Most Dangerous Roadways in New York

Some New Yorkers have lived in New York City their entire lives without getting a driver's license. Given the number of cars, pedestrians, and cyclists jostling for space on the narrow lanes of its crowded streets, it's unsurprising that some of the most dangerous roads in the country for pedestrians are here.

Most pedestrian accidents in NYC happen on multilane thoroughfares. So, while traveling, you're safer sticking to side streets.

The Most Dangerous Roadways for Pedestrians in the New York City Metro Area

NYC was not designed to handle the amount of traffic it endures now. To help you get around safely, FindLaw has created this guide to the most dangerous roads for pedestrians in New York City.

While the Vision Zero program has done wonders in decreasing traffic-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, the sheer volume of people in the metro area will always cause road-related problems. Commuters coming across the Hudson from New Jersey add to the congestion and car accidents.

Long Island

Hempstead Turnpike

The 16-mile stretch of the Hempstead Turnpike on Long Island may be the single most dangerous road in New York City. Between speeding drivers, lack of crosswalks, and the appalling condition of the asphalt, SR-24 claims the death of pedestrians and motorists alike.

The city made some changes to make it safer, like pedestrian countdown timers. If you can't avoid walking along this road, make sure you don't jaywalk and always heed the crosswalk signals.

Sunrise Highway

Like the Hempstead Turnpike, another east-west roadway in Long Island is deadly for pedestrians. SR-27 suffers from a lack of sidewalks and atrocious road conditions. Those include long stretches of darkness where streetlights have burned out and weren't replaced. Try to avoid this road near Green Acres Mall, in particular.

Jericho Turnpike/Middle County Road

With a history of being dangerous for pedestrians, Jericho Turnpike remains a problem for people to navigate. Intricate road patterns, heavy traffic, and many businesses and shopping centers keep this roadway a source of injuries and deaths.

Manhattan

Upper Broadway

Thirteen people died on Broadway between 2008 and 2010, and almost all have happened above 96th Street. In particular, avoid Washington Heights, where motorists accessing the George Washington Bridge are often distracted from battling heavy traffic.

Henry Hudson Parkway

The view of the Hudson River is incredible. But, the road, which links Manhattan to the Bronx before heading up to New York State with the Henry Hudson Bridge, features three lanes in each direction and no traffic lights. It has a history of being an extremely dangerous parkway.

Bronx

East 138th Street

East 138th Street holds the dubious honor of being considered the most dangerous street for pedestrians in the NYC Metro area. Between 2014 and 2023, 12 people died on the 1.5-mile stretch.

Grand Concourse

The biggest risk on Grand Concourse is crossing the street without the benefit of a crosswalk. This wide road encourages people to drive at high speeds and makes it difficult to cross safely.

Brooklyn

Neptune Avenue

As one of the shortest roads on this list, Neptune Avenue has an alarming fatality-per-mile ratio. Cycling is also dangerous in this area, and it only gets worse with increased Coney Island beach crowds and traffic during the summer months.

Queens

Woodhaven Boulevard

The so-called "Boulevard of Death," Queens Boulevard, has not lived up to its unfortunate reputation in recent years. Instead, Woodhaven Boulevard has claimed the lives of many pedestrians. Lack of lighting is a major issue, and pedestrians should avoid the intersection at Jamaica Avenue if they can.

Staten Island

Hylan Boulevard

Compared to other boroughs, Staten Island is fairly safe for pedestrians. The notable exception is Hylan Boulevard, known as the borough's own Boulevard of Death.

Have You Been in a Pedestrian Accident? Speak With an Attorney

There are things you can do to reduce the chance of being hit by a car while walking on New York City streets:

• Avoid distraction
• Cross only in crosswalks
• Obey traffic signals
• Be extra careful between 8 p.m. and midnight

Your safety isn't guaranteed, though. The Big Apple is home to some of the nation's deadliest streets.

If you get struck by a car and feel the driver was at fault, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer. As legal experts, they can examine your situation and determine if you can recover damages.