behavior is encouraged by wide, direct roads, which results in an increase in both the frequency and severity of accidents.
• Dangerous Intersections: In 2024, intersections lacking increased visibility (so-called “daylighting”) were the site of up to 90% of pedestrian fatalities.
• Increase in the size of vehicles: In early 2024, SUVs and vehicles were accountable for 94% of non-motorist fatalities.
• Pandemic-era reversal. After record lows in 2018 and improvements through 2023, 2024 saw pedestrian fatalities increase by around 21–27% compared to 2023.
• Vision Zero’s uneven reach: Although the number of fatalities has decreased as a result of enhanced street safety, the impact on marginalized neighborhoods is still more gradual.

Vision Zero Progress

• In Q1 2025, the citywide traffic death toll dropped to just 41, the lowest since 2018, from 65 in Q1 2024.
• Since 2014, DOT has reduced pedestrian fatalities by ~40–45% in various boroughs via redesigns and safety infrastructure.

All these factors have made New York City a riskier place for pedestrians. Programs like “Vision Zero” were able to reduce the number of traffic accidents, but there is still much work to be done.

The Top 7 Most Dangerous Streets for Pedestrians in 2025

In New York City, certain intersections are notorious for their heightened danger. Factors such as high traffic volume, poor design, and limited visibility contribute to the risks associated with these intersections.

1. Queens Boulevard, Queens

A notorious “Boulevard of Death,” its vast width (up to 200 ft) and heavy traffic make it perilous. 

High-risk intersections include:

• Woodhaven Boulevard: ~80 accidents in 2023. 
• Skillman Avenue: ~65 accidents. 
• Jackson Avenue, 39th Street, and 57th Avenue: among the top with 9–15 crashes each in 2021. 
• Yellowstone Boulevard: Light timing issues cause backups and dangerous pedestrian moments.

DOT has added crosswalk countdown timers, pedestrian islands, recalibrated lights, and protected bike lanes—the final phase was completed in Nov 2024, resulting in a 68% drop in fatalities and 35% fewer injuries.

2. Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn

Despite Vision Zero efforts, there have been approximately 20 deaths and 2,400 injuries since 2012. A catastrophic 2025 multi-fatality crash at the Quentin Road intersection highlighted reoccurring issues: speeding, red-light running, and the lack of cameras.

3. McGuinness Boulevard, Brooklyn

McGuinness Boulevard is known for being dangerous for pedestrians. A car struck a 70-year-old woman in 2022 while she was crossing McGuinness Boulevard between Norman and Meserole Avenues. Community advocates continue to urge for a complete road diet and redesigned crossings; however, the Department of Transportation’s implementation remains incomplete.

4. Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn

Designated as a Vision Zero “priority corridor,” this area features wide lanes and inconsistent signal upgrades, which create hazards at major junctions such as Grand Army Plaza, Franklin Avenue, and Buffalo Avenue. There have been documented fatal crashes at these intersections.

5. Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn/Queens

Dubbed “the new Boulevard of Death” by advocates, this stretch has experienced approximately 40 deaths over the past decade. It is particularly hazardous between Flatbush Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, where wide, fast-moving traffic encounters a scarcity of crosswalks.

6. Grand Concourse, Bronx

A major thoroughfare experiences frequent fatalities. Data from the Department of Transportation highlights dangerous intersections, including Fordham Road, Kingsbridge Road, and Burnside Avenue, where the absence of curb extensions and high-speed turns contribute to serious crashes.

7. Broadway, Manhattan

High pedestrian volumes intersect with fast-moving traffic. Notable hotspots include Times Square (7th Ave. and 42nd St.), which is often crowded and chaotic, and Union Square, where bicyclists, vehicles, and pedestrians frequently experience close calls.

What Makes These Streets So Dangerous for Pedestrians?

Typically, we may perceive these intersections as especially hazardous due to high traffic volume. However, other factors also contribute to the increased risks associated with these crossings.

• Overbuilt design: Wide multi-lane roads with long signal cycles and distant crosswalks turn pedestrian crossings into dangerous obstacles.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Despite the presence of speed limits and traffic cameras, drivers frequently accelerate between enforcement points.
• Lack of infrastructural safety features: Numerous high-risk intersections are missing critical safety elements, such as daylighting, curb extensions, speed humps, and pedestrian refuge islands.
• Truck and SUV dominance: Larger vehicles tend to be disproportionately dangerous, contributing to the majority of fatalities among non-motorists.
• Insufficient upgrades: Even within Vision Zero corridors, the implementation of required safety improvements often falls behind, leaving some streets only partially safe.

The lack of safety measures not only endangers pedestrians and cyclists but also undermines the goals of Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities. To truly improve road safety, a more complete approach that addresses these deficiencies is essential, ensuring that every part of the infrastructure is designed with all users in mind.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a New York City Pedestrian Accident?

In a New York City pedestrian accident, several parties may be held liable, including the driver of the vehicle, the city for poorly maintained roads or signage, and even pedestrians if they were jaywalking or otherwise violating traffic laws. Determining liability often requires an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

1. The driver: They may be liable for negligence due to speeding, reckless driving, failure to yield, distracted driving, DUI, and more.
2. Vehicle owner: If they consented to the driver’s actions or were aware of their unsafe behavior, they may share liability.
3. Fleet companies: Employers of commercial drivers could be vicariously liable under the principle of “respondeat superior.”
4. Government entities: Agencies like the NYC Department of Transportation or the State may be held responsible if inadequate road design or absent safety features contributed to the crash.
5. Vehicle or component manufacturers: In rare instances, liability may arise from defective parts or safety systems.

In New York City, a pedestrian harmed in a crosswalk usually has the right of way, shifting the responsibility to the driver and insurance companies. Stumbling on unequal sidewalks or missing signals? That may implicate municipal liability in some cases. Greenberg & Stein P.C. thoroughly evaluates all potential sources of responsibility, including unsafe roads and intersections.

Injured on One of New York City’s Most Dangerous Streets? Get a Legal Expert Now

If you or a loved one has been hurt while walking down a street in New York City, you should be aware that you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries—ranging from fractures and brain trauma to long-term disability or even fatalities—and victims are frequently left dealing with not only physical pain but also emotional turmoil and financial burden.

At Greenberg & Stein, P.C., we have decades of experience representing injured pedestrians across the five boroughs. We understand the unique challenges of New York City’s traffic patterns, infrastructure flaws, and liability laws. Our legal team is prepared to investigate the details of your accident, gather necessary evidence, and fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 212-681-2535 to schedule a free consultation to review your case.