Flatbush and Fulton don’t forgive

Feb 25 - A 53-year-old woman was struck at an intersection on Henry Street in Brooklyn. A sedan making a left turn failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian and causing contusions and arm injuries. The victim was conscious and injured in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:54 on Henry Street near Middagh Street in Brooklyn. A 2021 Toyota sedan, traveling west and making a left turn, struck a 53-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the driver. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the impact. The collision involved the left front bumper of the Toyota and also impacted a parked 2019 Subaru sedan. The report explicitly assigns fault to the driver’s failure to yield, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian beyond crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 24 - A southbound SUV struck the rear of a stopped SUV on Navy Street. The crash injured the rear vehicle’s driver, causing back pain and shock. Police cited following too closely as the driver error behind the collision.

According to the police report, at 17:47 on Navy Street, a southbound 2004 Toyota SUV traveling straight ahead rear-ended a stopped 2011 Mazda SUV. The impact occurred at the center front end of the striking vehicle and the center back end of the struck vehicle. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 52-year-old female occupant, suffered a back injury and was in shock, reporting pain and nausea. The report explicitly lists 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed, and the struck vehicle was stopped in traffic. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision highlights the danger of tailgating in traffic and the resulting injuries to vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706250 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 24 - A taxi traveling east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway struck a parked sedan’s right front bumper. The taxi’s left rear quarter panel was damaged. The taxi driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash, experiencing shock at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 2:30 a.m. A 2023 Tesla taxi traveling east collided with a parked 2016 Honda sedan. The point of impact was the taxi’s left rear quarter panel and the sedan’s right front bumper. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the taxi operator. The taxi driver, a 32-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained head injuries and whiplash, and was not ejected from the vehicle. He was reported to be in shock at the scene. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705837 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 23 - A 21-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries while crossing with the signal at a Brooklyn intersection. She was left in shock and sustained abrasions. The crash involved an unspecified vehicle, with no driver errors noted in the report.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of De Kalb Avenue and Adelphi Street in Brooklyn around 11:30 p.m. She was crossing with the signal when struck by an unspecified vehicle. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock with abrasions. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle condition are provided. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The report focuses on the injury and location, without assigning fault or blame.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705550 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 23 - A 26-year-old unlicensed motorscooter driver suffered severe leg injuries when a taxi made a left turn and collided with him on Flushing Avenue. The crash was caused by improper lane usage and driver distraction, according to the police report.

At 11:02 AM on Flushing Avenue, a collision occurred between a taxi and a motorscooter, resulting in serious injuries to the motorscooter driver. According to the police report, the motorscooter driver, age 26, was unlicensed and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The taxi driver was making a left turn when the crash happened. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The motorscooter driver was not ejected and was conscious at the scene. Both vehicles sustained no damage to their left front bumpers. The incident highlights critical driver errors, including improper lane usage and distraction, leading to severe injury of the vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705860 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 23 - Lawsuits stall congestion pricing. Disabled riders lose. Elevators and upgrades freeze. Streets choke. Politicians demand action. Money for accessibility dries up. The city’s most vulnerable wait. Wheelchair users, seniors, parents, all stuck. The system fails those who need it most.

On February 23, 2024, at a press conference, Brooklyn State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon condemned lawsuits blocking the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. The matter, titled 'Congestion Pricing Opponents Are Blocking Disabled Access to Mass Transit, Politicians Charge,' highlights how legal challenges from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the United Federation of Teachers, and others have forced the MTA to halt critical accessibility upgrades. Gounardes declared, 'That’s not gonna happen if the money’s not there.' The MTA earmarked $6 billion for accessibility, aiming to make 70 stations ADA accessible and modernize 78 elevators. Disability advocates like Elizabeth Valdez and Joe Rappaport stressed that most disabled New Yorkers rely on subways and buses, not private cars. Christopher Schuyler noted congestion pricing would speed up paratransit and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Without funding, the city’s most vulnerable remain stranded.

• Congestion Pricing Opponents Are Blocking Disabled Access to Mass Transit, Politicians Charge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-23

Feb 23 - A truck hit a woman crossing Sutton Street in Greenpoint. She lies in critical condition. The driver, with a long record of violations, faces charges. Council Member Restler and others demand safer streets, calling out reckless driving and deadly intersections.

On February 23, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined other officials in a public statement after a truck struck a pedestrian at Sutton Street and Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint. The incident left a 49-year-old woman in critical condition. The driver, Stanley Manel, was arrested and charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. The officials' statement read: 'We’re deeply saddened and outraged at the news of yet another pedestrian being struck by an unsafe driver in Greenpoint.' Restler and colleagues highlighted the intersection's dangers and the driver's history—35 tickets since 2019, including 26 speed camera violations. They urged support for bills requiring speed control devices for repeat offenders and for Sammy’s Law, which would let NYC set its own speed limits. The group called on the Department of Transportation to install raised crosswalks and daylighting to protect pedestrians.

• Driver arrested after crash that left Greenpoint pedestrian in critical condition, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-02-23

Feb 23 - Lawsuits stall congestion pricing. Disabled riders lose. Elevators and upgrades freeze. Streets choke. Politicians demand action. Money for accessibility dries up. The city’s most vulnerable wait. Wheelchair users, seniors, parents, all stuck. The system fails those who need it most.

