Blood on the Asphalt: Bronx Leaders Stall While Pedestrians Die

After a hit-and-run injured a child, Bronx lawmakers called for speed humps and stop signs. They refused proven fixes like road diets and daylighting. Council Member Dinowitz claimed streets are too narrow for lane removal. DOT denied their request, citing low crash data.

On March 10, 2025, Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz pressed the city for speed humps and four-way stop signs in Riverdale, following a hit-and-run that injured a 9-year-old girl. Their request, sent to the Department of Transportation before the crash, was denied due to low car volumes and insufficient crash history. The lawmakers, at a press conference, supported speed humps and stop signs but opposed road diets and universal daylighting. Eric Dinowitz argued, 'If you walked down any of these streets, they are far too narrow to narrow any more.' He also rejected citywide daylighting, insisting, 'Daylighting has to be done corner by corner.' The council member has criticized DOT’s safety efforts before, framing the agency as unresponsive. No safety analyst assessment was provided for this action.

• Riverdale Pols Push for Some Street Safety, But Balk at More Serious Interventions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-10

After a hit-and-run injured a child, Bronx lawmakers called for speed humps and stop signs. They refused proven fixes like road diets and daylighting. Council Member Dinowitz claimed streets are too narrow for lane removal. DOT denied their request, citing low crash data.

On March 10, 2025, Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz pressed the city for speed humps and four-way stop signs in Riverdale, following a hit-and-run that injured a 9-year-old girl. Their request, sent to the Department of Transportation before the crash, was denied due to low car volumes and insufficient crash history. The lawmakers, at a press conference, supported speed humps and stop signs but opposed road diets and universal daylighting. Eric Dinowitz argued, 'If you walked down any of these streets, they are far too narrow to narrow any more.' He also rejected citywide daylighting, insisting, 'Daylighting has to be done corner by corner.' The council member has criticized DOT’s safety efforts before, framing the agency as unresponsive. No safety analyst assessment was provided for this action.

• Riverdale Pols Push for Some Street Safety, But Balk at More Serious Interventions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-10

A moped slammed into a minivan in Soundview. Two teens thrown. One died. The other survived. The driver stayed. Police probe who had the right of way. Another young life lost on Bronx streets.

Gothamist (2025-02-25) reports a fatal crash at Metcalf Avenue and East 172nd Street in the Bronx. A 17-year-old, Juan Alexander Quizhpi Naranjo, drove a moped with a 14-year-old passenger when they collided with a Honda Odyssey. Both were thrown from the moped. Quizhpi Naranjo died at Jacobi Hospital; the girl survived. The minivan driver, 42, remained at the scene and faced no charges. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is still determining 'who had the right of way and whether a traffic violation played a role.' This marks the second traffic death this year in the 43rd Precinct, highlighting ongoing dangers for young road users.

• Bronx Teen Killed In Moped-Minivan Crash, Gothamist, Published 2025-02-25

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

A northbound sedan collided with the rear of a merging pick-up truck on the Major Deegan Expressway. The pick-up truck driver suffered back injuries and abrasions but was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed and traveling northbound at the time.

According to the police report, at 5:24 AM on the Major Deegan Expressway, a northbound sedan struck the center back end of a northbound pick-up truck that was merging. The impact occurred at the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the pick-up truck. The pick-up truck driver, a 29-year-old male occupant, was injured with back abrasions and was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report does not list any contributing factors such as failure to yield or other driver errors, but the collision dynamics indicate the sedan struck the rear of the merging truck, suggesting a possible failure to adjust speed or distance. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790119 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan traveling south on Mosholu Ave struck an 18-year-old female pedestrian crossing against the signal. The impact caused severe lower leg injuries and shock. Limited driver visibility contributed to the collision at the intersection near Broadway.

According to the police report, at 17:54 on Mosholu Ave near Broadway in the Bronx, a 2014 Hyundai sedan traveling straight south struck an 18-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal, which the report lists as a contributing factor under 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' The report also notes 'View Obstructed/Limited,' indicating the driver’s visibility was impaired. The pedestrian suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The sedan’s point of impact was the center front end, and the vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The collision highlights the dangers posed by limited driver visibility combined with pedestrian crossing errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790620 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A city bus swerved to dodge a double-parked car. It crashed through a wall and dangled over a Bronx overpass. No one was hurt. Debris rained down. The city’s parking chaos left concrete cracked and nerves frayed.

NY1 reported on January 17, 2025, that a BxM1 MTA bus partially drove off the Henry Hudson Parkway overpass near Kappock Street after the driver swerved to avoid a double-parked car. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz stated, "We’re told by the MTA that the bus was trying to get around an illegally double-parked car, and he hit the wall and went through it." The crash damaged the overpass wall and scattered debris onto the street below. No injuries were reported, though conflicting accounts left passenger presence unclear. City Councilman Eric Dinowitz highlighted the broader issue: "We’re seeing all over the city parking regulations not being enforced." The incident underscores the risks posed by illegal parking and the need for stricter enforcement and infrastructure checks.

