Albuquerque Accident Statistics

28% of Traffic Fatalities Have Involved Alcohol in 2020

Statewide (December 17, 2020) – Fatal New Mexico car accidents caused by alcohol consumption have declined this year, hovering at 28% of all deadly traffic accidents in 2020 as of November.

In comparison, roughly 40% of fatal accidents in 2019 were alcohol-involved, in addition to 38% of deadly accidents in 2018. So far this year, 95 people have died in drunk driving accidents in New Mexico. 247 have died in traffic accidents unrelated to alcohol intoxication.

Although overall deadly DUI accidents have decreased in 2020, impaired driving remains a significant problem on Albuquerque roads. Check out these tips for preventing drunk driving from Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. Source: UNM

APD Hopes To Curb Crashes Caused By Street Racing

Albuquerque (November 19, 2020) – The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has identified five major hot spots for illegal street racing and intends to crack down on those who engage in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding.

Montgomery Boulevard between Carlisle and Tramway and Coors Boulevard between N.M. 528 and Central are just a few of the areas in which police have identified high concentrations of drag racing, leading to a number of serious Albuquerque car accidents.

Other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are all at an increased risk of being injured or killed by street racing or speeding in these areas, especially at night. APD will be working with the community and other city departments to hopefully put an end to this dangerous trend. Source: Albuquerque Journal

Snowstorm to Blame For 133 Albuquerque Crashes

Albuquerque (October 29, 2020) – The first considerable snowstorm of the season caused over 130 Albuquerque car accidents in just 24 hours, according to Mayor Tim Keller, who held a news conference Tuesday morning about the record-setting amount of snowfall.

About 2.9 inches of snow blanketed Albuquerque International Sunport and surrounding areas, although even more snow was reported from the foothills to the West Side.

Unfortunately, the sudden change in weather threw many drivers for a loop. Snow and ice made for slick roadways and dozens of vehicles spun out and crashed.

At least 133 wrecks have been attributed to the weather, and 31 people have been injured. The Albuquerque personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys reminds drivers to reduce their speed and drive carefully in winter weather. Source: Albuquerque Journal

Cause of Fatal Motorcycle Accident Still Under Investigation

Santa Fe (October 1, 2020) – Police are still investigating who was at fault in a deadly motorcycle accident that took place on September 30 on NM Highway 14.

32-year-old Kevin Ray Forsberg of Albuquerque was killed when the Harley Davidson he was riding collided with a pickup truck driven by a 17-year-old male around 11:20 a.m. yesterday.

The pickup truck driver was making a left turn onto the highway when Forsberg struck the front passenger side of the truck. He later died of his injuries while the 17-year-old was unharmed.

It is currently unknown whether speed or impairment were a factor in this tragic accident. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys extends their heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Forsberg’s family and friends during this difficult time. Source: NM DPS

Mother of Three Killed By Reckless Driver in Albuquerque

Albuquerque (September 17, 2020) – A 33-year-old woman was killed over the weekend when a reckless driver ran a red light and struck her vehicle as she was turning left onto Unser Boulevard from Tower Road.

The victim, Erika Chavez, was on her way to pick up breakfast for her family, and was killed instantly. Her three-year-old daughter in the backseat suffered bruises but was otherwise unharmed. Chavez leaves behind two other children and her husband.

The driver, who has not yet been identified, was traveling at speeds of 120 miles per hour when he ran the red light. Investigation into this deadly car accident is still ongoing. Source: KRQE

Street Racing Possibly to Blame for Deadly Crash

Albuquerque (August 27, 2020) – Police continue to investigate the cause of an Albuquerque car accident that killed two people last week, but family members of one of the victims say that it’s clear the crash was caused by illegal street racing.

31-year-old Shatinay Tuck was killed on August 17 when the car she was riding in as a passenger was struck by another vehicle that crossed the median while traveling at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. A third vehicle was involved in the crash, ejecting and killing the driver.

