18 The QUEE NS Courier • health • NOVEMBER 5, 2015 for breaking news visit www.qns.com ▶health Fewer deadly crashes on NYC streets since 2000: report by the QUENS COURIER STAFF editorial@queenscourier.com @queenscourier Deaths connected to traffic accidents on city streets have significantly dropped over a 13-year period, according to a report from the city Health Department released last week. The traffic-related fatality rate dropped from 4.5 per 100,000 New Yorkers in 2000 to 3.5 per 100,000 in 2013. That rate is about 1/3 the national rate. The Health Department cautioned that traffic crashes remain a leading cause of injury-related death in New York City, with about 300 such deaths occurring in 2013. Traffic-related fatalities are classified as any death resulting from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash, whether the victim is a driver, pedestrian, passenger, motorcyclist or bicyclist. The agency indicated that pedestrians accounted for 55 percent of all traffic-related fatalities during the study period; nationally, the majority of traffic deaths involve drivers of vehicles. It was noted that the data does not reflect various changes implemented by the city in its Vision Zero program, which was enacted in 2014 to make city streets safer to all who use them. Such changes included reducing the city speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph; installing more red light and speeding enforcement cameras; redesigning intersections and streets with a high number of accidents; increased traffic enforcement; and educational programs for local schoolchildren. “While last year we had the lowest number of pedestrian fatalities on record, we continue to enhance our efforts through Vision Zero to reduce the number of New Yorkers killed by traffic crashes to zero,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “Motor vehiclerelated deaths still lead child injury deaths in New York City, and this data brief supports the need for the ongoing efforts of Vision Zero to create safer streets for all New Yorkers.” Traffic-related fatalities also vary in NYC by sex and age group. The rate among males was more than two times the rate among females while older New Yorkers (aged 65 and older) had the highest trafficrelated fatality rate compared with children (aged 0 to 17) and adults ages 18 to 64. For data on hospitalization and Emergency Department visits for traffic-related injuries, visit the NYC Environment & Health Data Portal at nyc.gov/health/tracking. OPTION 1 A MEDICARE PLAN THAT PUTS NEW YORKERS FIRST The Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) A FOUR-STAR Medicare Advantage Plan in NYC TWO YEARS IN A ROW! this Medicare Advantage plan, you could pay as little as $0 ACT NOW! Enroll or meet with us to learn about your options. Call 1-855-725-3341 (TTY 1-888-542-3821) 7 days a week, 8am–8pm www.YourHFIBP.org © 2015 HF Management Services, LLC. NYMED001017 H3359_MKT16_33 Accepted 09202015 Medicare With for better benefits than Medicare— if you currently receive Extra Help. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. Please visit www.medicare.gov for more information on CMS’ Star Ratings. Managed Health, Inc., dba Healthfirst Medicare Plan, offers HMO plans that contract with the Federal Government. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description, of benefits. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year. Premiums, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. NYMED001017 IBP ROP Print Ads_Queens Courier_6.5Wx8.25H_v2.indd 1 10/30/15 12:00 PM
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