Mar 3 - A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. It struck a man crouched in the road. The driver fled. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. Police are still investigating. Brooklyn’s streets claim more lives. The toll grows.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was 'crouched in the street to pick up food' when the northbound truck turned right and hit him, according to NYPD officials. The driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene. No arrests have been made. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The article notes this crash followed two other recent fatal collisions in Brooklyn. The incident underscores persistent dangers for pedestrians and ongoing issues with drivers leaving crash scenes. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian In Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

Mar 2 - A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

Mar 1 - SUV struck a 32-year-old man at Waverly Avenue. Driver’s distraction left the pedestrian with knee and leg injuries. Impact was direct. Streets remain perilous for those on foot.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male pedestrian was hit by a southbound SUV at 143 Waverly Avenue in Brooklyn. The man suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause. The SUV, a 2021 Mazda, struck the pedestrian with its left front quarter panel while going straight. The driver was licensed. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No contributing factors are listed for the pedestrian. This crash highlights the risk posed by distracted drivers to people walking in New York City.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 1 - A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-01

Feb 28 - A sedan struck a stopped SUV on Flatbush Avenue. A woman in the rear seat died, her chest crushed. Two vehicles, one still, one moving. The night’s silence broken by impact. No forgiveness, only loss.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Flatbush Avenue collided with the center rear of a stationary SUV near State Street in Brooklyn at 23:04. The SUV was stopped in traffic when the sedan, described as 'going straight ahead,' struck it. A 45-year-old woman, seated unbelted in the right rear passenger seat of the SUV, was killed. The report states her chest was crushed in the impact. The narrative reads: 'A woman, 45, unbelted in the rear seat, died when a sedan struck their stopped SUV. Her chest crushed. Two cars, one still, one moving.' No contributing factors are specified in the police data, but the sequence of events centers on the moving sedan striking a stopped vehicle. The report does not cite any passenger behavior as a contributing factor, listing only 'Unspecified' for contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795527 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 28 - A motorcycle traveling south was struck by an SUV making a U-turn on Clermont Ave in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite unsafe lane changing as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:26 on Clermont Ave in Brooklyn. A 26-year-old male motorcycle driver, traveling southbound, was struck by a northbound SUV making a U-turn. The point of impact was the right front bumper of both vehicles. The motorcycle driver was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in a severity level 3 injury. The driver reported complaints of pain or nausea and was in shock. The police report identifies 'Unsafe Lane Changing' by the SUV driver as the contributing factor to the crash. The motorcycle driver was not cited with any contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed, while the motorcycle driver held a permit and was not using any safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers posed by improper lane changes and U-turn maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795704 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 22 - SUV and sedan collided on Atlantic Ave. Aggressive driving and tailgating led to impact. Driver and rear passenger hurt. Whiplash and leg bruises. Both conscious. Both wore lap belts.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 21:05 on Atlantic Avenue at Nevins Street in Brooklyn. A Tesla sedan rear-ended an Audi SUV. The report lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The Tesla driver, a 38-year-old man, suffered whiplash. A 24-year-old woman in the rear seat sustained bruises to her knee and lower leg. Both were conscious and wore lap belts. The report highlights driver errors as causes. No blame is placed on those injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794216 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 22 - A cyclist struck a 76-year-old man crossing Lafayette Avenue. The man suffered a severe head injury and was found unconscious. Police cite driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling east on Lafayette Avenue struck a 76-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury, was unconscious at the scene, and sustained fractures and dislocations. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The cyclist was going straight and hit the pedestrian with the center front end of the bike. No damage was reported to the bike. The incident highlights the danger posed by inattentive cyclists to vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795351 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 22 - Three SUVs collided in a chain-reaction crash on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. One driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the primary cause, highlighting the dangers of tailgating on high-speed roads.

According to the police report, a chain-reaction collision occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway around 12:24 a.m. involving three SUVs traveling westbound. The first vehicle was slowing or stopping when the second SUV, driven by a 30-year-old man, struck it from behind. The third SUV then collided with the second vehicle. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash, emphasizing driver error in maintaining unsafe distances. The injured driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash underscores the systemic danger of tailgating on busy expressways and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794213 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 20 - A female driver suffered neck injuries after her sedan was struck from behind by an SUV on the Brooklyn Bridge. The impact caused whiplash and right rear bumper damage. The crash exposed dangers of tailgating in heavy traffic corridors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:15 PM on the Brooklyn Bridge involving two northbound vehicles: a 2018 Nissan SUV and a 2016 Ford sedan. The SUV struck the sedan's left front bumper with its right rear quarter panel. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The sedan driver, a 34-year-old woman, was conscious but sustained neck injuries consistent with whiplash. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. Vehicle damage was noted on the SUV's right rear bumper and the sedan's center front end. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision highlights the risks posed by driver errors such as tailgating on busy urban bridges.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794206 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 20 - Sedan and pickup truck collided while merging on the BQE. Both sedan occupants suffered eye bruises. Police cited passing too closely and unsafe lane changing as causes. Metal twisted. Injuries marked the morning.

