Flatbush and Fulton don’t forgive

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

Apr 17 - A sedan making a left turn collided with a bicyclist traveling straight on De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. The 31-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered a neck injury with whiplash. The driver’s turning maneuver caused the crash, leaving the bike damaged.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male bicyclist was injured after being struck by a sedan on De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn at 9:20 AM. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a left turn when it collided with the bicyclist traveling straight westbound. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist was ejected from the bike and sustained a neck injury described as whiplash. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or victim, but the crash narrative and vehicle movements indicate the sedan’s left turn caused the collision. The bike sustained damage to its front end, while the sedan showed no damage. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to cyclists proceeding straight through intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 15 - A Mercedes swung right on Clermont Avenue. An unlicensed driver hit a woman crossing. Her hip shattered, blood pooling from deep wounds. She lay on the pavement, limbs twisted, eyes fixed on the unreachable sky above.

According to the police report, a Mercedes sedan making a right turn on Clermont Avenue struck a 35-year-old woman as she crossed at the intersection. The report states the driver was unlicensed and failed to yield the right-of-way. The impact broke the woman’s hip and caused severe lacerations, leaving her conscious but immobilized on the pavement. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The collision occurred when the sedan’s right front bumper hit the pedestrian, who was in the crosswalk. No evidence in the report suggests any pedestrian error contributed to the crash. The focus remains on the unlicensed driver’s actions and the systemic danger posed by drivers who disregard basic traffic laws.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 14 - A van struck the rear of a bus on Livingston Street in Brooklyn, injuring two passengers with neck trauma. Both victims suffered whiplash and were conscious. The crash involved driver errors including disregarding traffic control and following too closely.

According to the police report, at 14:51 on Livingston Street in Brooklyn, a 2015 GMC van traveling east rear-ended a 2016 Ford bus also traveling east. The point of impact was the van's center front end striking the bus's center back end. The van driver, a licensed female from New York, and the bus driver, a licensed male from New York, were both going straight ahead. Two male passengers, ages 49 and 53, seated in the van's rear, were injured with neck trauma described as whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report cites driver errors including 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision caused center front end damage to the van and center back end damage to the bus.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718301 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 13 - A sedan driver distracted by passengers struck a bicyclist on Smith Street. The rider was ejected, suffering knee and lower leg injuries. The crash left no vehicle damage but caused serious harm to the cyclist, highlighting driver inattention dangers.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:00 PM on Smith Street involving a sedan and a bicyclist. The sedan driver, licensed in Arizona, was parked before the crash and traveling south when the collision occurred. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The bicyclist, a 58-year-old male riding southbound, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely on the cyclist's side. The police report highlights driver distraction as the primary cause, with no fault attributed to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 13 - A sedan driver turned right, distracted. She struck a moped rider going straight. The rider, unlicensed, was thrown and injured. Brooklyn streets saw inattention and inexperience collide.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan driver in Brooklyn made a right turn and struck a northbound moped rider at Ashland Place. The moped driver, a 46-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his arm and hand. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The sedan driver’s distraction led to the crash. The moped rider was unlicensed and wore a helmet, but no victim actions contributed to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717958 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 12 - A 12-year-old boy suffered neck injuries and shock after being struck by an SUV while crossing Myrtle Avenue against the signal. The driver, traveling eastbound, showed no vehicle damage. The crash exposed risks at intersections where signals are ignored.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Clermont Avenue in Brooklyn. The boy was crossing against the signal when he was struck by a 2015 Chevrolet SUV traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead with no reported vehicle damage. The pedestrian sustained neck injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report lists the pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal as a contributing factor but does not cite any driver errors or contributing factors. This incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face at intersections when signals are disregarded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717466 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 11 - Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 11 - Council targets hidden plates. Bill makes it a crime to park, stop, or drive with covered tags. Fines reach $1,000. Jail time possible. Committee weighs action. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 11, 2024. The bill reads: “prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.” Council Member Oswald Feliz leads, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill sets fines up to $1,000 and possible jail for violators. Each offense is a misdemeanor. The council aims to strip cover for reckless drivers, making it harder to dodge tickets and accountability. No safety analyst note yet, but the intent is clear: end the shield for lawless driving.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 11 - Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 9 - A FLY WING, driven by an unlicensed man, crashed face-first into a slowing SUV on South Portland Avenue. Blood streaked the pavement. Speed and distraction ruled. No passengers. Only the sound of metal and skin in Brooklyn’s daylight.

