Troubling Increase in Police Pursuits and Crashes
Currently, New York City is experiencing a dramatic spike in police pursuits that have ended in car crashes, posing significant risks to public safety. According to an analysis of NYPD data, 398 vehicle crashes occurred as a result of police chases in the first 11 months of 2024 alone. As reported recently in The City, this translates to more than one crash per day, marking a 47% increase in injuries compared to the same period last year.
New York City Car Accidents from Police Chases
According to the open data, New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) motor vehicle chases occurred 304 times in the first three months of 2024, an approximately 600% increase from the same period last year, according to an analysis of vehicle pursuit calls conducted from the NYPD 911 data. The rather stark rise in crashes coincides with the NYPD’s leadership changes under Mayor Eric Adams, particularly with John Chell’s promotion to Chief of Patrol and Jeffrey Maddrey’s appointment as Chief of Department. In fact, NYPD car chases took off as soon as Chief Chell assumed his position of command.
The data highlights a shift in pursuit policies and outcomes that directly impact drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in New York City. Though we appreciate the need to make our streets safer and properly address criminal safety concerns, high speed chases put innocent people in serious jeopardy.
Key Statistics on Police Pursuits and Crashes
- Crashes Linked to Police Chases: 398 crashes in NYC occurred between January and November 2024, compared to 270 crashes in the same period in 2023.
- Injuries: 315 individuals were injured in police pursuit-related crashes, up from 215 in the previous year.
- Pursuits Leading to Collisions: Nearly 1 in 4 police pursuits results in a collision, according to public NYPD data.
What makes this trend concerning is that car chases often occur in densely populated areas of the city where the risk to innocent bystanders is exponentially higher. The NYPD reported 1,523 pursuits in the first nine months of 2024 alone—a 47% increase compared to 2023.
Fatalities: The Hidden Impact
While the NYPD’s public data claims no deaths have occurred since 2014, independent media reviews tell a different story. At least 13 people were killed or sustained fatal injuries during police pursuits over the past two years. This discrepancy raises questions about the transparency and accuracy of NYPD reporting.
For example:
- In May 2024, a driver fleeing the NYPD crashed into a Honda Pilot in Bushwick. Micah Dukes, a 29-year-old passenger, died from injuries sustained in the crash.
- In October 2024, 36 year old Amanda Servedio was struck and killed by a truck that police officers were pursuing in Queens.
- In December 2023, Tiana Rodriguez, a 21-year-old passenger in a Lamborghini fleeing a red-light violation, was killed when the car struck an elevated train pillar in Inwood, Manhattan.
These tragic cases emphasize that the true human cost of police pursuits is often understated. Moreover, there is no need to put the general public at such great risk, cause innocent people to suffer or die, and expose the city to liability.
Public Safety Concerns and Advocacy Response
Traffic safety advocates, such as Transportation Alternatives, are rightly alarmed by the rising crash numbers. Alexa Sledge, a spokesperson for the organization, stated:
“When so many people think of police activities and police chases, people think about officers doing that to keep New Yorkers safe. But at the end of the day, nothing can really keep us safe if it’s leading to completely preventable losses, crashes, and serious injuries.” Advocates argue that better policies and accountability are needed to reduce unnecessary police chases, which disproportionately endanger innocent people.
NYPD Pursuit Policy: Is It Enough?
The New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) policy on vehicle pursuits is outlined in Patrol Guide Procedure 221-15, titled “Vehicle Pursuits.” This procedure provides guidelines for initiating, conducting, and terminating vehicle pursuits to ensure the safety of officers and the public.
Key Points of Patrol Guide Procedure 221-15:
- Initiation of Pursuit: Officers must assess factors such as the nature of the offense, time of day, weather conditions, location, population density, and the capabilities of the department vehicle before initiating a pursuit. The decision to pursue should be made with careful consideration of these factors to minimize risk.
- Communication: Upon initiating a pursuit, officers are required to notify the radio dispatcher, providing details including their location, the pursued vehicle’s description and direction, the nature of the offense, and information about the occupants. Maintaining clear and concise communication is essential throughout the pursuit.
- Supervisory Oversight: A patrol supervisor is responsible for directing and controlling the pursuit, monitoring radio transmissions, and making decisions regarding the continuation or termination of the pursuit. The supervisor must evaluate the situation continuously to ensure it aligns with department policies and public safety considerations.
- Termination of Pursuit: The procedure mandates that a vehicle pursuit must be terminated whenever the risks to officers and the public outweigh the danger to the community if the suspect is not immediately apprehended. This decision is crucial to prevent unnecessary harm.
- Prohibited Tactics: Certain tactics are explicitly prohibited during pursuits, including ramming the suspect’s vehicle, positioning a moving department vehicle to be struck, driving alongside the pursued vehicle, and establishing roadblocks without specific supervisory direction. These prohibitions are in place to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
In response to concerns from the families who lost loved ones, injured individuals, attorneys, media, NYC Council members and advocates, the NYPD reiterated its pursuit policy in an internal memo issued in August 2024. The policy states:
“A vehicle pursuit must be terminated whenever the risks to members of the service and the public outweigh the danger to the community if the suspect is not immediately apprehended.”
Despite this policy on the books, the data reveals that crashes peaked at 53 incidents in June 2024, far exceeding historical norms. For comparison, between 2017 and 2021, monthly crashes from police chases rarely exceeded 11 incidents.
The Broader Picture: Car Accidents in New York
Moreover, the surge in police pursuit crashes comes amid an already high rate of motor vehicle accidents across New York City and the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Fatal crashes: Over 42,795 people died in car crashes across the U.S. in 2022, a slight decline from 2021.
- Urban Areas: Urban areas, like New York City, experience a higher number of crashes due to dense traffic and pedestrian activity.
In New York State specifically, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee reported that over 290,000 motor vehicle crashes occur annually, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Police Pursuit Crashes
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a police pursuit, you have legal options to pursue compensation. Victims of police pursuit-related crashes often suffer significant injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Holding the parties responsible is accountable requires an experienced legal team.
Our law office specializes in representing victims of car accidents, including those involving law enforcement vehicles. We can help you:
- Investigate the circumstances of the crash.
- Identify potential violations of police policies or procedures.
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Us Today
The increase in police pursuit crashes highlights the need for accountability and improved public safety measures. If you’ve been affected by a car accident involving a police chase, contact our experienced team at Giordano Law Offices for a free consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Call or text us us today or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation at (646) 217-0749.