Morgan Avenue: Blood on the Asphalt, Silence from City Hall

Feb 2 - A taxi loses grip on the slick Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal buckles. Two rear passengers bleed, faces cut and bruised. The cab’s front end is crushed. Rain turns routine travel into chaos.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway skidded on slippery pavement. The report states, 'A taxi skids on wet blacktop. Metal folds. A man, 56, sits in the back. Blood spills from his head. He is awake. The cab's front end is crushed.' Two rear passengers were injured: a 54-year-old woman suffered a facial contusion, and a 56-year-old man sustained severe head lacerations. Both remained conscious. The only contributing factor listed is 'Pavement Slippery.' No driver errors such as speeding or failure to yield are cited. The crash highlights the danger wet roads pose to passengers, with the impact crushing the cab’s front end and leaving blood on the seats.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 1 - An unlicensed male driver crashed his SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp. Alcohol was involved. The driver suffered severe leg injuries. The vehicle was demolished on impact. No other occupants were reported injured or ejected.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male driver operating a 2010 Honda SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp crashed at 16:05. The vehicle was demolished upon impact. The driver was unlicensed and alcohol involvement was cited twice as contributing factors. The driver sustained serious injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations, but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report highlights driver errors including operating the vehicle while unlicensed and under the influence of alcohol. No other occupants or pedestrians were involved or injured. The crash underscores systemic dangers posed by impaired and unlicensed driving on high-speed ramps.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789854 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 1 - A box truck rolled down Lorimer Street. The driver, alone, lost consciousness at the wheel. The truck did not swerve. The right front bumper struck. The driver died in the cab. The street stayed quiet, darkness holding the scene.

According to the police report, a box truck was traveling south on Lorimer Street near 517 Lorimer St in Brooklyn at 3:08 a.m. when the 51-year-old male driver lost consciousness. The report states, 'The driver, 51, lost consciousness. The right front bumper struck. He died alone in the cab.' The vehicle continued straight ahead, with no swerving reported. The official contributing factor listed is 'Lost Consciousness.' The point of impact and vehicle damage were both at the right front bumper. No other persons or vehicles were involved, and no victim behaviors are cited as contributing factors. The fatal outcome underscores the systemic dangers present when a driver loses control of a large vehicle on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789851 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - Two sedans merged westbound on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp. One driver followed too closely, striking the left side doors of the lead vehicle. The lead driver, a 52-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:30 on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp. Two sedans were merging westbound when the trailing vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance, resulting in a collision impacting the left side doors of the lead sedan. The lead vehicle's driver, a 52-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The second sedan sustained no damage, indicating the impact was primarily on the lead vehicle. This collision highlights the dangers of insufficient following distance during merging maneuvers on high-speed expressway ramps.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790441 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - Senate bill S 3832 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Sponsors push for stricter standards. No direct safety impact analysis for pedestrians or cyclists yet.

Senate bill S 3832, now in sponsorship, demands advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill instructs the DMV commissioner to create new rules. Filed January 30, 2025. The matter: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state.' Sponsors are Brad Hoylman-Sigal (primary), Michael Gianaris, and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The measure aims to raise standards but leaves details to future regulations.

• File S 3832, Open States, Published 2025-01-30

Jan 29 - Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso demands DOT cut car lanes and boost safety on deadly Atlantic Avenue. He calls for a road diet, better bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and metered parking. DOT offers piecemeal fixes, but no bold redesign. Advocates want more.

On January 29, 2025, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso pressed the Department of Transportation to overhaul a six-lane stretch of Atlantic Avenue as part of a rezoning plan. Reynoso’s recommendations—outlined in his official statement—include a road diet, pedestrian and cyclist upgrades, and paid parking. He criticized DOT’s lack of detail, saying, 'Daylighting streets is necessary, but a bare minimum.' The Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan, now heading to a Department of City Planning hearing, would rezone 13 blocks and remove parking minimums for new housing. Council Member Crystal Hudson acknowledged the community’s demand for safety but stopped short of backing a road diet. DOT has promised some safety tweaks—painted neckdowns, daylighting, planters, a new bike lane—but not a full redesign. Advocates and Transportation Alternatives call for protected bike lanes and pedestrian plazas. Reynoso’s push highlights the gap between incremental fixes and the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable road users.

