Between 2001 and 2010, 3,923 people died in New York City traffic accidents. During that same time, 3,882 people were killed by guns. These numbers make it clear that cars are more dangerous than guns. Despite that, only about 10 percent of serious car accidents are investigated by New York City police.
Recently, a transit advocacy group gathered to urge city leaders to concentrate more efforts on reducing fatal car accidents and investigating them further when they do happen.
“The NYPD must prioritize the crimes that hurt the most people,” one advocate said.
According to reports, the NYPD has 19 detectives devoted to investigating accidents. However, most of the time they only go to the scene of an accident if someone has died or is expected to die.
Nearly one year ago, a 28-year-old woman was killed in an accident as she attempted to cross Dekalb and Vanderbilt. The woman’s husband recently filed a lawsuit against the NYPD for the lack of action they took in investigating her untimely death.
People know that guns are dangerous, but many people forget how dangerous cars can be. A car accident can leave people with debilitating injuries. Many times people do not survive car accidents.
Although some argue that police should do more to prevent fatal accidents from happening, drivers must also do all that they can to keep New York City streets safe. A negligent driver puts themselves and other motorists in danger. People aren’t likely to stand in front of someone holding a loaded weapon. However, negligent drivers remain on the streets creating dangerous conditions for others.
Source: Metro, “Cars kills more New Yorkers than guns” Alison Bowen, June 11, 2012