No More Blood for Broken Streets: Demand Safety Now

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Two mothers starve for justice. Their children killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers let New York City set its own speed limits. The Assembly stalls. Grief and anger fill the halls. No more excuses. They want action. Now.

On June 6, 2023, two mothers began a hunger strike at the State Capitol, demanding action on Sammy’s Law. The bill, first introduced in 2020 by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The City Council backed the measure with a 'home rule' message last month. But Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has not brought it to a vote. The matter title: 'Sammy’s Law.' Amy Cohen, whose son Sammy was killed in 2013, and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, whose son Bryan was killed in 2006, lead the protest. Mendieta-Cuapio says, 'We need to pass Sammy's Law today, no more excuses.' Lawmakers hide behind closed doors. The mothers refuse to let their children’s deaths be ignored.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-06

Two mothers starve for justice at the State Capitol. Their children were killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set lower speed limits. Assembly leaders stall. Grief meets gridlock.

On June 6, 2023, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and advocates launched a hunger strike at the State Capitol for Sammy’s Law. The bill, introduced by Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The official summary states it 'would authorize NYC to set speed limits below 25 mph but would not automatically change them.' Amy Cohen and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, mothers whose children were killed by drivers, lead the protest. Despite majority City Council support and a home rule message, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refuses to bring the bill to a vote. Advocates accuse lawmakers of hiding and demand transparency. The hunger strike exposes the human cost of legislative inaction.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-06-06

Families for Safe Streets rallied outside Speaker Heastie’s office. They demanded action on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. Lawmakers dodged a vote. Grief and anger filled the air. The Assembly stayed silent.

On June 5, 2023, supporters of Sammy’s Law gathered outside Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Bronx office. The bill, which would grant New York City local control over its speed limits, remains stalled in the Assembly. The rally, led by Families for Safe Streets, called out lawmakers for refusing to bring the measure to a vote. Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a leading advocate, criticized the lack of transparency: 'We are demanding that the Speaker bring this to a vote.' Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz voiced strong support, but others, like Chantel Jackson, hesitated, citing constituent feedback. The bill’s matter summary states it would not mandate lower limits but allow the city to decide. The legislative process left families of crash victims frustrated and angry. The Assembly’s inaction keeps city streets dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Supporters of Sammy’s Law Rally Heastie and Share Frustrations About Assembly’s Inaction on Speed Limit Reduction, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Families for Safe Streets rallied outside Speaker Heastie’s office. They demanded action on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. Lawmakers dodged a vote. Grief and anger filled the air. The Assembly stayed silent.

On June 5, 2023, supporters of Sammy’s Law gathered outside Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Bronx office. The bill, which would grant New York City local control over its speed limits, remains stalled in the Assembly. The rally, led by Families for Safe Streets, called out lawmakers for refusing to bring the measure to a vote. Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a leading advocate, criticized the lack of transparency: 'We are demanding that the Speaker bring this to a vote.' Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz voiced strong support, but others, like Chantel Jackson, hesitated, citing constituent feedback. The bill’s matter summary states it would not mandate lower limits but allow the city to decide. The legislative process left families of crash victims frustrated and angry. The Assembly’s inaction keeps city streets dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Supporters of Sammy’s Law Rally Heastie and Share Frustrations About Assembly’s Inaction on Speed Limit Reduction, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Advocates starved in Albany. The Assembly stalled Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City lower speed limits. Children die. Pedestrians bleed. Lawmakers delay. Support is broad. The Assembly blocks action. Hunger sharpens the call for safety and control.

On June 5, 2023, advocates began a hunger strike in Albany, demanding action on Sammy’s Law. The bill, named after Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City set its own speed limits, dropping them from 25 to 20 mph. The measure passed the Senate and has broad support, including from Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and a City Council supermajority. But the Assembly, led by Speaker Carl Heastie, has not brought it to a vote. Amy Cohen of Families for Safe Streets said, 'It shouldn’t be a deadly act to walk our streets.' Andrea Stewart-Cousins is mentioned in the advocacy. The bill’s summary states it would allow NYC to lower speed limits. Advocates demand transparency and urgency, citing lives lost and strong public support. The Assembly’s inaction blocks a proven, life-saving measure for vulnerable road users.

• Advocates set to go on hunger strike in Albany as State Assembly dithers on Sammy’s Law allowing NYC to lower speed limits, amny.com, Published 2023-06-05

A 2017 Toyota sedan overturned while traveling north on Hutchinson River Parkway. Two young passengers, ages 2 and 10, were injured and left in shock. Both were restrained. The crash caused serious vehicle damage and left occupants shaken.

