Crash Count for AD 42
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 3,276
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 2,248
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 442
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 27
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 10
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in AD 42?

Blood on Bedford: How Policy Turns Streets into Killing Fields

Blood on Bedford: How Policy Turns Streets into Killing Fields

AD 42: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 17, 2025

The Deaths Keep Coming

In Assembly District 42, the numbers do not lie. Nine people killed. Twenty-two left with serious injuries. Over 2,100 hurt. These are not numbers. They are mothers, sons, neighbors. They are the boy with a broken arm, the woman with pain in her neck and hip, both struck by a school bus that jumped the curb at Bedford Avenue and Farragut Road this spring. The bus driver said he “hit the gas instead of the brakes” and smashed through a fence. The boy and his mother survived, but their lives are changed forever.

On Avenue D, a 74-year-old woman crossing with the signal was killed by a sedan making a left turn. On Tilden Avenue, a truck turned right and crushed a 58-year-old woman in the crosswalk. Most of the dead and injured were walking. Most were doing everything right.

The System Favors Steel Over Flesh

SUVs and sedans caused the most harm: 417 crashes, 3 deaths, 8 serious injuries. Trucks and buses killed three more. Bikes and mopeds injured, but did not kill. The street is not a fair fight. “Using barriers to clear space at the intersection will help ensure pedestrians, cyclists and turning vehicles can see each other and enhance safety,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez as the city rolled out new intersection designs in Brooklyn this June. But the pace is slow. The danger remains.

Leadership: Votes, Silence, and the Road Ahead

Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn voted to extend school speed zones, a move that keeps children safer near schools. She co-sponsored bills for bike lane cameras and broader street safety. But she also voted to weaken bus rules, a step that puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk. When the city tried to build a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue, Hermelyn stood with the party machine against it. Every delay, every watered-down plan, means more families left to pick up the pieces.

The Call

This is not fate. It is policy. Call Assembly Member Hermelyn. Demand a citywide 20 mph speed limit. Demand hard barriers at every deadly corner. Demand action, not excuses. Every day of delay is another day someone does not come home.

Contact your leaders and demand change now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New York State Assembly and how does it work?
The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the state legislature. It passes laws, allocates funds, and represents the people of New York in state government. Open States
Where does AD 42 sit politically?
It belongs to borough Brooklyn, city council district District 45 and state senate district SD 21. NYC Open Data
Which areas are in AD 42?
It includes the Flatbush, Flatbush (West)-Ditmas Park-Parkville, Midwood, East Flatbush-Erasmus, and Brooklyn CB14 neighborhoods. It also overlaps parts of Council Districts District 40 and District 45, and State Senate Districts SD 21 and SD 22. NYC Open Data
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in AD 42?
Cars and Trucks: 3 deaths, 8 serious injuries, 417 crashes (SUVs/cars); 3 deaths, 1 serious injury, 29 crashes (trucks/buses). Motorcycles and Mopeds: 0 deaths, 0 serious injuries, 12 crashes. Bikes: 0 deaths, 0 serious injuries, 10 crashes. NYC Open Data
Are these crashes just 'accidents'?
No. The data shows patterns—turning vehicles, speeding, and poor street design. These deaths and injuries are preventable with better policy and infrastructure. NYC Open Data
What can local politicians do to prevent traffic violence?
They can lower speed limits, fund and build hard barriers at intersections, expand automated enforcement, and support laws that protect pedestrians and cyclists instead of drivers. Open States
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood. NYC Open Data

Citations

Citations

Fix the Problem

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
District 42
District Office:
1312 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11210
Legislative Office:
Room 727, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248

Other Representatives

Farah N. Louis
Council Member Farah N. Louis
District 45
District Office:
1434 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
718-629-2900
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1831, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6859
Twitter: FarahNLouis
Kevin Parker
State Senator Kevin Parker
District 21
District Office:
3021 Tilden Ave. 1st Floor & Basement, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Legislative Office:
Room 504, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

AD 42 Assembly District 42 sits in Brooklyn, Precinct 70, District 45, SD 21.

It contains Flatbush, Flatbush (West)-Ditmas Park-Parkville, Midwood, East Flatbush-Erasmus, Brooklyn CB14.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Assembly District 42

Pickup Truck Crushes Moped Passenger’s Leg

A Ford pickup struck a moped on Caton Avenue. Three rode the moped. A woman, 27, lay unbelted in back. Her leg was crushed. The truck showed no damage. The night was still. Danger moved fast.

