New York traffic fatalities have surged since 2019, according to a recent study.

Research conducted by the non-profit “Trip” released some alarming date on traffic fatalities across the state, revealing Long Island has some of the deadliest crashes.

Rocky Moretti is the Director of Police and Research at Trip.

“The Trip report looked at strictly traffic fatalities on Long Island, looking at Nassau and Suffolk counties. And although the data only goes to 2021. It unfortunately showed a similar trend with the number of traffic fatalities on Long Island, increasing by 24% during that period,” said Moretti.

Data shows that in the past five years, Suffolk has been the No. 1 county in New York with the highest number of fatalities. Nassau came in third.

“And even by 2022, vehicle travel in New York was still 9% below pre-COVID levels. We're seeing traffic come back, certainly, but unfortunately, what we've seen is a significant increase in traffic fatalities in New York state and also across the country,” said Moretti.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a survey in 2021. They found that even during the pandemic, when there were less drivers on the road, that many engaged in risky behaviors such as speeding, driving aggressively, or driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“Really, it's going to take a comprehensive approach that really involves every component of the traffic safety issue that starts with motorists themselves,” says Moretti.

Experts say be alert and drive safe.