Utica Road Safety Overview
Road safety is an important consideration in cities of all sizes, even smaller urban areas like Utica. However, a car accident in Utica can cause injuries as severe as those in New York City or Buffalo. The more you understand the frequency and way accidents and injuries around Utica’s streets occur, the better you can adjust your behaviors to protect yourself.
Car Accident Stats for Utica, NY
In a recent year, the Utica Police Department recorded 2,709 total traffic collisions, including 1,745 property damage crashes, 458 personal injury accidents, and six fatal collisions
Assuming the data represents an average year for Utica, this data paints a surprising picture of how frequently car wrecks can happen:
- Approximately 150 property damage-only crashes occur each month, or about five per day
- About one crash per day, or 30 every month, leaves at least one person injured
- A roadway fatality happens about every two months
Hit-and-run crashes are wrecks in which the at-fault vehicle flees the scene of a wreck without rendering aid to others or identifying themselves. Recently, 505 hit-and-run accidents were reported to the Utica Police Department. Hit-and-run wrecks can make it difficult for individuals who are seriously hurt to obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
These statistics do not account for the injuries inflicted on other roadway users, like pedestrians and bicyclists.
Where Do Fatal Accidents Happen?
Of the fatal traffic collisions recorded across Utica, one accident happened on each of these streets:
- Parkway East
- Albany Street
- State Street
- Genesee Street at Burrstone Road
- Between Columbia Street and Court Street
These locations highlight that fatal accidents in Utica can occur on major roads and neighborhood streets, underscoring the importance of staying alert no matter where you’re driving.
Reasons for Utica Car Wrecks
Police in Utica arrested 43 individuals for driving while impaired in a recent year. Impaired driving is a concern in Utica and New York in general, as drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause injury or fatal crashes because their ability to safely control their vehicles and see their surroundings is negatively affected.
However, impaired driving is not the only factor that can increase the likelihood of a crash.
Distracted Driving
In a dense urban area like Utica, drivers must pay attention to their surroundings at all times and watch for other traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians. A driver who looks at their cell phone or takes their eyes off the road for even a few seconds can inadvertently collide with another person. Food and drink can also distract a motorist if they spill while driving.
Speeding
Speeding is dangerous on interstates and highways, where elevated speeds increase the chances of a serious injury or fatal collision. However, speeding can also be hazardous in downtown, commercial, and residential areas. Drivers who speed cannot stop their vehicles as quickly in an emergency and will have less time to see and react to hazards they encounter.
Intersections
Intersections can be hazardous because traffic from different directions converges on a single point. At least one fatal accident in recent years happened at an Utica intersection. Drivers who forget the right-of-way rules or ignore traffic signs and signals can collide with others.
How Safe Are Utica’s Roads for Drivers?
The number of accidents that happen on Utica’s roads is not nearly as high as that for New York City or other larger metro areas. Nonetheless, the crashes that do occur in Utica can leave individuals with serious or fatal injuries. Just like drivers across New York, Utica motorists must drive carefully and avoid risky behaviors like speeding to reduce their chances of a wreck.