Feb 3 - A Genesis SUV turned left through a red. A moped rider, unlicensed and unprotected, was thrown and crushed. Blood pooled. A leg shattered. The street did not forgive. The law was ignored. The city bore witness.

According to the police report, a Genesis SUV made a left turn on Carroll Street near Bond Street, disregarding traffic control. At the same moment, a moped was making a right turn. The SUV's driver, licensed, ignored the light, as stated in the report: 'The light was ignored.' The moped rider, a 20-year-old man, was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment. The report details that the rider was ejected and suffered crush injuries to his leg. The contributing factors listed include 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Turning Improperly.' The SUV's left front bumper struck the moped's center front end. The police report paints a stark scene: 'Blood pooled. A leg shattered.' The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic signals and turn improperly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699806 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 2 - A 24-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being hit by two distracted drivers in parked SUVs on Pacific Street in Brooklyn. Both drivers were inattentive, causing a collision with the cyclist who was conscious and bruised.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Pacific Street in Brooklyn at 16:13. The victim, a 24-year-old male bicyclist, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor for both drivers involved. Both drivers were operating Station Wagon/SUV vehicles, parked prior to the crash, and their inattention led to the collision with the bicyclist. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the impact. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist's behavior or safety equipment. The focus remains on the drivers' failure to maintain attention, which directly resulted in the bicyclist's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699729 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 1 - A 29-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and whiplash after his SUV was struck from behind. The impact damaged the center back end of the vehicle. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Brooklyn near 589 Smith Street at 8:00 PM. The driver, a 29-year-old male, was operating a 2023 Cadillac SUV traveling north when the vehicle was struck at the center back end. The driver was injured, sustaining a head injury and whiplash, but remained conscious and was not ejected. He was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists the driver's contributing factors as unspecified, and no other driver errors or contributing factors were noted. Vehicle damage was confined to the center back end, indicating a rear-end collision. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in this incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - Two sedans collided at Columbia Street and Summit Street in Brooklyn. The driver making a left turn and her front-seat passenger suffered head and shoulder injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:30 on Columbia Street near Summit Street in Brooklyn. Two sedans collided, one traveling north going straight ahead and the other making a left turn westbound. The driver of the westbound sedan, a 57-year-old woman, sustained head injuries and whiplash, while her 48-year-old front-seat passenger suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries along with whiplash. Both occupants were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report explicitly lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision point was the center front end of both vehicles, indicating a failure in maintaining proper attention during the left turn maneuver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699001 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 28 - A 37-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making an improper left turn in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian at the intersection. The victim suffered upper leg contusions but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 8 Avenue made an improper left turn onto 13 Street at 17:52 in Brooklyn. The driver, licensed and male, failed to yield the right-of-way to a 37-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The vehicle's left front bumper struck the pedestrian, causing injuries to his hip and upper leg, classified as contusions and bruises. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. The report explicitly cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors to the crash. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The incident highlights driver error in executing turns and yielding, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698777 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 25 - A sedan collided with a bicyclist on 5 Avenue near Berkeley Place in Brooklyn. The 29-year-old male cyclist suffered head injuries and abrasions. Police cited alcohol involvement and driver inattention as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:27 on 5 Avenue near Berkeley Place in Brooklyn. A sedan, occupied by two people and traveling north, struck a bicyclist traveling northeast. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and abrasions and was not ejected from his bike. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors played a critical role. The sedan sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired and distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698155 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 25 - Albany weighs bills A5259 and S2812 to keep and expand red-light cameras past December. Assembly Member Dinowitz and Senator Gounardes push for more cameras. DOT data shows fewer violations and crashes. Advocates demand action. The cap leaves neighborhoods exposed. Lives hang in the balance.