The 16-year-old who crossed the centerline and caused the fatal accident was not injured, but responding officers reportedly told Tuck’s family that he had been racing a motorcycle prior to the crash. Source: KRQE

Drinking and Driving Has Caused 49 Fatalities in 2020

Statewide (August 6, 2020) – Of the nearly 200 traffic accident fatalities in New Mexico this year, just under 25% involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.

Data obtained from the University of New Mexico (UNM) confirmed that at least 49 alcohol-related traffic deaths occurred between January and June 2020.

Although drunk driving deaths are down compared to this time last year, that number still represents an average of around two drunk driving fatalities per week every week during the first half of the year.

Injured by a drunk driver? You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer today. Source: UNM

Red Light Runner Causes Serious Accident

Rio Rancho (July 2, 2020) – Two teenage girls are lucky to be alive following a horrific car crash on Tramway Boulevard last month.

Sixteen-year-old Amaya Payne and Georgia Salata both suffered serious injuries when they were T-boned by a hit-and-run driver who ran a red light on June 18.

Salata, who had just received the car the day before as a birthday present, suffered four neck fractures, four upper body fractures, and dozens of stitches and staples.

Her passenger Amaya Payne suffered a broken left foot and three fractures in her right femur, requiring surgery and a blood transfusion.

Both teens are now recovering at home.The two young men in the vehicle that hit the girls have not yet been apprehended. Source: Rio Rancho Observer

Speeding to Blame for Multiple Recent Fatalities

New Mexico (June 18, 2020) – Two separate fatal car accidents in the past few weeks have been caused by excessive speeding, according to New Mexico law enforcement.

Back on June 1, a 12-year-old girl died and her 16-year-old sister was injured when a 19-year-old man who was driving over 100 miles per hour slammed into them at a Rio Rancho intersection.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the driver of that vehicle, Estevan Miguel Chavez.

In another car accident in Albuquerque last Saturday, a possible street racing incident led to the death of one passenger and the hospitalization of another.

The identities of those involved have not yet been released, although witnesses say they saw both cars traveling at a high rate of speed shortly before the crash. Sources: Rio Rancho Observer | U.S. News

New ART Safety Measures to Decrease Bus Accidents

Albuquerque (May 28, 2020) – New safety measures are being enacted in Albuquerque to reduce the number of ART bus crashes. The Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus line, which made its debut last November, has been out of commission since March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s new safety initiative involves painting ART’s designated bus-only lanes red. People commonly jaywalk in the bus lane without realizing that ART buses travel in both directions, leading to an increase in Albuquerque pedestrian accidents.

In addition, the city is also installing concrete barriers called pinned curbs along ART bus lanes to prevent motorists from making illegal U-turns into bus-only lanes. City transportation officials hope these additions will help commuters adjust to the new system reopening in June and prevent any further bus accidents. Source: Albuquerque Journal

NM Traffic Fatalities Decreased in November

Statewide (December 10, 2020) – November has been the least deadly month in 2020 for New Mexico traffic accidents, according to preliminary data obtained from the Traffic Research Unit (TRU) at the University of New Mexico (UNM).

Throughout the state, just 21 people were reportedly killed in traffic accidents last month, a reduction of nearly 50% compared to September, when 40 fatalities were recorded.

Although car accidents, pickup truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents decreased significantly, New Mexico pedestrian accidents remained high, with nine pedestrians killed in November.

If you or a loved one has been injured in any kind of traffic accident, legal help is available. To find out if you may be eligible for compensation, contact an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer today. Source: UNM

October 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (November 12, 2020) – 25 people were killed in New Mexico traffic accidents in October 2020, according to preliminary data obtained from the University of New Mexico (UNM).

This represents the lowest number of people who died in any month so far in 2020 due to auto accidents, tied with April 2020. It’s also the least amount of people who have died in one month due to traffic accidents since January of 2018, when only 23 people died.