A Ford pickup truck hit a moped carrying three people near Caton Avenue and Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A Ford pickup struck a moped carrying three. A woman, 27, lay unbelted in back. No helmet. Her leg crushed beneath her.' The woman, riding as a passenger, suffered crush injuries to her knee and lower leg. Police listed 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The moped’s rear passenger had no safety equipment. The pickup showed no damage. The crash left one vulnerable road user with severe injuries, underscoring the risks faced by those outside steel and glass.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688054 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Cyclist Strikes Parked SUV, Driver Dies

A cyclist slammed into a parked SUV on Ocean Avenue. The bike folded. Inside the Toyota, a 58-year-old man sat dead, seatbelt on. The street fell silent. No driver errors listed. The crash left one man lifeless, the city unchanged.

A crash occurred near 1362 Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn. A cyclist collided with the right side of a parked SUV. According to the police report, 'A cyclist hit the right side of a parked SUV. The bike crumpled. Inside the Toyota, a 58-year-old man sat still, strapped in his seatbelt. He was dead.' The driver of the SUV, a 58-year-old man, was found dead at the scene. The report does not list any contributing driver errors or factors. No helmet use or signaling is mentioned as a factor. The impact left the cyclist's bike destroyed and the driver lifeless inside his vehicle.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653596 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Bichotte Hermelyn Opposes Safety Boosting McGuinness Redesign

Opponents of the McGuinness Boulevard safety overhaul packed a closed-door town hall. Political heavyweights and business donors rallied against lane cuts and bike lanes. Protesters for safer streets were barred. DOT defended the plan. Council Member Restler and activists stood firm.

On June 16, 2023, a contentious town hall convened over the city’s proposed safety redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. The meeting, billed as an 'awareness town hall,' was dominated by opponents, including Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn and business leaders like Tony Argento of Broadway Stages. Bichotte-Hermelyn, whose district is far from the site, admitted limited knowledge of the plan but cited business concerns. The session excluded supporters of the redesign, who rallied outside. The Department of Transportation defended its proposal to reduce lanes and add parking-protected bike lanes, citing proven safety benefits. Council Member Lincoln Restler and activists later rallied for the overhaul, insisting that safety for all road users must not be compromised. The event highlighted deep divisions and the influence of business interests over street safety reforms.


Bichotte Hermelyn Supports Safety Boosting Sammy’s Law Authority

Mothers starve for Sammy’s Law. Hochul offers sympathy, not action. Heastie keeps the bill off the floor. The law would let New York City lower speed limits. Assembly support grows. Vulnerable road users wait. Streets stay deadly. Lawmakers stall. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, stalled in the New York State Assembly, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. On June 7, 2023, Governor Hochul expressed sympathy for hunger-striking mothers but refused to pressure Speaker Carl Heastie, who blocks the bill from a vote. The bill passed the Senate and has City Council and mayoral support. The matter summary: 'Hochul has previously expressed support for Sammy's Law, which would allow New York City to set its speed limits below 25 miles per hour.' Amy Cohen, a mother and advocate, demanded action, showing Heastie photos of victims. Seven new Assembly members, including Yudelka Tapia, Al Taylor, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and Brian Cunningham, now back the bill, giving it majority support among NYC Assembly members. Still, the Speaker’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed to speeding drivers and systemic danger.


Bus Strikes Cyclist on Cortelyou Road

A bus hit a cyclist on Cortelyou Road. The rider flew, face-first, into the street. Blood pooled. His breath came ragged. Driver inattention and following too closely marked the crash. The cyclist, 27, suffered severe facial bleeding. No helmet listed.

A bus traveling west on Cortelyou Road near East 17th Street in Brooklyn struck a cyclist. The impact threw the 27-year-old rider to the pavement, causing severe facial bleeding and leaving him incoherent. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' contributed to the crash. The cyclist was ejected from his bike and was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No injuries were reported among vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists when large vehicles fail to pay attention or keep safe distance. The police report makes no mention of any error by the cyclist.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623119 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Slams Pedestrian on Newkirk Avenue

A 68-year-old man bled from the head on Newkirk Avenue. An SUV’s front end crumpled. Unsafe speed shattered the calm. The man drifted, semiconscious, on the asphalt. The street stood still, marked by violence and silence.

A 68-year-old pedestrian was struck by a station wagon/SUV on Newkirk Avenue near East 21st Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the man suffered a severe head injury, was semiconscious, and bled onto the roadway. The SUV’s front end was caved in from the impact. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor in the crash. No other driver errors were reported. Two vehicle occupants, a 62-year-old man and an infant, were uninjured. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash left a vulnerable road user gravely hurt, exposing the lethal risk of speed on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609583 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Kills Woman in Brooklyn Crosswalk

A Toyota SUV hit a 50-year-old woman in a Brooklyn crosswalk. Her head struck the bumper. She died on the street. Traffic moved on. The driver stayed. Another life lost to steel and speed.

