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 - Two sedans collided on Brooklyn’s 3rd Avenue. The rear driver, a 54-year-old woman, suffered a back injury and shock. Police identified following too closely as the cause. The impact struck the rear bumper of one vehicle and the front bumper of the other.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:59 on 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. Two sedans traveling straight ahead collided, with impact at the center back end of the front vehicle and the center front end of the rear vehicle. The rear vehicle’s driver, a 54-year-old woman, was injured with a back injury and experienced shock. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor leading to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and traveling in the same direction. The rear vehicle sustained damage to its right rear bumper, while the front vehicle’s right front bumper was damaged. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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 drunk driver blasted through a red light at 72 mph. He struck Katherine Harris, killing her steps from home. The car crashed on. Blood alcohol twice the limit. The street became a crime scene. Lives shattered in seconds.

NY Daily News reported on February 28, 2025, that Erick Trujillo, 29, was sentenced to three to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. On April 16, 2023, Trujillo drove his Volvo at 72 mph—nearly triple the speed limit—through a red light at Atlantic Ave and Clinton Street in Brooklyn. He struck pedestrian Katherine Harris, 31, killing her instantly, then rear-ended another car and crashed into an outdoor dining shed. Trujillo's blood alcohol level was .17, more than twice the legal limit. The article quotes Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez: "This defendant made a disastrous decision when he got behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated." The case highlights the lethal consequences of impaired driving and excessive speed, underscoring systemic risks for pedestrians in New York City.

• Drunk Driver Speeds, Kills Pedestrian in Brooklyn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-28

Feb 26 - Council slashed parking mandates in transit-rich zones. Mandates linger in outer areas. Progress, but not full victory. Some districts carved out exceptions. Housing and parking no longer clash in core neighborhoods. Vulnerable road users still face cars in many places.

""Council Member Shahana Hanif (D Kensington) was one of the progressives whose district includes some of the 'outer transit zone.' Her spokesperson said the Council member 'did not advocate for any carve outs.'"" -- Shahana K. Hanif

On February 26, 2025, the City Council approved Mayor Adams's 'City of Yes' rezoning. The bill divided the city into zones: the Manhattan core, an inner transit zone with no parking mandates, an outer transit zone with reduced mandates, and areas beyond where mandates mostly remain. The matter summary states, 'The final plan did not eliminate parking mandates citywide but divided the city into zones.' Council Member Crystal Hudson pushed to eliminate mandates in all her districts. Council Member Shahana Hanif opposed carve-outs. Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez called parking mandates 'a concession to cars that we don’t need and can’t afford.' Council Member Sandy Nurse’s district saw mandates shaped by community board amendments, not her advocacy. Dan Garodnick, Department of City Planning chair, said, 'parking and housing are no longer coming into conflict in the parts of New York City that are well-served by transit.' The bill passed after compromises, leaving mandates in some areas and progress in others. No direct safety impact assessment was provided.

• ‘City of … Sort Of’: How Do The ‘Outer Transit Zone’ Parking Mandate Reductions Work?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-26

Feb 24 - A sedan driver distracted by inattention struck a 27-year-old e-scooter rider in Brooklyn. The rider was ejected and suffered a concussion and lower leg injuries. The crash occurred near 300 Flatbush Ave during the sedan’s slowing maneuver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:25 near 300 Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn. A 27-year-old male e-scooter rider was injured after being struck by a 2019 sedan traveling south. The sedan driver was licensed but distracted, with 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' cited as a contributing factor. The sedan was slowing or stopping when the collision happened, impacting the left side doors of the sedan and the center front end of the e-scooter. The e-scooter rider was ejected and sustained a concussion and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The rider was conscious but injured. No safety equipment was reported on the rider. Vehicle damage was reported as none. The report emphasizes driver distraction as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794812 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 22 - A taxi struck the rear of a sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at dawn. The sedan’s right rear passenger suffered facial contusions. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors in the crash.