• BP Reynoso: DOT Must Open its Street Safety Toolkit on Atlantic Ave., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-29

Jan 28 - Night on Kent Avenue. A moped barrels into a stopped sedan. The rider, helmeted, is hurled and bleeds hard onto the cold blacktop. The sedan sits untouched. The man does not. Steel and flesh meet. Only one is spared.

A 34-year-old moped rider was severely injured after crashing into a stopped sedan near 157 Kent Avenue in Brooklyn at 8:00 p.m., according to the police report. The report states the moped 'slams a stopped sedan,' with the rider 'thrown, helmeted, bleeding hard from the arm.' The police cite 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor in the crash. The moped's front end struck the right side doors of the sedan, which was stopped in traffic and sustained no damage. The moped rider was partially ejected and suffered severe bleeding to the lower arm. According to the police, the sedan remained stationary and was not physically impacted, while the moped absorbed the full force. The report notes the rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790274 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 26 - Two vehicles collided on Broadway in Brooklyn after both drivers engaged in improper lane usage. The crash injured a 52-year-old male driver, who suffered chest injuries and shock. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:15 AM on Broadway in Brooklyn. The collision involved a 2018 BMW sedan traveling east and a 2005 Honda SUV traveling west. Both drivers were cited for 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' indicating driver errors that led to the crash. The 52-year-old male driver of the sedan was injured, suffering chest injuries and shock, and was not ejected from the vehicle. His airbag deployed, and he was restrained by a lap belt. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers, confirming the point of impact. The report highlights driver errors as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to victim behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788574 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 21 - Council leadership handed street policy to car-first politicians. Safety bills stalled. Parking won. Cyclists and pedestrians lost. Deaths stayed high. Advocates condemned the shift. The Speaker and committee heads blocked reforms. Vulnerable New Yorkers paid the price.

""[Intro 606] that was brought forth by Bob Holden wouldn't have seen the light of day and wouldn't have gotten as many signatures as it has now because the leadership wouldn't have had it that way. We wouldn't allow for what I consider his false narrative and public perception to dictate safety and safety policy."" -- Antonio Reynoso

On January 21, 2025, the City Council, under Speaker Adrienne Adams, set its transportation agenda. The session saw progressives sidelined as the Council prioritized car-centric bills, including Intros 103 and 104 (parking protection) and hearings on Intro 606 (e-bike registration). The Common Sense Caucus, known for opposing bike lanes and congestion pricing, led the charge. Progressive members lost key committee seats. Universal daylighting (Intro 1138) and other safety reforms stalled. Council Member Julie Won continued to push for daylighting but faced resistance. As Streetsblog reported, 'roadway safety is simply not a priority.' Advocates and former members criticized the Council for failing to hold the mayor accountable on the Streets Master Plan and for focusing on parking over safety. The Council's actions marked a retreat from previous street safety gains, leaving vulnerable road users exposed.

• ‘Progressives’ Turn Council’s Transportation Policy Over to Republicans, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 19 - A sedan and a diesel truck crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The truck struck the sedan’s left side. Both sedan occupants suffered head and shoulder injuries. Driver errors marked the night.