A 50-year-old woman died after a northbound Toyota SUV struck her as she crossed East 21st Street near Ditmas Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A 50-year-old woman stepped into the crosswalk against the light. A northbound Toyota SUV struck her. Her head hit the bumper. She died there, on the pavement, as traffic rolled past.' The impact caused fatal head injuries. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond 'unspecified.' The SUV's right front bumper was damaged. The driver, a 58-year-old man, was licensed and remained at the scene. No other injuries were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Unlicensed Driver Plows BMW Into Ten Parked Cars

A young, unlicensed woman tore down Nostrand Avenue before dawn. She slammed a BMW into ten parked cars. Her head bled. A child in the front seat suffered chest pain. Metal screamed. The street woke to carnage and inexperience.

A BMW sedan, driven by an unlicensed woman, crashed into ten parked vehicles on Nostrand Avenue before sunrise. According to the police report, the driver was young, unlicensed, and wore no seatbelt. Her head was bleeding, but she remained conscious. A child passenger in the front seat, also unrestrained, suffered chest pain and nausea. The crash left a trail of damaged sedans, SUVs, and a van. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The absence of seatbelts for both driver and child is noted only after driver errors. No other violations or contributing factors are cited.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605851 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Distracted Driver Hits Pedestrian on Flatbush

A sedan struck a man crossing Flatbush Avenue at Church. The driver, distracted, kept straight. The man fell. Blood marked the street. The car rolled on, untouched. The man was left bleeding, head wounded, the city unchanged.

A 55-year-old man was hit by a southbound sedan while crossing Flatbush Avenue at Church Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the driver was inattentive and distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and severe bleeding. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The car, a 2009 Nissan, was undamaged. The driver was licensed and uninjured. The police report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion,' but the driver's distraction is the primary factor. No helmet or signal issues were listed. The crash left the pedestrian hurt and the street unchanged.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603061 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Turns Right, Strikes Woman Crossing Avenue K

A northbound SUV turned right on Avenue K. It struck a 61-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered a head wound. Blood pooled on the street. She stayed conscious. The SUV was undamaged. The bleeding would not stop.

A 61-year-old woman was crossing Avenue K with the signal when a northbound SUV turned right and struck her. According to the police report, she suffered a head wound and severe bleeding, but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, driven by a 64-year-old woman, was undamaged. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection but was crossing with the signal. No helmet or signal violations were listed. The crash left the pedestrian injured and the vehicle unharmed.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591101 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Distracted SUV Crushes Pedestrian on Flatbush

A distracted SUV driver struck a man crossing Flatbush Avenue. The impact crushed the man’s leg. The driver did not stop. The SUV showed no damage. The man lay broken but conscious on the street. The crash left pain and silence.

A 36-year-old man was crossing Flatbush Avenue when a southbound SUV hit him head-on. According to the police report, 'A man crossed without a signal. A southbound SUV struck him head-on. His leg was crushed. The driver, distracted, kept going.' The pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, a 2021 model, showed no damage. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The driver’s actions and lack of attention led directly to the severe injury. No other injuries were reported among vehicle occupants or witnesses.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4575155 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Bus Turns, Kills Elderly Woman Crossing Flatbush

A bus turned left on Flatbush Avenue. Its front end struck a 79-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She died under the weight. The street bore witness. The machine rolled on. The city swallowed another life.

A 79-year-old woman was killed while crossing Flatbush Avenue at Glenwood Road. According to the police report, a bus making a left turn struck her with its front end as she crossed with the signal. The report lists 'Oversized Vehicle' as a contributing factor. The woman suffered fatal injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. The bus driver, a 46-year-old man, was not injured. No other injuries were reported. The data highlights the danger posed by large vehicles in city streets. The victim was following the signal when struck.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4573615 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Diesel Truck Crushes Cyclist on Parkside Avenue

A 25-year-old cyclist was struck and killed by a diesel truck on Parkside Avenue. The truck rolled on, untouched. Her bike lay twisted. The morning air held no sound. The crash left the cyclist dead and the truck undamaged.

A 25-year-old woman riding a bike east on Parkside Avenue was struck and killed by a diesel tractor truck. According to the police report, 'a 25-year-old cyclist struck by a diesel truck while passing. She was thrown, crushed, and killed. Her bike lay twisted. The truck rolled on, untouched.' The crash listed 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The cyclist was ejected and suffered fatal injuries to her entire body. The truck sustained no damage. The report does not list any contributing factors for the cyclist beyond the driver errors. No other injuries were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4572613 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Cyclist Killed After Driver Ignores Signs in Brooklyn

A woman rode south on New York Avenue. A driver failed to yield. Traffic signs meant nothing. She was struck, thrown from her bike. Her head hit the pavement. She died under the streetlights. The city lost another cyclist.