In total, approximately 319 people have been killed on New Mexico roads so far this year. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys reminds motorists to buckle up, drive sober, and prepare your vehicle for winter driving in New Mexico. Source: UNM

September 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (October 8, 2020) – 39 people died on New Mexico roads during September, according to the latest data from the University of New Mexico (UNM). That’s the highest number of traffic fatalities since June, when 44 people died.

September was also the third-deadliest month this year, preceded by June and January, when 40 traffic deaths were recorded.

Year to date, just under 300 New Mexicans have lost their lives due to traffic accidents including car accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.

If you have lost a loved one in a traffic accident due to a drunk, distracted, or otherwise negligent driver, you and your family could be entitled to compensation. Contact an Albuquerque wrongful death lawyer for a free consultation. Source: UNM

August 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (September 10, 2020) – There were 33 people killed in New Mexico traffic accidents in August 2020, according to preliminary data from the University of New Mexico (UNM).

Of the 24 people killed in car accidents last month, the data revealed that just 4 of them had been wearing seat belts during the crash. Year to date, almost 67% of those killed in car accidents were not wearing seat belts.

A similar pattern has emerged with motorcyclists. UNM found that of all motorcycle accident deaths so far this year, around 67% of those killed were not wearing a helmet.

Many traffic fatalities can be prevented. The Albuquerque personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind motorists to buckle up, wear a helmet, and drive safe. Source: UNM

July 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (August 20, 2020) – 36 people died in traffic accidents throughout the state in July, according to the latest data from the University of New Mexico (UNM). This represents the third-highest number of accidents in any month year to date. 40 people died back in January, and 47 were killed in June.

Of the 36 fatalities, 22 were car passengers, 3 were ATV riders, 4 were motorcyclists, 4 were pedestrians, and 3 were bicyclists. Overall deaths resulting from traffic collisions are down by about 7% compared to this time last year.

If you have been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, contact an Albuquerque car accident lawyer today for a free consultation. Source: UNM

Alcohol-Involved Fatal Crashes Decline in 2020

Statewide (July 23, 2020) – Alcohol-involved fatal car accidents appear to be on the decline in 2020 according to the most recent data from the University of New Mexico’s Monthly Fatality Report.

43 people died between January and June 2020 in alcohol-involved accidents, compared to 77 this time last year, a decrease of more than 44%.

Notably, overall car accident fatalities in 2020 are similar to the number of fatalities by this time last year, with 192 and 198 deaths respectively.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is happy to report this decline in drunk driving deaths and reminds Albuquerque drivers to always drive safe and sober. Source: UNM

New Mexico Deadly Traffic Accidents Surge in June

Statewide (July 10, 2020) – Fatal traffic accidents nearly doubled between May and June, according to the most recent data compiled by the University of New Mexico (UNM).

In May, 24 people died throughout the state in traffic accidents. In June, there were at least 45 traffic deaths, making June the deadliest month for accidents so far this year. The last time New Mexico reported such a high number of accident deaths was July 2019.

27 deaths resulted from car accidents, with an additional 14 motorcyclists and pedestrians killed. Two people died in semi-truck accidents, one in an ATV accident, and another in a bicycle accident, according to the report. Source: UNM

May 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (June 11, 2020) – 22 people died in traffic accidents across New Mexico in May, according to preliminary data retrieved from the University of New Mexico (UNM).

This represents the lowest number of monthly fatalities to date in 2020 and the fewest traffic accident deaths recorded in one month since November 2017.

Overall, 145 people have died in traffic crashes this year, including 88 in truck, van, SUV, and car accidents, 40 in pedestrian accidents, 13 in motorcycle accidents, 2 in bicycle accidents, and 1 in a semi-truck accident.

Bernalillo County, which includes the city of Albuquerque, continues to lead the state with the most fatalities, with 46 deadly accidents so far this year. Source: UNM

April 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (May 7, 2020) – 24 people died in traffic accidents across New Mexico during the month of April, according to preliminary data compiled by the University of New Mexico (UNM). This represents the lowest number of monthly fatalities to date in 2020.