At 4:47 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a taxi collided with the rear of a sedan traveling westbound, according to the police report. The impact was at the sedan’s center front end and the taxi’s center back end. A 22-year-old female occupant seated in the sedan’s right rear suffered facial contusions and was conscious after the crash. The police report identifies driver inattention and following too closely as the primary contributing factors. The injured passenger was secured with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Multiple vehicles were involved, but the critical collision was the rear-end strike by the taxi on the sedan. The report places responsibility on the taxi driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and attention, with no mention of victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794588 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 22 - A Ford SUV struck the rear of a Honda sedan traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Two 21-year-old male passengers in the sedan suffered contusions. Police cited alcohol involvement as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:10 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A 2019 Ford SUV was parked before the crash and impacted the center back end of a 2010 Honda sedan traveling west. The sedan's center front end sustained damage. Two male occupants, both 21 years old and passengers in the sedan, were injured with contusions and remained conscious. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report identifies alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the collision. The driver errors include failure to maintain control or proper attention, as implied by the alcohol involvement, leading to the SUV striking the sedan from behind. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794126 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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 - 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 17 - A van traveling north collided with the rear of a flatbed truck on Brooklyn’s 6th Avenue. The impact injured a 65-year-old female passenger in the van, causing whole-body trauma and shock. Driver distraction contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, at 9:20 AM on 6th Avenue in Brooklyn, a van traveling north struck the center back end of a flatbed truck also moving north. The collision caused damage to the front of the van and the rear of the truck. A 65-year-old female passenger seated in the middle rear seat of the van suffered injuries to her entire body, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The report cites driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus on the road. No contributing factors were assigned to the injured passenger. The crash involved multiple vehicles, but the primary error was the van driver's lack of attention leading to a rear-end collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793347 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 15 - A pick-up truck struck a sedan from behind on Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn. The crash injured three male passengers in the sedan, all suffering neck injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction and following too closely caused the collision.

According to the police report, at 21:08 on Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, a pick-up truck traveling north rear-ended a sedan also traveling north. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the truck. The truck driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely.' The sedan carried four occupants; three male passengers aged 26, 34, and 51 were injured with neck injuries and complaints of whiplash. None of the injured passengers were ejected or wearing safety equipment. Vehicle damage was noted on the truck's front end but not on the sedan. The report highlights driver errors—distraction and tailgating—as the primary causes, with no contributing factors attributed to the passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793564 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 14 - Assembly bill A 5440 targets reckless drivers. It makes car owners pay when their vehicles run red lights. Cameras catch the lawbreakers. The aim: fewer crashes, safer streets for all.

Assembly bill A 5440 was introduced on February 14, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled "Imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York," seeks to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars violate traffic signals, using camera enforcement. Assembly Member Steven Raga sponsors the bill, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Yudelka Tapia, Karines Reyes, and Marcela Mitaynes as co-sponsors. No safety analyst note is available. The bill aims to curb dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users by making owners answer for violations caught on camera.

• File A 5440, Open States, Published 2025-02-14

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

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

Feb 8 - A 19-year-old bicyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries after a Mercedes SUV passed too closely on Union Street in Brooklyn. The driver’s improper passing and passenger distraction led to the collision. The cyclist remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:50 AM on Union Street near 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. A Mercedes Benz SUV, occupied by two people, was parked before the crash but then passed the bicyclist improperly, striking the cyclist on the right side doors. The bicyclist, a 19-year-old male, was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists the driver’s errors as "Passing Too Closely" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper," with an additional factor of "Passenger Distraction." The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected but suffered injury severity level 3. The cyclist was unhelmeted, but no victim behavior was cited as contributing. The vehicle damage was reported as none, indicating the impact was likely from close contact rather than a high-speed collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791284 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 5 - A 39-year-old man crossing Prospect Place with the signal was struck by a westbound sedan. The vehicle’s left front bumper impacted the pedestrian, causing a hip and upper leg contusion. Driver inattention was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Prospect Place in Brooklyn at 10:31 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a westbound sedan struck him on the left front bumper, impacting his hip and upper leg. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, repeated twice, highlighting the driver’s failure to maintain focus. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered a contusion and was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791283 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 30 - A driver fell asleep on the Gowanus Ramp. Cars crashed. A one-year-old girl, strapped in the back seat, took a blow to the head. She suffered whiplash. The road turned brutal in a blink.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash erupted at 10:35 on the Gowanus Ramp in Brooklyn. The report states a driver fell asleep, causing a chain collision involving SUVs, a sedan, and a box truck. A one-year-old female passenger, secured in a child restraint in the left rear seat, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Her injuries were classified as severity level 3. The police report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the primary driver error. No contributing factors related to the victim were noted. This crash highlights the danger of driver fatigue on New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789882 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04