According to the police report, a sedan and a tractor truck collided at 11:35 PM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The truck’s right front bumper hit the sedan’s left side doors. The 22-year-old male sedan driver suffered a concussion. The 25-year-old male passenger sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries. Both were conscious and wore lap belts. The report lists "Other Vehicular" as a contributing factor, pointing to driver-related errors. No blame is placed on the victims. The crash highlights the dangers of vehicle interactions on city expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 13 - Two sedans collided on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver making a U-turn lost consciousness and struck another vehicle. She suffered neck injuries and was unconscious at the scene. The crash caused significant damage to both vehicles’ left sides.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:05 on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. A 35-year-old female driver, licensed in New York, was making a U-turn when she lost consciousness due to illness, causing her sedan to collide with another sedan traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the U-turning vehicle and the left rear bumper of the other vehicle. The injured driver was not ejected but was unconscious and suffered neck injuries, with a complaint of pain or nausea. The contributing factors listed are 'Lost Consciousness' and 'Illness,' indicating a medical emergency led to the crash. Both vehicles sustained damage primarily on their left sides. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited, but the medical condition of the driver directly caused the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785920 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - A man was struck by an SUV while emerging from in front of a parked vehicle on Bushwick Ave in Brooklyn. The impact caused bruising and injuries to his entire body. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt after the collision.

According to the police report, a male pedestrian was injured on Bushwick Ave in Brooklyn around 8:00 AM when he emerged from in front of a parked vehicle and was struck by a southbound SUV. The vehicle, a 2016 station wagon/SUV, impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper, sustaining damage to the same area. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his entire body, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious after the crash. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as the contributing factor, indicating the pedestrian's action of emerging from a parked vehicle contributed to the collision. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786398 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - 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

Jan 12 - A moving SUV struck a parked SUV’s left rear quarter panel in Brooklyn. The driver of the moving vehicle suffered chest injuries and internal complaints. Illness was cited as a contributing factor, highlighting a sudden driver impairment in the crash.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old female driver of a 2023 Honda SUV traveling west collided with a parked 2021 Mazda SUV’s left rear quarter panel on Meserole Street in Brooklyn at 4:10 a.m. The driver was injured, sustaining chest injuries and internal complaints, and remained conscious. The report lists "Illness" as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a sudden health issue likely impaired the driver’s control. The moving vehicle’s pre-crash action was "Going Straight Ahead," while the parked vehicle was stationary. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the moving SUV and the left rear quarter panel of the parked SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785301 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 12 - A northbound sedan struck a 28-year-old woman crossing Union Avenue. The impact left her unconscious with severe injuries. Police list no driver errors. The street became a danger zone.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old female pedestrian was crossing Union Avenue in Brooklyn, not at an intersection, when a northbound Jeep sedan struck her with its left front bumper. The impact caused severe injuries to her entire body and left her unconscious with internal complaints. The sedan sustained center front end damage. The police report lists contributing factors as unspecified and does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but this is noted without assigning blame. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785401 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 9 - A pickup truck rear-ended a sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan’s front passenger suffered a neck injury. Both drivers were distracted. Metal twisted. One man left semiconscious.

According to the police report, a 2018 HINO pickup truck struck a 2016 BMW sedan from behind on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 20:16. Both vehicles were heading west. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The sedan’s front passenger, a 44-year-old man, suffered a neck injury and was semiconscious after the crash. He wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The pickup truck’s front and the sedan’s rear were both damaged. The crash shows the harm caused when drivers lose focus.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785299 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 8 - A young man on a motorcycle slammed into the back of a Jeep on Freeman Street. His leg shattered, helmet still on, pain raw and immediate. The street bore witness as distraction and close following left him broken, breathing, and awake.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old unlicensed motorcycle rider struck the rear of a Jeep SUV on Freeman Street in Brooklyn. The report states the rider was 'partially ejected' and suffered 'crush injuries' to his leg, remaining conscious at the scene. The police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors in the crash. The motorcycle's point of impact was the left front bumper, colliding with the Jeep's center back end. The rider was wearing a helmet, as documented in the report. No contributing factors are attributed to the Jeep driver. The collision underscores the dangers when driver attention lapses and following distances vanish, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to devastating harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784559 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19