Overall, 124 people have died in traffic crashes this year, including 75 in truck, van, SUV, and car accidents, 1 in a semi-truck accident, 1 in an ATV accident, 38 in pedestrian accidents, 7 in motorcycle accidents, and 2 in bicycle accidents.

Bernalillo County, which includes the city of Albuquerque, continues to lead the state with the most fatalities, with 37 deadly accidents so far this year. Source: UNM

March 2020 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (April 16, 2020) – 32 people were killed in traffic accidents throughout New Mexico last month, according to data compiled by the University of New Mexico. This represents a nearly 22% decrease in statewide fatalities compared to March of 2019.

Of these 32 deaths, 13 were pedestrians—the highest number of pedestrian accident deaths in one month since January 2019. Of the remaining fatalities, 47.3% were in car accidents, 31.5% were in pickup truck accidents, and 21% were in vans or SUV accidents.

Bernalillo County has had the highest number of traffic fatalities to date, with 25 deaths so far this year, followed by Santa Fe County with 12 deaths. Source: UNM

Major Albuquerque Intersections Scheduled For Upgrades

Albuquerque (January 7, 2021) – Two major Albuquerque intersections will get a much-needed facelift according to the city’s Department of Metropolitan Development.

The 98th Street and Benavides intersection in southwest Albuquerque along with the intersection at Lomas and University in the downtown area have been selected as high-traffic corridors that need the most improvement.

98th Street, which sees as many as 20,000 cars a day, will get a $1.8-million upgrade, including ADA-compliant sidewalks, a multi-lane roundabout, walking trails, and dedicated bicycle lanes.

Lomas Road construction will be focused on repaving and fixing potholes, damaged curbs, and pedestrian-unfriendly sidewalks with a $3-million price tag. Unfortunately, it will likely be two to three years before residents start seeing road improvements take shape. (Source: KRQE)

After One Year, ART Bus Crashes Appear to Be Declining

Albuquerque (December 1, 2020) – It’s been a year since Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) buses debuted in New Mexico. The initiative made headlines when, within just weeks of starting the service, more than a dozen ART bus accidents were reported.

The ART bus system continued to be plagued by accidents involving both cars and pedestrians well into 2020. The majority of accidents were caused by drivers making illegal U-turns in the bus-only ART lane and jaywalking pedestrians.

ABQ Ride responded to the uptick in Albuquerque bus accidents by installing additional safety measures like pinned curbs and bright red paint in bus-only lanes. While crashes have gone down (the last reported bus crash was in September), overall decreased traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic may also play a role. Source: KRQE News 13

Woman Killed in Suspected DUI Crash

Albuquerque (November 5, 2020) – A woman was killed last night in a suspected drunk driving accident, according to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).

The unidentified woman was turning right at the intersection of Chico Road and Eubank Boulevard when she was struck by another vehicle driven by a man named Mohammad Hasani.

Hasani, who was not reported to have sustained injuries, admitted to drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and speeding prior to the fatal accident. According to a press release, the APD Motor Unit will charge Hasani with vehicular homicide.

There is no excuse for driving under the influence. If you or a loved one is the victim of an impaired driving accident, an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer may be able to help. Source: Albuquerque Journal

Companies Testing Self-Driving Semi-Trucks in NM

Albuquerque (October 22, 2020) – Multiple companies are testing self-driving commercial vehicles on New Mexico highways.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation told lawmakers that “quite a few” companies are either planning to introduce self-driving semi-trucks or have already done so along I-10 from Albuquerque to the Texas state line.

The spokesperson noted that although the semis are self-driving, a fully-credentialed driver is in the vehicle ready to take over at any time. Still, some drivers are a bit wary about sharing the road with an autonomous vehicle of such great size, as semi-truck accidents have high injury and fatality rates for occupants in passenger cars.

Have you sustained injuries in a self-driving vehicle accident through no fault of your own? Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Source: KOB4

Two Bicyclists Hit, One Killed in Hit and Run Accident

Albuquerque (October 15, 2020) – One woman suffered injuries and another was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Albuquerque’s West Side on Tuesday.

