New York Safe for Kids

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

Children in New York City are 40% less likely to die between the ages of 1 and 12 than the national average.

REPORTER: The city health department says one reason for the low figure is that kids here don't spend much time in cars. Deputy Health Commissioner Dr. Lorna Thorp says pedestrian deaths are comparable to the rest of the country – despite children here spending more time on foot close to streets.

THORPE: So, we may be doing something right, but if we want to reduce child fatalities further, this is the area we should focus on, because this is the leading contributor.

REPORTER: The Health Department study looked at all childhood fatalities in the city between 2001 and 2005. In that period, about 300 children ages 1 to 12 died of injuries – a broad category that does not include diseases such as cancers and birth defects. Despite several high-profile killings, homicide was not a leading cause of death – far behind various accidents, including those involving cars, fire, drowning and poisoning.

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