A 53-year-old woman riding a bike southbound on New York Avenue at Cortelyou Road was killed. According to the police report, she was struck and ejected from her bike, suffering fatal head injuries. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The driver ignored traffic signs and did not yield, leading to the deadly impact. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary causes were driver errors. No other injuries were reported. The crash marks another fatal toll for Brooklyn’s streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Turning SUV Strikes E-Scooter Rider on Flatbush

A man on an e-scooter hit by a turning SUV. His leg split open, blood pooled on Flatbush Avenue. He stayed conscious, partially thrown. The SUV showed no damage. The street bore the mark of impact. No helmet listed as a factor.

A man riding an e-scooter was struck by a northbound SUV making a left turn on Flatbush Avenue near Regent Place in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A man on an e-scooter struck by a turning SUV. No helmet. His leg split open, blood pooling on the street. He stayed awake. The SUV bore no damage. He was partially thrown.' The e-scooter rider suffered a severe leg injury and was partially ejected. The SUV driver was uninjured. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The absence of a helmet is noted, but only after the crash details. The impact left the vulnerable rider bleeding in the street while the SUV remained unscathed.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552274 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Turns, Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

A man crossed Ocean Avenue with the light. An SUV turned and hit his leg. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious. The driver kept his license. The city kept moving. The wound ran deep. The system failed.

A 58-year-old pedestrian was struck by a turning SUV while crossing Ocean Avenue with the signal. According to the police report, the man suffered severe bleeding to his lower leg but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, a 2015 Toyota, showed no damage and the driver retained his license. Police listed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The report notes the pedestrian was in the intersection and crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. No injuries were reported for the vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by those on foot when drivers fail to yield and pay attention.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545842 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Infiniti Speeds, Strikes Woman at Flatbush Corner

A speeding Infiniti hit a 61-year-old woman at Nostrand and Flatbush. She stood near the intersection. The car tore open her leg. Blood pooled on the street. She stayed conscious, wounded and bleeding under harsh lights.

A 61-year-old woman was struck and injured by a southbound Infiniti at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash happened late at night when the car sped through the intersection and hit the woman, who was not in the roadway. She suffered severe lacerations to her lower leg but remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The data does not mention any other errors or helmet or signal use. The impact left the pedestrian hurt and bleeding under the streetlights.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540464 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Distracted SUV Driver Strikes Pedestrian on Foster Avenue

A westbound SUV hit a man on Foster Avenue. The left front bumper smashed his head. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious. The driver was distracted. No intersection. Darkness hid the danger. The city failed to protect him.

A 46-year-old man walking on Foster Avenue was struck by a westbound SUV. According to the police report, 'A westbound SUV struck a 46-year-old man in the dark. The left front bumper hit his head. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious. The driver was distracted. There was no intersection.' The pedestrian suffered a head injury and severe bleeding but remained conscious. The crash data lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The driver, a 60-year-old man, was licensed and wore a lap belt and harness. The impact occurred away from any intersection, leaving the pedestrian exposed. Systemic danger and driver distraction combined to put a vulnerable road user in harm’s way.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504722 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Bichotte Hermelyn Backs Safety Boosting Apolline’s Garden Plaza

DOT will turn a Brooklyn street into Apolline's Garden, a car-free plaza. The move comes after a reckless driver killed a baby and injured her mother. Officials and neighbors pushed for this change. Cars lose space. Pedestrians gain safety.

On February 22, 2022, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez confirmed the conversion of Gates Avenue’s stub end into 'Apolline's Garden,' a pedestrian plaza. The announcement followed a virtual Vanderbilt Avenue Block Association meeting. The plaza honors Apolline Mong-Guillemin, a 3-month-old killed by a wrong-way driver on September 11, 2021. Rodriguez stated, 'Traffic violence is a solvable crisis and I'm committed to carrying out Mayor's Adams's safety vision [by] expanding pedestrian plazas and open streets.' Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte called for unity, saying, 'There is no doubt that the creation of Apolline's Garden is the appropriate answer to honor the short life of this 3-month-old baby.' The plan aligns with the NYC 25X25 initiative to reclaim street space for pedestrians and cyclists. Community leaders and officials support the plaza as a step to prevent future tragedy.


Bus Turns, Kills Elderly Pedestrian on Flatbush

A bus turned on Flatbush. A 72-year-old man crossed with the signal. The bus struck him. His leg broke. He died there. The driver was distracted. The street stayed busy. The man did not rise.

A 72-year-old man was killed while crossing Flatbush Avenue near 1598 in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the man was crossing with the signal when a bus made a right turn and struck him, breaking his leg. The report states, “The driver was distracted.” The data lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The bus showed no damage. The pedestrian died at the scene. No injuries were reported for the bus driver or occupants. The crash highlights the lethal risk to pedestrians when drivers fail to yield and pay attention, especially at busy intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504027 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04