According to the police report, a 2017 Toyota sedan overturned on Hutchinson River Parkway while going straight ahead. The vehicle had five occupants. Two passengers, a 2-year-old and a 10-year-old boy, were injured and experienced shock. Both were restrained with a child restraint and a harness, respectively. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The point of impact and vehicle damage were both described as overturned. No ejections occurred. The injuries to the young passengers were recorded as unknown severity but serious enough to cause shock. The report does not specify any pedestrian involvement or other vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636276 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A motorcycle struck an SUV making a left turn on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The motorcyclist was ejected and injured, suffering bruises and leg injuries. Both drivers failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision and damage.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on White Plains Road collided with a southbound SUV making a left turn. The motorcyclist, a 33-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries along with contusions. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The motorcycle's right front bumper struck the SUV's left front quarter panel. The motorcyclist remained conscious after the crash. The SUV driver was licensed in New Jersey, and the motorcyclist was licensed in New York. The collision caused significant vehicle damage and serious injury to the vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634627 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

A BMW motorcycle tore down East 229th. The rider lost control. He flew from the seat. Blood pooled. His words came broken. The street held him, silent and slipping. Unsafe speed left him battered and bleeding.

A 29-year-old man riding a BMW motorcycle crashed on East 229th Street in the Bronx. According to the police report, the motorcycle struck at speed, ejecting the rider. He suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report notes the rider was incoherent at the scene. The police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor in the crash. The data shows the rider was ejected from the motorcycle and left on the street, injured. No other vehicles or people were involved. The police report does not specify if safety equipment was used.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633950 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

A Mercedes SUV rolled driverless on East 234th Street. The machine pinned its only occupant, a 51-year-old woman. She died, conscious, trapped beneath the weight. Metal pressed down. The street stood still. Another life lost to runaway steel.

A 2009 Mercedes SUV rolled driverless near East 234th Street and Vireo Avenue in the Bronx. The vehicle crushed its only occupant, a 51-year-old woman, who died at the scene. According to the police report, 'A 2009 Mercedes SUV rolled driverless. It crushed its only occupant, a 51-year-old woman. She wore no belt. She died conscious, pinned beneath the weight she once controlled.' The contributing factor listed was 'Driverless/Runaway Vehicle.' No other injuries were reported. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash shows the deadly risk when a vehicle moves uncontrolled.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632264 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A sedan struck a stopped vehicle on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The driver of the stopped car suffered neck injuries and shock. The crash caused left front damage to the striking sedan. Improper lane usage contributed to the collision.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male driver was injured when his stopped sedan was hit from behind on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The driver suffered neck injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The striking vehicle, a 2017 Mercedes sedan traveling south, impacted the left front quarter panel of the stopped car, causing visible damage. The report lists driver errors including "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and an unspecified contributing factor. The injured driver was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers of improper lane use and failure to maintain safe distance in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631109 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A Razor e-scooter struck a Honda SUV on Boston Road. Two riders flew from the scooter. A 28-year-old woman landed hard, her face torn open. Blood pooled as cars rolled by. Three SUV occupants also suffered injuries. Traffic control ignored.

A Razor e-scooter crashed into the side of a Honda SUV on Boston Road. Two people on the e-scooter were ejected. A 28-year-old woman, riding as a passenger, suffered severe facial lacerations and was thrown across the seat. According to the police report, 'A Razor e-scooter slammed into the side of a Honda SUV. A 28-year-old woman, unbelted, was thrown across the seat. Her face split open. She lay conscious, bleeding, as traffic rolled past.' Three SUV occupants, ages 20, 43, and 73, also reported injuries. Police list 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. No helmet or signal use is cited as a factor. The crash left multiple people hurt, with systemic failures at play.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631072 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 50-year-old woman driving a sedan suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries after an SUV passed too closely on Furman Avenue in the Bronx. The SUV struck the sedan’s right side doors. The driver was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Furman Avenue in the Bronx when an SUV traveling south passed too closely to a sedan that was starting from parking. The SUV struck the sedan’s right side doors, causing damage to both vehicles. The sedan driver, a 50-year-old woman, was injured with shoulder and upper arm trauma and complained of whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions are noted. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631104 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two sedans crashed on Boston Road. One driver turned wrong. A 22-year-old woman in the front seat was hurt. She stayed conscious. Metal crumpled. The street stayed loud and cold.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Boston Road near Conner Street in the Bronx at 11:30 p.m. One sedan was heading south, going straight. The other, heading north, changed lanes and turned improperly. The crash injured a 22-year-old female front passenger in the northbound sedan. She suffered abrasions to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles took damage to their front quarter panels. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as the driver error. No other contributing factors or victim errors are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630677 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two sedans slammed together on Webster Avenue. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were distracted. Parked cars took hits. The street turned chaotic in seconds.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Webster Avenue in the Bronx. A 33-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers, with unsafe speed also noted for the injured driver. Several parked sedans were struck, sustaining damage to their rear panels and bumpers. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash scene showed the danger of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629884 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16