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

May 8 - A 38-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a northbound bicyclist on Metropolitan Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and remained conscious. The crash involved confusion or error by the pedestrian, according to the police report.

At approximately 8:15 AM on Metropolitan Avenue near Havemeyer Street, a 38-year-old female pedestrian was injured when struck by a northbound bicyclist. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal but was involved in a crash attributed to "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion." The bicyclist, a single occupant female licensed in New York, was traveling straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian at the left front bumper area. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and was conscious following the collision. The report does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Vehicle damage was not reported. The contributing factor listed focuses on pedestrian confusion rather than bicyclist fault, with no mention of helmet use or other victim behaviors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723211 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 7 - A bicyclist was partially ejected and seriously injured after an SUV struck him on South 1 Street in Brooklyn. The crash involved a failure to obey traffic control, leading to a fractured shoulder and dislocation. The bicyclist was conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:30 PM on South 1 Street in Brooklyn. The collision involved a bicyclist traveling south and an SUV traveling east. The SUV struck the bicyclist on the left rear bumper. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old male, was partially ejected from his bike and sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated upper arm. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was going straight ahead, as was the bicyclist, but the failure to comply with traffic control led to the crash. No damage was reported on either vehicle. The bicyclist remained conscious despite the serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728561 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 7 - City wants waste haulers to report every crash, injury, and reckless move. The rule targets companies with deadly records. Data will track harm, expose danger, and force accountability. Streets and lives hang in the balance. The city must act.

On May 7, 2024, the Department of Sanitation proposed amendments to the Commercial Waste Zones program. The rule, not yet law, would require all contracted waste haulers to submit detailed crash and driving data twice a year. The matter targets companies like Action Carting, linked to at least five traffic deaths. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who led the original reforms as a council member, said, 'Crash data from [commercial waste zone] awardees is good, but crash data from CWZ applicants would have been even better.' The bill aims to end the 'Wild West' of private waste hauling, which killed seven New Yorkers in a single year. The new rules demand real-time telematics, immediate injury reports, and full transparency on crashes. Advocates say the data could help redesign streets and hold dangerous drivers to account. The city must prevent weak enforcement from gutting the law’s promise.

• Waste Reforms Could Require Data on Crashes, Dangerous Driving, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-07

