Deadly Milestone

September 13, 1899 - It was on this day in New York City that a real estate broker named Henry Bliss stepped off a streetcar and into the history books.

Bliss was the first person in America to be killed by an automobile. The accident happened on the corner of West 74th and Central Park West. Bliss was getting off the streetcar when an electric taxi driven by Arthur Smith plowed into him.

The impact of the crash crushed Bliss' head and chest. He died the following morning.

The taxi driver was charged with manslaughter but he was eventually acquitted as the death was ruled unintentional.

Nowadays, New York City averages about 400 traffic fatalities a year. For every 8 people killed, there are about 100 serious injuries.