New York City can be lethal.

Think about it: how many times have you heard about someone being hit by a car while crossing the street? Or a friend who had a suspicious substance slipped into their drink at the bar?

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 437 people die every day in the state of New York — and a lot of the time, those deaths stem from accidents.

New Yorkers know too well that dangers lurk everywhere — and often in common places.

Below, find seven unexpected things you didn’t know could kill you in NYC, and the best items to avoid disaster.

1. Leaving your drink unattended

A fun night out can become a disaster fast if you turn your back on your drink.

According to a survey from Alcohol.org, 44% of men and 56% of women reported unknowingly having spiked food or drinks, and 37% of the entire group said it occurred multiple times.

Ana Miller, who has been living in NYC for the past seven years, told the Post she was roofied at a bar she frequented in her 20s.

“I had two drinks over the span of three hours, and was served another but gave it to a friend,” she recalled. “Not too long after, I started to feel very strange and like I needed help. I went to my best friend to tell him how I was feeling but was met with blank stares when nothing but gibberish came out.”

With the help of her friends, she was taken to the emergency room and administered a drug test.

“I was told that I was lucky my friends carried me back home that night, and lucky I woke up the next day,” Miller revealed.

Next time you anticipate going out, carry this scrunchie on your wrist. It transforms into a drink cover that creates a barrier over your beverage.

Simply stretch the nylon and spandex fabric over the drink, insert a straw and sip while socializing.

If you’re a frequent partygoer, you’ll like that it’s also washable and reusable.

2. A traffic accident because you’re wearing headphones 

We get it: sometimes, you just want to lock in and blast your favorite artist to tune out the noise. But lacking spatial awareness can lead to accidents when you don’t hear cars or bicycles honking from behind.

“Whenever I’m in the city, I’m terrified of wearing my over-the-ear because of how congested these streets are,” said New York Post Commerce Reporter Nishka Dhawan. “I’ve seen others come very close to an accident, so I always like to err on the side of caution.”

Per the NYC Department of Transportation, 111 pedestrians were killed after being hit by vehicles in 2025. Similarly, cyclists risk being struck by a car or another cyclist when they venture out.

While you don’t want to be so worried about accidents that you stay home, it’s best to leave the house prepared.

A helmet may ruin your hair in the short term, but it could save your life. Its shock-absorbing material keeps you protected in case of emergencies, while front and rear lights offer higher visibility when riding at night.

Ten vents blow air to cool you down, while a detachable tinted lens blocks harsh sun or dust.

If you must listen to headphones, choose the right ones! These open-ear headphones have an ergonomic hook design that comfortably wraps around your ear and makes it easier to hear your surroundings. They’re also water-resistant and sweatproof, so they’re great for outdoor runs in Central Park or Prospect Park.

3. Being sleep deprived because of noise

They don’t call it the city that never sleeps for no reason.

Noise pollution makes New York City one of the least sleep-friendly places to live, and beyond the sheer annoyance of car horns and people screaming outside your apartment building, the sleep disruption it can lead to can be fatal.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, there are approximately 6,000 fatal car crashes caused by drowsy driving each year, and 1 in 25 adults have fallen asleep at the wheel in the span of a month.

If you want better rest, build a sleep environment that makes falling asleep effortless and stress-free.

We tested the viral gummies from Kourtney Kardashian and were actually impressed. They help you gently drift off to sleep with 5 milligrams of melatonin and a relaxing blend of chamomile, lavender and elderberry.

The small, berry-flavored bites are also vegetarian and gluten-free, sans any sugar alcohols or synthetic colors. Take two, 30 minutes before bed for optimal benefits.

4. Dehydration

Temperatures reached a record high in New York City this summer, peaking at triple digits back in July.

“During an NYC heat wave, people who are outside for extensive periods, exercising or sweating heavily may benefit from replacing electrolytes along with fluids,” registered dietitian Jamie Nadeau recommended.

“Electrolytes like sodium and potassium help your body maintain fluid balance and support normal muscle and nerve function, which becomes especially important when you’re losing fluids and salt through sweat.”

Replenishing your body is easy with these sugar-free electrolyte packets, featuring a zesty lemon lime flavor.

Its proprietary amino acid allulose blend has three times the electrolytes of the leading sports drink, plus eight vitamins and nutrients.

If lemon lime isn’t your forte, the packets come in green grape, rainbow sherbet, mango pineapple, lychee sorbet and more delicious flavors.

5. Tripping over a throw rug

It sounds silly, but falling over that cute throw rug you bought for your Brooklyn walk-up may lead to broken bones, concussions or worse. Get ahead of the game by ensuring your decor stays put.

Never overlook a rug pad. Not only does it give your floor accessory more cushion, but its backing also grips the ground so that it stays in place.

This design is suggested to be paired with Ruggable’s All-in-One Rugs, which have built-in, nonslip backing.

6. Mosquitoes

The mosquitoes came out to play this summer. Just ask me: one day, after a six-mile run in Central Park, I was covered in nearly 10 bites all over my arms and legs.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls mosquitoes the “world’s deadliest animal.” They kill 700,000 people every year by spreading diseases such as dengue, West Nile, Zika, chikungunya, malaria and lymphatic filariasis.

Sometimes, mosquito repellent spray has a pungent smell. These bracelets keep bugs at bay while helping you look stylish in the process. They’re made with plant-based essential oils like citronella, lemongrass and geraniol to defend against pests.

This set includes 20 individually wrapped bracelets in four different colors. Wear them on your wrist, ankle, upper arm or even as a hair tie.

7. Cooking accidents

Are you your home’s chef? Don’t leave your food cooking while unattended. According to the City of New York’s Fire Department, it’s responsible for 33% of home fires and injuries.

As you’re building out your fall menu, remember that kitchen safety is key. Even accidentally touching boiling water can instantly cause third-degree burns, and in severe cases, can lead to shock and tissue damage.

Keep your hands safe and cool with these silicone hot handle holders that are made with a honeycomb pattern to give a better grip. The sleeves fit around frying pans, Dutch ovens and more, and are heat-resistant up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit.

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