May 6 - SUV driver hit a parked taxi while turning on South 4 Street. Head injury and whiplash. Police cite improper turn and distraction. Metal twisted. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male SUV driver struck a parked taxi near 417 South 4 Street in Brooklyn at 8:08 AM. The SUV was entering a parked position when it hit the taxi's rear bumper. The driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police list 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The SUV's front end and the taxi's rear bumper were damaged. No pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers were reported injured. The report does not mention any victim fault or other contributing behaviors beyond the driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722727 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 5 - A bicyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries after an SUV failed to yield while making a left turn. The crash occurred on Broadway in Brooklyn. The cyclist was traveling straight and hit on the left side, sustaining fractures and dislocations.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:45 on Broadway near Lorimer Street in Brooklyn. The SUV was making a left turn and struck a bicyclist traveling northbound straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV's center front end and the cyclist's left side doors. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors, both attributed to the SUV driver. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The evidence highlights driver error in yielding and improper lane usage as the cause of the crash and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722047 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 4 - Two SUVs collided on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling north when the crash occurred shortly after midnight.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:06 AM on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. Two SUVs, both traveling north, collided when the rear vehicle struck the center back end of the front vehicle. The driver of the rear SUV, a 45-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles going straight ahead. The impact point and vehicle damage confirm a rear-end collision caused by the rear driver's failure to maintain attention. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721983 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 1 - A southbound SUV struck a westbound sedan at McGuinness Boulevard. The SUV’s left front bumper hit the sedan’s right front. The sedan driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered elbow and arm abrasions. Police cite traffic control disregard as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:39 on McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn. A 2022 GMC SUV traveling south collided with a 2015 Hyundai sedan traveling west. The point of impact was the SUV's left front bumper and the sedan's right front bumper. The sedan driver, a 64-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious and was not ejected. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721260 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 29 - A moped rider was ejected and injured after a pick-up truck struck him from behind on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. The truck driver’s inattention and unsafe lane change caused the crash. The rider, wearing a helmet, suffered leg injuries and bruises.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 11:44 PM on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn involving a pick-up truck and a moped. The moped driver, a 21-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, along with contusions. The truck driver, licensed and traveling north, struck the moped from behind with the center front end of his vehicle. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors on the part of the truck driver. The moped driver’s helmet use was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and unsafe maneuvers in Brooklyn streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720826 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 26 - A 46-year-old man riding an e-scooter was ejected and suffered full-body injuries in Brooklyn. The crash caused left front damage to the vehicle. The driver was semiconscious and complained of pain and nausea after impact.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old male e-scooter driver was involved in a crash at 22:40 in Brooklyn near Scholes Street. The driver, traveling east and going straight ahead, was ejected from the vehicle upon impact, sustaining injuries to his entire body. The vehicle sustained damage to the left front bumper, indicating a center front end collision. The driver was semiconscious and complained of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors without naming any driver errors or victim behaviors. The driver was licensed in New York and was the sole occupant of the e-scooter. This crash highlights the severe consequences of e-scooter impacts and the vulnerability of riders to ejection and serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720485 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 26 - A sedan struck an 18-year-old woman crossing Division Avenue. She suffered head injuries and was left semiconscious, bleeding. The crash happened at a marked crosswalk without a signal.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Division Avenue struck an 18-year-old female pedestrian as she crossed at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The impact was to the vehicle's center front end. The woman suffered head injuries and was found semiconscious with minor bleeding. No explicit driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. The pedestrian's action of crossing without a signal is noted, but the report does not assign fault. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. No mention of helmet or other safety equipment was made.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720470 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 25 - A taxi struck the rear of an SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway late at night. The SUV driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited the taxi driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, at 11:00 PM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a taxi traveling east collided with the center back end of a 2019 Kia SUV also traveling east. The taxi’s point of impact was its center front end. The SUV driver, a 40-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The police report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the SUV. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720573 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 23 - SUV hit sedan’s right doors in Brooklyn. Woman, 29, fractured and dislocated her shoulder. Both drivers went straight. Police cite failure to yield. Metal twisted. One driver hurt. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a crash took place at 8:35 AM on Franklin Street, Brooklyn. A 2017 Toyota SUV traveling west struck the right side doors of a 2022 Honda sedan. The sedan’s 29-year-old female driver suffered a fractured and dislocated upper arm. Both vehicles were moving straight before the impact. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, pointing to driver error by the SUV operator. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 21 - A 29-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was struck while getting on or off a vehicle outside an intersection. The driver was unlicensed, and the taxi showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Grand Street in Brooklyn at 4:30 AM. The pedestrian was getting on or off a vehicle outside an intersection when a 2020 Honda taxi, operated by an unlicensed male driver, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to the knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The taxi was parked before the crash and showed no damage upon impact. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, emphasizing driver error. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The driver’s unlicensed status further underscores systemic danger in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730205 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 20 - A northbound sedan entering a parked position collided with a northbound bicyclist on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and failure to keep right as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:21 on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. A sedan driven by a licensed female driver was entering a parked position when it struck a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 22-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Keep Right' as contributing factors attributed to the bicyclist, but the primary driver error was the sedan driver's inattention while maneuvering. The bicyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No visible complaints were noted from the cyclist at the scene. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers entering parking spaces amid active bicycle traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719749 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 19 - A 63-year-old male driver fell asleep behind the wheel, crashing his SUV into the rear of a stopped vehicle on Vandervort Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact injured the driver, causing chest trauma. Both vehicles sustained damage to their bumpers.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:27 AM on Vandervort Avenue in Brooklyn. The 63-year-old male driver of a 2021 Ram SUV was traveling south when he fell asleep at the wheel. This driver error led to a rear-end collision with a 2018 Toyota SUV that was stopped in traffic. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the Ram and the right rear bumper of the Toyota. The driver of the Ram sustained internal chest injuries and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly cites 'Fell Asleep' as the contributing factor for the collision. Both vehicles were occupied by a single driver each, and both drivers held valid New York licenses. The injured driver was not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718545 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - A 39-year-old man crossing Metropolitan Avenue with the signal was struck by a sedan making a right turn. The driver’s inattention caused a fracture and dislocation to the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot. The victim remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Metropolitan Avenue near Vandervort Avenue in Brooklyn at 13:24. A 39-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2023 Toyota sedan, traveling north and making a right turn, struck him on the right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered a fracture and dislocation to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No pedestrian errors were noted as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving, especially at intersections where pedestrians have the right of way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728630 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 18 - Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 18 - Council bill orders DOT to factor traffic enforcement agents into city safety plans. The move targets deadly streets. Sponsors demand action, not words. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait for safer crossings.

Int 0842-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced April 18, 2024, the bill amends city law to require the Department of Transportation to consider where traffic enforcement agents are placed when drafting the interagency roadway safety plan. The bill summary states: 'require DOT to specifically consider placement of traffic enforcement agents in certain areas.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Members Brannan (primary), Louis, Restler, and the Queens Borough President sponsor the measure. The bill responds to Local Law 12 of 2011, which already mandates a five-year safety plan. Now, the council demands DOT put enforcement on the map, aiming to cut injuries and deaths.

• File Int 0842-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18