• MTA Bus Hangs Off Bronx Overpass, NY1, Published 2025-01-17

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Two sedans collided on Broadway in the Bronx. One driver made an improper left turn at unsafe speed, striking the other vehicle. The turning driver suffered chest injuries and concussion, left in shock. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway near Henry Hudson Parkway in the Bronx at 7:25 p.m. Two sedans traveling east and west collided when the eastbound driver was making a left turn improperly at unsafe speed. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the turning vehicle and the left front quarter panel of the other sedan. The turning driver, a 45-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt, sustained chest injuries and a concussion, and was reported in shock. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the crash. Both vehicles were damaged at the front and left side. The licensed drivers were male and operating their vehicles legally otherwise. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784099 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

On the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, a sedan changing lanes struck the left side doors of an SUV traveling north. Both drivers were injured, suffering back and leg injuries. The crash was caused by improper lane usage by the sedan driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:30 PM on the Major Deegan Expressway Northbound Exit 11 in the Bronx. A sedan was changing lanes when it struck the left side doors of a northbound SUV. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to execute a safe lane change. The SUV driver and a passenger were both injured: the passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash, while the driver sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. Both occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The impact damaged the left side doors of the SUV and the right front quarter panel of the sedan. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782614 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound unlicensed sedan driver struck the rear of an SUV on the Major Deegan Expressway. The SUV’s front passenger suffered a knee and lower leg injury, restrained by a lap belt and harness. Unsafe speed caused the collision late at night.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:22 on the Major Deegan Expressway. A licensed male driver operated a 2019 Ford SUV traveling north, carrying two occupants. A 2019 Mercedes sedan, also northbound, was driven by an unlicensed male driver. The sedan collided with the center back end of the SUV, damaging its center front end and the sedan’s right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The SUV’s front passenger, a 32-year-old female, was injured with contusions and bruises to her knee and lower leg but was not ejected and was conscious. She was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The unlicensed status of the sedan driver and unsafe speed were key driver errors leading to this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781020 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 56-year-old man suffered upper leg injuries when an SUV traveling north struck him at a Bronx intersection. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. The vehicle's right front bumper hit the victim, causing abrasions and moderate injury.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Major Deegan Expressway southbound and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when he was struck by a northbound 2021 BMW SUV. The vehicle's right front bumper impacted the pedestrian, causing abrasions and injuries to his hip and upper leg. The driver, a licensed male from Florida, was going straight ahead at the time of the collision. The report lists the pedestrian's action as crossing against the signal and notes unspecified contributing factors but does not cite driver errors explicitly. The vehicle sustained damage to the right front quarter panel. The pedestrian was not ejected and suffered injury severity level 3.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777028 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx at 8:15 AM. Both drivers were making left turns when the impact occurred. A 58-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and minor burns, experiencing shock at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:15 AM on Major Deegan Expressway southbound near E 233rd Street in the Bronx. Two SUVs, both traveling south, were making left turns when they collided. The point of impact was the center front end of one vehicle and the center back end of the other. The male driver, age 58, was injured with neck trauma and minor burns and was in shock but was not ejected from his vehicle. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim errors. Vehicle damage was noted on the rear SUV. The collision highlights risks during left-turn maneuvers on busy expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772765 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided at night on Henry Hudson Parkway. Both drivers were distracted. One driver suffered a head injury. Metal twisted. The road stayed open. Danger lingered in the dark.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed at 22:03 on Henry Hudson Parkway. Both drivers were cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction. The first sedan was making a left turn; the second was going straight. The impact struck the center back end of the first car and the center front end of the second. A 25-year-old male driver suffered a head injury but remained conscious and was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed. The crash shows the harm caused by driver distraction on city roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768363 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Mosholu Parkway. The sedan driver, a 24-year-old man, suffered a neck injury and concussion. Both vehicles were damaged at their center ends. The collision caused serious injury without ejection.

According to the police report, at 5:00 AM on Mosholu Parkway, a 2024 Jeep SUV traveling north struck the center back end of a 2020 Honda sedan also traveling north. The sedan's driver, a 24-year-old male occupant, was injured with a neck injury and concussion but remained conscious and was not ejected. Both vehicles sustained damage at their center front and back ends respectively. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not indicate any pedestrian involvement or victim fault. The collision suggests a failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver, as the impact was a rear-end collision. The sedan driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768357 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle struck a slowing SUV on Major Deegan Expressway. The rider, 33, was hurled onto the asphalt, torn and bleeding. Steel and speed carved him open. The crash left a body marked by violence and a road stained by impact.

According to the police report, a motorcycle collided with the rear of a slowing SUV on Major Deegan Expressway at 14:03. The rider, a 33-year-old man, was ejected from his motorcycle and suffered severe lacerations across his entire body. The report describes the rider as conscious but bleeding and torn after being thrown onto the roadway. The primary contributing factor cited in the police report is 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The motorcycle's center front end struck the SUV's center back end, underscoring the violence of the impact. No victim behavior is listed as a contributing factor in the report. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention on New York City roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766547 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26