According to the police report, a sedan and a pickup truck collided while merging southwest on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan's left front bumper struck the truck's right rear bumper. Both sedan occupants—a 25-year-old woman driving and a 25-year-old male passenger—sustained eye contusions and bruises. Airbags deployed and lap belts were used. The report lists 'Passing Too Closely' as a contributing factor for both drivers, and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' for the sedan driver. The pickup truck driver was licensed and uninjured. The crash damaged both vehicles. Police highlight driver errors in close passing and lane changes as primary causes. No fault is assigned to the injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794218 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 19 - A 27-year-old bicyclist suffered a shoulder injury when a vehicle disregarded traffic control on Hoyt Street in Brooklyn. The driver made a left turn, striking the cyclist who was traveling southeast. The impact caused bruising and upper arm injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Hoyt Street near Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn at 11:30 AM. The bicyclist, a 27-year-old male, was injured with a contusion and upper arm shoulder injury. The report states the contributing factor was 'Traffic Control Disregarded,' indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The vehicle involved was making a left turn and struck the bicyclist at the center front end, causing damage to the vehicle's left front bumper. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the crash. No safety equipment was reported on the bicyclist. The other vehicle involved showed no damage and was traveling straight ahead. Driver error in disregarding traffic control was the primary cause of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794237 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 19 - Trump killed congestion pricing. The MTA sued. Advocates warn: more cars, more crashes, dirtier air. Transit funding gutted. Disabled riders lose elevators. Streets grow deadlier. Politicians vow to fight. The city braces for gridlock and loss.

""By blocking this successful policy, Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system," he continued. "This means no new station elevators for elderly and disabled riders, and no new subway signals to speed up commutes for working New Yorkers."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On February 19, 2025, the Trump administration withdrew federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program. U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy cited burdens on working-class drivers and questioned the legality of using toll revenue for transit. The MTA immediately filed a lawsuit to challenge the move, arguing the program is settled law and already reduces congestion. State Senators Andrew Gounardes and Zellnor Myrie condemned the action, warning, 'Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system.' The withdrawal aligns with New Jersey's opposition and threatens transit upgrades like elevators for elderly and disabled riders. Local officials and advocates say ending congestion pricing will harm vulnerable road users and worsen street danger.

• Trump Withdraws Federal Approval for Congestion Pricing, Blowing Hole in Transit Budget, as MTA Files Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-19

Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.

NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.

• BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 18 - Senators move to guard bike lanes. Cameras will catch drivers who block or invade. The city’s cyclists and walkers get a shot at safer streets. No more hiding behind the wheel.

Senate bill S 5008, now in sponsorship, aims to launch a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced February 18, 2025, sits in committee. Its summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal leads, joined by Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, Jessica Ramos, and Julia Salazar. The bill targets drivers who block or misuse bike lanes, using cameras to enforce the rules. The move puts pressure on the city to protect cyclists and pedestrians from daily danger.

• File S 5008, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 18 - Assembly bill A 5623 would make parking in crosswalks a crime. Drivers who block pedestrian paths face misdemeanor charges. Law aims to keep crossings clear. Pedestrians get space. Streets breathe.

Assembly bill A 5623, titled the "New York State pedestrian right-of-way protection act," was introduced on February 18, 2025. The bill sits at the sponsorship stage. It would make it an unclassified misdemeanor to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a pedestrian right-of-way. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) is the primary sponsor, joined by Scott Gray (District 116) and Joe DeStefano (District 3) as co-sponsors. The bill targets drivers who block crosswalks, aiming to protect pedestrian space and reduce danger at crossings. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 5623, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 15 - Two sedans collided on Myrtle Ave in Brooklyn. A distracted driver struck the rear of another slowing vehicle. Both drivers and a passenger suffered injuries, including head and shoulder trauma. The crash exposed dangers of inattention behind the wheel.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:58 PM on Myrtle Ave in Brooklyn. Two sedans traveling west collided when one vehicle, driven by a licensed female driver, was going straight ahead and struck the left rear bumper of a slowing or stopping sedan driven by a licensed male driver. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The male driver and a 26-year-old female passenger in his vehicle were injured, suffering head and shoulder injuries respectively, and were reported to be in shock. The collision caused damage to the left rear bumper of the second sedan, while the first vehicle showed no damage. The report highlights driver distraction as the primary cause, with no other contributing factors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794226 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 14 - Two sedans collided on Willoughby Street in Brooklyn. Both vehicles were parked before impact. The female driver of one sedan suffered a back injury and contusions. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans were involved in a collision on Willoughby Street, Brooklyn, at 17:35. Both vehicles were parked prior to the crash. The driver of one sedan, a 39-year-old woman, sustained a back injury and contusions but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, cited twice for the injured driver. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left rear bumpers. The female driver was wearing a lap belt at the time. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behavior was noted as contributing. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction even when vehicles are stationary.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792708 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 14 - Two drivers collided on Lafayette Avenue. Both suffered head injuries and whiplash. Distraction behind the wheel caused the crash. The impact left both conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, two vehicles collided at 14:31 on Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. A 2015 Nissan sedan struck the rear of a 2012 Honda SUV, both traveling eastbound. Both drivers, a 50-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, sustained head injuries and whiplash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. No other contributing factors are cited. Both drivers remained conscious and were not ejected. The crash highlights the danger of distraction at the wheel, resulting in injuries to both drivers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792709 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Feb 13 - 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