Blood on the Asphalt: Manhattan’s Streets Still Kill

Two sedans slammed together on 11th Avenue. Drivers suffered head and body injuries. Police cite following too closely and oversized vehicle as causes. Metal twisted. Shock followed.

Two sedans and an oversized vehicle crashed on 11th Avenue at West 16th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, two drivers were injured—one with head trauma, another with injuries to the entire body. Both drivers experienced shock. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The report also notes 'Other Vehicular' errors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left metal bent and people hurt, with driver actions at the center of the danger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811272 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Three dead in two weeks. Cyclist crushed in Soho. Pedestrian killed crossing Woodhaven. Another cyclist struck by fire truck in Queens. Protected lanes grow, but streets remain perilous. City claims progress. The toll mounts. The danger persists.

amNY reported on May 4, 2025, that a surge in deadly collisions has struck New York City as spring brings more cyclists and pedestrians to the streets. On May 1, a cyclist died after hitting a van's open door and being thrown under a truck at Broome and Centre Streets. On April 25, a motorcyclist struck and killed Breanna Henderson as she crossed Woodhaven Boulevard. On April 19, a fire truck responding to an emergency collided with a cyclist, who died at the scene. The article notes, 'each of which is under investigation by the NYPD.' The city’s Department of Transportation points to expanded protected bike lanes—87.5 miles added in three years—and new barriers, but the recent deaths highlight ongoing systemic risks for vulnerable road users.

• Spring Collisions Expose Street Dangers, amny, Published 2025-05-04

A van door swung open. The cyclist struck it. He fell. A truck crushed him. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The street stayed busy. The drivers waited. The city moved on.

According to NY Daily News (May 3, 2025), Georgios Smaragdis, 44, was killed while riding his e-bike west on Broome Street in Soho. The article states, "he slammed into the door of a Mercedes van that its driver had just flung open," sending him into the path of a red delivery truck that ran him over. Both drivers remained at the scene. The van driver told the outlet, "I opened the door. I didn’t even see the guy." Police have not announced charges. The crash highlights the persistent danger of dooring and the lethal consequences for cyclists when drivers fail to check for oncoming traffic before opening doors. The incident underscores ongoing risks for vulnerable road users in Manhattan’s dense traffic.

• E-Bike Rider Killed After Dooring in Soho, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-03

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

A man on an e-bike struck a van door on Broome Street. The door swung open. He fell into the path of a box truck. The truck ran him over. Medics tried to save him. He died at Bellevue Hospital.

NY Daily News reported on May 1, 2025, that an e-bike rider died in Manhattan after being doored by a Mercedes van and then run over by a box truck. The crash happened around 10:10 a.m. on Broome Street near Centre Street. The van driver told the outlet, "I opened the door. I didn’t even see the guy. I only saw the accident." The collision forced the cyclist into the path of a red delivery truck, which then struck him. The 54-year-old truck driver stayed at the scene. Police had not determined if charges would be filed. The article highlights the lethal risk of dooring and the vulnerability of cyclists in mixed traffic. The incident underscores systemic dangers at curbside and the consequences of inattentive door opening.

• E-Bike Rider Killed After Van Door Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-01

A driver turned wrong on West 14th. The car struck a man walking against traffic. His leg broke. Police cite improper turn and distraction. The street stayed open. The pain did not.

A pedestrian, age 43, was struck and injured by a vehicle making a U-turn near 351 W 14th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the driver turned improperly and was inattentive or distracted. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the danger to people on foot when drivers fail to follow basic rules.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809469 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A woman crossed Amsterdam Avenue. An ambulance turned left. Metal struck flesh. Bones broke. Blood spilled. She died in the hospital. The driver stayed, but charges followed. The street remains wide, busy, and dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 29, 2025, that Juan Santana, an ambulance driver, was arrested months after fatally striking Miriam Reinharth, 69, in Manhattan. Police said Santana failed to yield as Reinharth crossed Amsterdam Avenue at West 96th Street. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad found Santana turned left into her path. He was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. Reinharth died from severe injuries, including a broken leg and pelvis fractures. The article notes, 'The police officer said the accident was not Miriam's fault at all.' The crash occurred on a double-wide, truck route artery, highlighting ongoing risks for pedestrians at busy intersections.

• Ambulance Driver Charged After Fatal Turn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-29

Two cyclists crashed head-on on Eighth Avenue. One man, 44, was ejected and suffered a fractured arm. Police cite inattention and improper lane use. The street turned dangerous in a heartbeat.

