Speed Kills. Silence Kills More.

A motorcycle slammed into a truck on the Long Island Expressway. The rider, age 24, was ejected and killed. Others survived. The crash left a body broken, a city shaken.

A 24-year-old motorcyclist was killed after colliding with a tractor truck on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, the motorcycle was changing lanes when it struck the right side of the truck. The rider was ejected and suffered fatal crush injuries. Other occupants in the involved vehicles, including a driver in an SUV and the truck operator, were not seriously hurt. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The deceased rider was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830329 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV and motorcycle collided on Grand Central Parkway. One rider suffered crush injuries. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe lane change. Metal and flesh met at speed. The system failed to protect.

A crash on Grand Central Parkway involved a motorcycle and an SUV. One person, a 33-year-old motorcycle driver, sustained crush injuries to the entire body. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' contributed to the collision. The SUV was changing lanes while the motorcycle traveled straight. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors before driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828821 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on 107th Street. One driver was ejected and suffered a head injury. Alcohol was involved. The crash left blood on the street. Both vehicles were damaged.

Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed on 107th Street at 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, alcohol was a contributing factor. One driver, a 20-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a head injury with severe bleeding. The other driver, a 31-year-old woman, was conscious but her injuries were unspecified. Both vehicles sustained damage. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a cause. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826810 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-12

E-bike rider hit hard on Northern Blvd. Head injury. Blood on the street. Distraction and inexperience listed. Night in Queens turns violent for the vulnerable.

A 37-year-old e-bike rider was injured on Northern Blvd near 106th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the rider suffered a head injury with severe bleeding. The crash data lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The rider was conscious at the scene. No safety equipment was noted. The impact struck the center front end of the e-bike. No other vehicles or persons were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814780 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.

• Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-02

A former firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck Justin Diaz’s car at 83 mph. Diaz died a block from home. The driver was drunk, high, and unregistered. The court revoked his bail. Diaz’s family mourns.

ABC7 reported on April 17, 2025, that ex-FDNY firefighter Michael Peña faces manslaughter and DWI charges after a deadly crash in Queens. Prosecutors allege Peña was drunk, high, and speeding at 83 mph—three times the limit—when he ran a red light and T-boned 23-year-old Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance and body camera footage show Peña admitting to running the light. Five hours after the crash, tests confirmed intoxication by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Peña’s record includes prior arrests and 25 school zone speeding tickets. He also drove an unregistered vehicle with an obstructed plate and tinted windshield. The victim, Diaz, was headed to work and had just graduated college. The case highlights repeated driver violations and systemic failures in enforcement.

• Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-17

A sedan making a U-turn struck a southbound cyclist head-on near Junction Blvd. The rider, 27, suffered head crush injuries. Police cite failure to yield. The street was quiet. Then it wasn’t.

A sedan struck a 27-year-old bicyclist head-on during a U-turn near 59-17 Junction Blvd in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the head and was conscious at the scene. According to the police report, the car failed to yield right-of-way. The contributing factor listed is 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but only after citing the driver’s failure to yield. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806005 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.

• Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A BMW driver ran the red on Northern Boulevard. Metal screamed as a Mercedes struck head-on. The 23-year-old behind the wheel died, unbelted. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent, marked by violence and disregard.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a BMW sedan 'ran the red,' disregarding traffic control. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The BMW was struck head-on by a Mercedes sedan traveling straight. The 23-year-old BMW driver, unbelted and alone, was killed behind the wheel. The impact was severe enough that a parked Toyota SUV was also damaged. The police narrative describes the aftermath: 'Metal screamed. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent.' The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver actions—specifically, running a red light and alcohol involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

A tanker swung right on Northern Boulevard, striking a 31-year-old e-bike rider moving straight. The truck’s bumper crushed the man’s knee and foot. The tanker rolled on. The rider stayed down, battered and conscious, helmetless in the street.

At the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 108th Street in Queens, a collision unfolded between a tanker truck and an e-bike, according to the police report. The tanker was making a right turn while the e-bike rider, a 31-year-old man, continued straight. The police report states the truck’s right front bumper struck the e-bike, crushing the rider’s knee and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, highlighting a critical driver error. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s failure to yield. The tanker sustained no damage, while the e-bike was damaged at the center front end. The man remained conscious at the scene, suffering serious crush injuries. The report’s narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of those outside steel and glass.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Tesla sedan hit a 17-year-old boy in Queens as he crossed 99th Street with the light. Steel crushed his arm. He stayed awake. The car showed no damage. The street fell silent after the impact.

According to the police report, a Tesla sedan traveling northwest on 99th Street at 62nd Drive struck a 17-year-old pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The report states the teen suffered crush injuries to his arm but remained conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors in the crash. The vehicle sustained no damage, but the impact left the boy with serious injuries. The report notes the pedestrian was 'Crossing With Signal,' indicating he had the right of way. The collision underscores the consequences of improper lane usage and driver inexperience behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man clung to a dump truck on Astoria Boulevard. No harness, no shield. He fell, skull to asphalt, blood pooling. The truck rolled on, untouched. The man, forty-seven, left with severe head wounds. The city’s machinery did not stop.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old man was riding on the outside of a dump truck near Astoria Boulevard and 88th Street in Queens. The report states he was 'ejected' and suffered 'severe lacerations' to the head after falling from the moving vehicle. The narrative details: 'A 47-year-old man clung to the outside of a dump truck. No belt. No shield. He fell. Skull met asphalt. Blood pooled. The truck rolled on, untouched. The man did not.' The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The vehicle, a 2005 PTRB dump truck registered in New Jersey, sustained no damage and continued westbound, according to the report. The man was not using any safety equipment at the time, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the systemic danger of unsecured riders and the unchecked movement of heavy vehicles through city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Steel crumpled on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV slammed into another from behind. The young driver’s neck snapped forward, pain blooming beneath the belt. He stayed awake, but something inside broke, crushed by inexperience and speed.

A collision occurred on the westbound Long Island Expressway involving two SUVs, according to the police report. A young man driving an SUV struck another SUV from behind, causing significant front-end damage to his vehicle and rear-end damage to the other. The driver suffered neck injuries described as whiplash and remained conscious at the scene. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The narrative states, 'His neck snapped forward. The belt held. He stayed awake. But something inside gave way, crushed beneath steel and inexperience.' Two occupants were injured, both suffering whiplash, and both were wearing lap belts and harnesses. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors are cited. The focus remains on the inexperience of the driver as the primary cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753996 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cyclist’s face smashed into the steel rear of a parked van on 108th Street near 62nd Drive. Blood streaked his cheek. He stayed conscious, upright, torn open. The van never moved. The man did.

A 32-year-old cyclist was injured on 108th Street near 62nd Drive in Queens when he collided with the back of a parked Chevrolet van, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 18:55. The report states the cyclist 'struck the rear of a parked van. His face met steel. Blood ran down his cheek. He stayed upright, conscious, torn open.' The police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor in the crash. The van was stationary at the time, with no occupants. The cyclist suffered severe facial lacerations but remained conscious. The data does not cite any cyclist behavior as a contributing factor. The incident underscores the persistent danger of parked vehicles and inattention on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752176 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04