29-year-old Joshua Downs was driving along Montano Road just west of Coors Boulevard when he struck two bicyclists while turning left.

Instead of stopping to render aid to the victims, Downs sped off. Police later caught up with him at his home where he admitted to drinking shortly before the bicycle accident.

Good Samaritans assisted the two injured bicyclists at the scene, but one of the women died at the hospital. The current condition of the other woman is unknown.

Downs has been charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. Source: KRQE

‘Bike Thru Burque Week’ Highlights Cyclist Safety During COVID-19

Albuquerque (September 24, 2020) – New Mexico cyclists are hitting the streets this week in celebration of Bike Thru Burque Week, an annual campaign that encourages people of all ages to get out and ride their bikes around our beautiful city.

Of course, this year looks a little different thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, and organizers are promoting good safety practices to prevent both coronavirus infections and Albuquerque bicycle accidents.

Riders are advised to stay at least six feet away from other cyclists and motorists, wear a face covering, and to wear other protective equipment like helmets and reflective gear.

Bicyclists should also plan their route ahead of time and choose streets that offer dedicated bike lanes. Source: Bike Thru Burque

Man Hit and Killed by Car in SE Albuquerque

Albuquerque (September 3, 2020) – An unidentified man was killed in Southeastern Albuquerque yesterday morning when he was struck by a car while crossing the street.

Officers responded to the pedestrian accident around 5:30 a.m. and the victim was pronounced dead. The driver who hit the man was not at the scene when police arrived, but returned shortly afterwards and claimed they believed they had hit a traffic cone. It remains unclear whether or not they will face criminal charges.

Close to 50 pedestrians have been killed on New Mexico roads in 2020, according to data compiled by the University of New Mexico (UNM). New Mexico is also among the top three states for hit-and-run accidents in the United States. Source: KOB 4

Semi-Truck Driver Killed in Rollover Accident

Farmington (August 13, 2020) – The driver of a semi-truck died last week in a fatal rollover crash on New Mexico Highway 371.

Navajo Police Department reported that the semi-truck was driving north in the northbound lanes of NM 371 and a Jeep that was driving south in the same northbound lanes when the two vehicles collided.

The semi-truck rolled, and the 54-year-old driver died at the scene. The two occupants of the Jeep, a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, were treated for injuries at area hospitals.

It remains unclear why the Jeep was driving the wrong way. The Navajo Division of Public Safety Department of Criminal Investigations is currently investigating the events that led up to this tragic accident. Source: Farmington Daily Times

Driver Fatigue Leads to Deadly Crash on I-10

Luna County (July 16, 2020) – A 12-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy suffered fatal injuries in a single car accident near Deming, New Mexico on Monday night.

A family of eight was driving on Interstate 10 when their Chevy Suburban left the roadway and rolled just after midnight. A 37-year-old woman identified as the mother of the six children in the vehicle is believed to have been suffering from driver fatigue when the accident occurred.

The woman, her 42-year-old partner, and her 16-year-old son were all transported to a local hospital with injuries that were reportedly not life-threatening. The three other children in the vehicle were not injured.

At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, we empathize with this family’s loss and strongly encourage drivers to not get behind if they are tired or distracted. Source: Deming Headlight

Drunk Driver Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter

Albuquerque (June 25, 2020) – 36-year-old Enrique Rivera has been charged with DWI-related vehicular homicide following the June 13 crash that killed Edgar Falcon-Linares on Albuquerque’s West Side.

According to witnesses of the car accident, Rivera was racing with another vehicle in a Dodge Charger when he t-boned Falcon-Linares’ Pontiac. Rivera’s vehicle suffered front-end damage and the Pontiac was reportedly split in half by the collision.

Falcon-Linares was ejected from his vehicle and died at the scene. Rivera told investigators he has no memory of the crash and denies drinking and driving, but responding officers say he failed a field sobriety test and smelled of alcohol. Source: Albuquerque Journal