According to the police report, a FLY WING vehicle operated by an unlicensed 31-year-old man crashed into the rear of a slowing SUV near 160 South Portland Avenue in Brooklyn at 13:57. The report states the driver struck the SUV 'face-first,' suffering severe facial bleeding. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The unlicensed status of the driver is explicitly noted. The SUV was slowing or stopping when it was hit, and the impact was to the center back end of the SUV. No passengers were involved. The narrative describes 'blood trailing down his chin,' underscoring the violence of the collision. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the unlicensed driver’s unsafe speed and inattention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716120 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 8 - A bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries after a sedan struck them from behind. The crash occurred at night as both traveled south. The driver’s failure to maintain distance caused the impact, leaving the cyclist bruised and conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Navy Street struck a bicyclist from behind at 9:15 PM. The bicyclist, a 38-year-old, was ejected from their bike and sustained head contusions, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites the driver’s error as "Following Too Closely," which led to the right front bumper impacting the center back end of the bike. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash and suffered bruising but no further details on safety equipment were provided. No damage was recorded on either vehicle. The report explicitly identifies the driver’s failure to maintain a safe following distance as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716009 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 6 - SUV driver, distracted, struck a southbound e-bike on Fulton Street. Cyclist, 33, was thrown, hit his head, bled. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. Metal twisted. Blood on the street.

According to the police report, at 4:22 AM on Fulton Street in Brooklyn, a Station Wagon/SUV traveling eastbound collided with a southbound e-bike. The SUV's left front bumper struck the e-bike's center front end. The 33-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected, suffered head injuries, and was semiconscious with minor bleeding. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The SUV driver failed to maintain attention, leading to the crash. The bicyclist wore a helmet, but the report does not attribute any fault to him. The SUV's left front quarter panel and the e-bike's front end were both damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719560 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 5 - A motorcycle tore into a turning car on Flatbush Avenue Extension. Metal crumpled. Blood streaked the rider’s leg. Deep gashes marked his flesh. No helmet. He stayed conscious as the city’s streets showed no mercy.

A 2020 Indian motorcycle collided with a car making a right turn on Flatbush Avenue Extension, according to the police report. The report states the motorcycle 'slammed into a turning car,' with the left front of the motorcycle crushed and the rider suffering severe lacerations to his leg. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The rider, a 31-year-old man, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, as noted in the report. The narrative describes blood streaking his leg and deep gashes tearing the flesh, yet the rider remained conscious. The impact and injuries reflect the lethal consequences of driver inattention and distraction on New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716013 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 5 - A Brooklyn crash at Classon Avenue involved a Ford SUV and a box truck. Defective brakes on the truck led to impact on the SUV’s right rear bumper. Two occupants suffered upper arm injuries, both shocked but not ejected from the SUV.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 13:10 near 298 Classon Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash involved a 2016 Ford SUV traveling west and a 2006 box truck traveling north. The truck driver was unlicensed and was slowing or stopping when the collision happened. The point of impact was the right rear bumper of the SUV and the left rear quarter panel of the truck. The report cites 'Brakes Defective' as a contributing factor, indicating mechanical failure on the truck. Two occupants in the SUV, a 35-year-old female driver and a 32-year-old male front passenger, were injured with upper arm injuries and experienced shock. Neither occupant was ejected, and no contributing victim behaviors were noted. The truck driver’s unlicensed status and defective brakes highlight systemic risks in vehicle maintenance and driver compliance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715014 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 29 - A van camper stopped in traffic struck a bicyclist traveling west on Atlantic Avenue. The 38-year-old cyclist was partially ejected and suffered upper arm injuries. According to the police report, pedestrian or bicyclist confusion contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Atlantic Avenue around 3:15 p.m. A 2016 Ford van camper was stopped in traffic when it collided with a bicyclist traveling westbound. The point of impact was the van's right side doors and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist, a 38-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and upper arm injuries classified as injury severity 3. The report cites "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The van driver was licensed and operating the vehicle lawfully, stopped in traffic at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714532 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 28 - A 31-year-old woman suffered abrasions and arm injuries when a box truck backing west on Chapel Street struck her. The driver’s inattention caused the collision. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk, but driver distraction was the key factor.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Chapel Street at 12:32 when a 2022 Ford box truck backed west and struck her with its right rear bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, emphasizing the driver's failure to maintain awareness while backing. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The truck showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers operating large vehicles in pedestrian areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713182 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 28 - An 18-year-old male e-bike rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a vehicle turning right struck him on Tillary Street. The crash caused bruising but no ejection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, according to the police report.

At 7:00 AM on Tillary Street in Brooklyn, an 18-year-old male e-bike rider was injured when a vehicle making a right turn struck him, according to the police report. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error. The e-bike rider was traveling east, going straight ahead, when the vehicle traveling north made a right turn and impacted the rider at the center front end of the bike and the left front bumper of the vehicle. The rider sustained contusions and bruises to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. Vehicle damage was noted as "Other," while the e-bike showed no damage. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714853 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 28 - A garbage truck reversed into a parked SUV on Fulton Street. Two women inside the SUV suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Unsafe backing by the truck driver caused the crash. The SUV was damaged; the truck was not.

According to the police report, a MACK garbage truck was backing west on Fulton Street in Brooklyn when it struck a parked Chevrolet SUV. The SUV held two women, ages 36 and 32, both conscious but injured with neck pain and whiplash. The SUV was hit at its center back end and damaged; the truck showed no damage. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor. No errors are attributed to the SUV occupants. This crash shows the danger of large vehicles backing unsafely near vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713948 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19