Two cyclists collided head-on near 689 8th Avenue in Manhattan. One cyclist, a 44-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a fractured arm. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' The injured cyclist was wearing a helmet. The report lists no other contributing factors. The crash highlights the risks cyclists face when driver errors occur.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810051 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bus and pick-up truck collided on West 33rd. One driver suffered a head injury. Police cite driver distraction. Metal and glass scattered. The city’s danger showed its teeth.

A bus and pick-up truck crashed on West 33rd Street near 10th Avenue in Manhattan. One driver, a 42-year-old man, was injured in the head and left in shock. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the collision. The report lists no other contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left vehicles damaged and a driver hurt. The toll of distraction on city streets is clear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807781 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Taxi and pickup truck crashed on West 29th. Rear passenger hurt. Improper lane use cited. Metal and glass, sudden stop, pain in the arm.

A taxi and a pickup truck collided while both were making right turns on West 29th Street at 10th Avenue in Manhattan. One rear passenger, a 62-year-old woman, suffered a shoulder injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' was listed as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left metal twisted and a passenger in pain. Driver errors were noted in the official record.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808430 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a 24-year-old man crossing with the signal at Ninth Avenue. The driver failed to yield. The pedestrian suffered facial abrasions but remained conscious.

A sedan struck a 24-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection of 382 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver failed to yield the right-of-way. The impact caused facial abrasions. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No other causes or equipment issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810844 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi ran a traffic control on W 43rd and 9th. The driver, 64, suffered a shoulder injury. Police cite traffic control disregarded. System failed to protect those inside.

A taxi collided at W 43rd Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The 64-year-old male driver was injured in the shoulder and reported whiplash. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The report lists no other contributing factors. Two other occupants were involved but their injuries were unspecified. The data shows the taxi's left side doors were damaged. The system allowed a lapse in traffic control, leaving a driver hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807588 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cyclist struck a 66-year-old woman crossing with the signal on 11th Avenue. She suffered arm injuries. Police cite failure to yield as the cause.

A cyclist traveling south on 11th Avenue at West 42nd Street struck a 66-year-old woman as she crossed with the signal. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her arm. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The cyclist was licensed in Florida. No other factors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807357 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV hit a 63-year-old man in the crosswalk on W 36th Street. The pedestrian suffered a fractured arm. Police cite failure to yield. The driver turned left. The street stayed busy. The wound was deep.

A 63-year-old man was struck by a Toyota SUV while crossing W 36th Street at 9th Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the SUV, making a left turn, hit him. The man suffered a fractured arm and dislocation. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The driver was licensed and remained at the scene. No injuries were reported among vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by pedestrians, even when following traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806868 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.

Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.

• File A 7997, Open States, Published 2025-04-16

SUV cut left on West 30th. Cyclist hit. Leg bruised. Police cite failure to yield and inattention. Metal against flesh. Another night, another wound.

A cyclist riding south on a bike was struck by an eastbound SUV making a left turn at West 30th Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The cyclist, a 30-year-old man, suffered a contusion to his lower leg. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The cyclist was wearing a helmet. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupants. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to yield and lose focus behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806097 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

E-scooter struck a woman crossing with the signal. She took the hit in her shoulder. Bruised, conscious, left in pain. Driver failed to yield. Traffic control ignored.

An e-scooter traveling south on 9th Avenue struck a 38-year-old woman crossing W 23rd Street with the signal. She suffered a shoulder contusion but remained conscious. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way and disregarded traffic control. The impact hit the pedestrian at the intersection’s center front. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The woman was injured while lawfully crossing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806500 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A stolen car slammed into a Manhattan building. Flames followed. The driver, Francisco Guzman Parra, died on impact. His family waited days for answers. Police actions now face scrutiny. The city counts another life lost to speed and steel.

The New York Times (April 12, 2025) reports on the death of Francisco Guzman Parra after a stolen Honda CRV crashed into a building in Inwood, Manhattan. The crash followed a police chase; two officers involved were suspended pending investigation. The article notes, "The police are investigating whether the officers left the scene without reporting the crash." The medical examiner found Guzman Parra died from blunt impact and thermal injuries. The NYPD force investigation unit and state attorney general are reviewing the incident. The police have not disclosed why the chase began or details about the pursuit. The case highlights ongoing questions about police pursuit policies and the dangers that follow high-speed chases through city streets.

• Police Chase Ends Inwood Crash Death, The New York Times, Published 2025-04-12