Blood on the Asphalt: Bronx Leaders Stall While Pedestrians Die

Two SUVs collided northbound on the Major Deegan Expressway. The lead vehicle slowed; the following SUV struck it from behind. The driver of the rear SUV suffered back injuries and bruises. Driver distraction caused the crash. No one was ejected.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on the Major Deegan Expressway. The lead SUV was slowing or stopping when the following SUV hit it in the center back end. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 42-year-old man, was injured with back contusions and bruises but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling northbound. The crash caused center front and back end damage to the vehicles. No ejections occurred. The victim was not at fault; the crash resulted from the following driver’s distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641501 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle crashed into an SUV making a U-turn on Jerome Avenue. The unlicensed rider flew from the bike, legs torn and bleeding. He lay semiconscious, helmetless, on the street. Driver inattention marked the moment. Blood pooled. No time to brake.

A violent collision unfolded on Jerome Avenue near Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, a motorcycle struck the left side doors of an SUV as the SUV attempted a U-turn. The motorcycle rider, unlicensed and without a helmet, was ejected and suffered severe lacerations to his legs, lying semiconscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The SUV driver held only a permit. The crash left the motorcycle's front end and the SUV's side doors damaged. The police report notes the absence of a helmet only after citing driver inattention as a cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640780 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW SUV struck a stopped Mitsubishi SUV on Mosholu Parkway. The BMW driver, 21, suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Unsafe speed and passing too closely caused the crash. Both vehicles damaged at front and rear bumpers.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male driver in a BMW SUV traveling south on Mosholu Parkway rear-ended a stopped Mitsubishi SUV. The BMW driver was injured with whiplash and bodily trauma but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists unsafe speed and passing too closely as contributing factors. The Mitsubishi was stopped in traffic, while the BMW was going straight ahead before impact. Damage occurred to the BMW's left front bumper and the Mitsubishi's right rear bumper. The BMW driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights driver errors involving unsafe speed and failure to maintain safe distance behind a stopped vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640190 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2023-06-08

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bronx business groups and local institutions want Mayor Adams to stop bus lane improvements on Fordham Road. They claim the changes will hurt traffic and business. Data shows most shoppers arrive by transit, walking, or biking—not by car. The city weighs next steps.

On May 30, 2023, Bronx business leaders and institutions sent a letter opposing the Department of Transportation’s plan to expand bus lanes on Fordham Road. The matter, titled 'Bronx Business Leaders and Local Institutions Want to Halt Bus Fixes on Fordham Rd,' highlights their demand for Mayor Adams to halt improvements meant for 85,000 daily bus riders. The Belmont and Fordham Business Improvement Districts, along with the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Fordham University, Monroe College, and St. Barnabas Hospital, argue the changes would 'significantly impact crucial traffic flow' and burden side streets. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera voiced support for transit equity but awaits a traffic study. DOT claims to work with the community. Despite business concerns, advocates and city data show most shoppers use transit, walking, or biking, not cars. Similar fears about bus improvements hurting business have not come true elsewhere.

• Bronx Business Leaders and Local Institutions Want to Halt Bus Fixes on Fordham Rd, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-30

Tractor truck struck sedan on Major Deegan. Sedan’s front end crushed. Woman driver, 33, left unconscious with whole-body injuries. Police cite driver inattention. Truck undamaged. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old woman driving a sedan was injured when a tractor truck changed lanes and struck her car’s left front bumper with its right front bumper on the Major Deegan Expressway. The sedan’s front end was crushed. The driver lost consciousness and suffered injuries to her entire body, including whiplash. Police list driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The truck sustained no damage. No other occupants were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630237 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A 64-year-old woman walked with traffic on the Major Deegan. Two sedans hit her. One struck with its right front bumper. The other with its center grille. She died on the roadside. The drivers kept going straight. The street stayed deadly.

A 64-year-old woman walking along the Major Deegan Expressway was struck and killed by two northbound sedans. According to the police report, one sedan hit her with its right front bumper, and the other with its center grille. She died at the scene, on the edge of the road. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead when the collisions occurred. The police report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The woman was not at an intersection and was walking with traffic. No helmet or signal use is mentioned as a factor. The crash left a pedestrian dead and exposed the dangers faced by those on foot near high-speed roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628607 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

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 2023-03-21

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 2023-03-21

Sedan slammed into a carry all truck. Seventy-year-old driver hurt, semiconscious, body battered. Both vehicles moved south. Sedan’s left side crushed. Truck took the hit, stayed whole.

According to the police report, a sedan and a carry all truck collided on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. The sedan’s 70-year-old driver suffered full-body injuries and was semiconscious at the scene. He wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Both vehicles traveled south, going straight. The sedan’s left side doors and front quarter panel were damaged. The truck was struck on its right rear quarter panel but showed no damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver and does not cite any specific driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610665 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13