On February 23, 2024, at a press conference, Brooklyn State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon condemned lawsuits blocking the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. The matter, titled 'Congestion Pricing Opponents Are Blocking Disabled Access to Mass Transit, Politicians Charge,' highlights how legal challenges from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the United Federation of Teachers, and others have forced the MTA to halt critical accessibility upgrades. Gounardes declared, 'That’s not gonna happen if the money’s not there.' The MTA earmarked $6 billion for accessibility, aiming to make 70 stations ADA accessible and modernize 78 elevators. Disability advocates like Elizabeth Valdez and Joe Rappaport stressed that most disabled New Yorkers rely on subways and buses, not private cars. Christopher Schuyler noted congestion pricing would speed up paratransit and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Without funding, the city’s most vulnerable remain stranded.

• Congestion Pricing Opponents Are Blocking Disabled Access to Mass Transit, Politicians Charge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-23

Feb 22 - A bill from Sen. Gounardes orders New York to cut driving by 20 percent by 2050. Fewer cars, fewer deaths. The plan would save nearly 600 lives a year from crashes. Active travel rises. Streets grow safer. Pollution drops. Wallets breathe easier.

Senate Bill S1981A, proposed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, demands a 20-percent reduction in vehicle miles traveled statewide by 2050. The bill, backed by New Yorkers for Transportation Equity, was introduced last year and is under consideration. The measure’s summary promises to 'improve air quality and reduce fatal crashes.' Gounardes, representing Brooklyn’s western edge, champions the shift: 'A new approach will not only protect our climate, but also make New York a safer, more affordable place to live.' Analysis from the Rocky Mountain Institute projects 593 fewer traffic deaths each year, with thousands more lives saved through active transportation. The bill’s focus is clear: less driving, more safety, cleaner air, and real savings for families.

• Bill to Cut Vehicle Miles in New York Would Also Reduce Traffic Deaths, Costs and Pollution, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-22

Feb 19 - A 38-year-old female passenger suffered a head contusion in a collision on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The SUV’s left front quarter panel hit the right rear quarter panel of another vehicle. Improper lane usage caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:08 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A 2017 Toyota SUV traveling west struck another vehicle on its right rear quarter panel with its left front quarter panel. The collision injured a 38-year-old female occupant seated in the left rear passenger position of the SUV. She sustained a head contusion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane handling. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision’s impact and resulting injury highlight the dangers of improper lane use on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705870 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 17 - SUV driver blew past traffic control on Fulton. Smashed into parked SUV and sedan. Three men inside suffered neck and hip injuries. System failed. Driver error clear. Streets unforgiving.

According to the police report, an eastbound Ford SUV on Fulton Street in Brooklyn disregarded traffic control at 10:45 AM. The SUV struck a parked Chrysler SUV and a northbound Toyota sedan. Three men inside the Ford were hurt: the 40-year-old driver suffered a neck contusion, a 45-year-old occupant had a hip abrasion, and a 37-year-old front passenger also sustained a hip abrasion. All were conscious and restrained. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors, highlighting clear driver errors. No actions by victims contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704350 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 16 - A 25-year-old woman suffered upper leg injuries after a sedan driver, distracted and inexperienced, struck her while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and was not ejected, left in shock at the intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at the intersection of Park Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue around 14:23. A sedan traveling east was making a left turn when it struck a 25-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and was not ejected from the scene but was left in shock. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact occurring at the left front bumper. The report emphasizes the driver's errors, specifically distraction and inexperience, as the cause of the collision, with no contributing fault attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703678 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 16 - A Mercedes sat parked on Fulton Street. It rolled forward, silent and slow, into a box truck. The woman inside, 56, never moved again. Her seatbelt held her. The truck bore no mark. Death came quiet, unannounced.

According to the police report, a parked Mercedes sedan rolled forward near 777 Fulton Street in Brooklyn at 9:04 a.m. The car struck a box truck, which sustained no visible damage. The sole occupant of the Mercedes, a 56-year-old woman, was found dead inside, still restrained by her lap belt. The report states, 'A parked Mercedes rolled forward into a box truck. The woman inside, 56, never moved again. Her seatbelt held her still. The truck bore no mark. The street stayed quiet. Death came without a sound.' No contributing factors were specified for either vehicle or driver. The data lists the cause as 'Unspecified.' The box truck was parked and undamaged. The focus remains on the unexplained movement of the parked vehicle and the fatal outcome for its driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703686 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 15 - A female SUV driver struck a sedan from behind on Smith Street, Brooklyn. The impact caused neck injuries and whiplash to the SUV driver. Police cite traffic control disregard as the primary cause, highlighting driver error in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:20 p.m. on Smith Street in Brooklyn. A 34-year-old female driver of a 2010 SUV traveling south struck the rear of a 2023 sedan traveling east. The SUV's right rear bumper impacted the sedan's center front end. The SUV driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating a failure in observing traffic signals or rules by the SUV driver. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision underscores the dangers posed by driver errors in traffic control compliance, leading to serious injuries even in non-pedestrian crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703382 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - 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 2024-02-13

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 6 - Two men suffered neck injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on Boerum Place in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash involved SUVs and a sedan, triggered by a driver following too closely. Both drivers were restrained and experienced shock.

At 13:49 on Boerum Place in Brooklyn, a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles caused injuries to two drivers, both men aged 44 and 62. According to the police report, the crash involved three SUVs and one sedan traveling southbound. The primary contributing factor was 'Following Too Closely,' which led to a rear-end impact. One SUV was stopped in traffic, while others were slowing or going straight ahead. Both injured drivers were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and suffered neck injuries, including whiplash and complaints of pain or nausea. The report notes the drivers were not ejected and experienced shock. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement was reported. The crash highlights the systemic danger of tailgating and insufficient following distance in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701740 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19