Over the last decade or so, fatal traffic crashes are on the rise, according to a report from New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office. Some of the most frequent cases are in the Capital Region and the North Country.

However, in many cases, the deaths, and even the crashes themselves, could have been prevented.

What You Need To Know

  • Fatal traffic crashes in New York State are up nearly 26% from 2019-2022, according to a comptroller's report

  • A third of fatal crashes are a result of speeding, another third are a result of drinking, and in 64% of them, a seat belt or helmet (motorcycle) was not being used

  • State police say those crashes could be avoided and people need to slow down, respect road conditions, the laws and each other

“Best case scenario is that it's only property that is being damaged, because cars and property can always be replaced and people can not,” said New York State Police Troop D Public Information Officer Jennifer Jiron.

Jiron responds to almost all major crashes within her region, Troop D.

“We have to process those emotions as well. Then we have to tell family members that their loved one has passed away,” Jiron explained.

The recent comptroller's report shows fatal crashes in New York rose nearly 26% from 2019 to 2022. Nationwide, that number is 17%.

In 2022 alone, there were 1,175 traffic deaths in New York, despite a decrease in miles traveled and overall crashes.

“One is always too many. We want everybody to get to their destination as safely as possible,” Jiron said.

Looking closer by region, the information is even more eye-opening. For every 100,000 people, roughly six died in a traffic crash. The numbers increase outside of New York City, where many do not have a car. In 2022, 8.2 died in Western New York, seven in Central New York and 10.7 in the Capital Region. However, nearly 13 died in the North Country, the highest in the state.

“Rural roads up in the North Country are a lot smaller. You have to be able to share the roadway,” Jiron said.

From small back roads to darkness and winter, some crashes are unpreventable.

Also shown in the comptroller's report, approximately one in three deaths in New York involved speeding. Another one in three involved drinking. In 64% of the crashes, the person who died was not wearing a seat belt, or in the case of a motorcycle, a helmet.

Distracted driving is also a factor.

“It’s a human life. It's somebody's family member, somebody's friend,” Jiron said of those in a vehicle.

The federal government has allocated more than $640 million over five years to enhance traffic safety. DiNapoli is now urging the state and its lawmakers to give local governments the ability to adjust speed limits to reduce crashes.