Bills A5259 and S2812 face debate in the New York State legislature. If lawmakers fail to act, the city’s red-light cameras—now capped at 150 intersections—will shut off December 1, 2024. The matter, described as 'reauthorize and expand the city's red-light camera program,' is championed by Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and Senate co-sponsor Andrew Gounardes. Dinowitz, the sponsor, urges expansion, stating, 'We should have red-light cameras on every intersection.' Gounardes expects a review and expansion. DOT data backs them: violations and rear-end crashes have dropped at camera sites. Residents like Amy Bettys call the cap dangerous. Advocacy groups support the bills, though they are not a top priority. Dinowitz stresses automated enforcement is vital with limited police. The bills await committee action. Vulnerable road users face risk if the program lapses.

• Better Red Than Dead: Albany Takes Up Camera Reauthorization, Expansion, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-25

Jan 23 - Every day, 9,000 trucks thunder through Sunset Park and Red Hook. Warehouses choke streets. Black and Latino residents breathe the fumes and dodge danger. Lawmakers push the Clean Deliveries Act to curb the chaos. The burden falls hard. The fight is on.

The Clean Deliveries Act, now under consideration in Albany, aims to regulate last-mile warehouse traffic and emissions across New York State. The bill responds to a new report showing Sunset Park and Red Hook face the city's highest truck volumes—over 9,000 daily trips—linked to sprawling Amazon, FedEx, and UPS facilities. The report states, 'a quarter of residents across the Empire State live within half a mile of a distribution center that’s at least 50,000 square feet, disproportionately harming Black and Latino communities.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, representing the affected Brooklyn neighborhoods, calls for urgent action 'for the sake of our climate and the safety of our streets.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, whose district sees the most daily truck traffic, urges colleagues to pass the Act. Advocates like Kevin Garcia say the bill is 'key legislation to protect frontline communities from increased vehicular traffic and tailpipe emissions.' The Act would require emissions reviews, pollution minimization, and studies of low-emission zones in hotspots.

• Poorer Brooklynites Bear the Brunt of Online Delivery Boom: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

Jan 23 - Every day, 9,000 trucks thunder through Sunset Park and Red Hook. Warehouses choke streets. Black and Latino residents breathe the fumes and dodge danger. Lawmakers push the Clean Deliveries Act to curb the chaos. The burden falls hard. The fight is on.

The Clean Deliveries Act, now under consideration in Albany, aims to regulate last-mile warehouse traffic and emissions across New York State. The bill responds to a new report showing Sunset Park and Red Hook face the city's highest truck volumes—over 9,000 daily trips—linked to sprawling Amazon, FedEx, and UPS facilities. The report states, 'a quarter of residents across the Empire State live within half a mile of a distribution center that’s at least 50,000 square feet, disproportionately harming Black and Latino communities.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, representing the affected Brooklyn neighborhoods, calls for urgent action 'for the sake of our climate and the safety of our streets.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, whose district sees the most daily truck traffic, urges colleagues to pass the Act. Advocates like Kevin Garcia say the bill is 'key legislation to protect frontline communities from increased vehicular traffic and tailpipe emissions.' The Act would require emissions reviews, pollution minimization, and studies of low-emission zones in hotspots.

• Poorer Brooklynites Bear the Brunt of Online Delivery Boom: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

Jan 18 - Sedan cut lanes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. It struck a taxi’s rear bumper. A 30-year-old woman in the taxi suffered back injuries and shock. Unsafe lane change left her hurt. The highway turned brutal in seconds.

According to the police report, a sedan changed lanes unsafely and struck the left rear bumper of a westbound taxi on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 19:04. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as the contributing factor. A 30-year-old female passenger in the taxi suffered back injuries and shock. She was not ejected and had no visible complaints at the scene. No contributing factors were attributed to the passenger. The crash shows how a driver’s reckless lane change can injure vulnerable passengers in other vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696153 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

Jan 17 - Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

Jan 17 - Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

Jan 17 - Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

Jan 15 - A taxi struck the rear of a box truck on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The taxi driver’s inattention and following too closely caused the crash. Two occupants in the taxi suffered neck and back injuries, both in shock but restrained by seat belts.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway around 1:00 PM. A taxi traveling eastbound collided with the center back end of a box truck also traveling eastbound. The taxi driver was cited for 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The taxi carried three occupants; the 39-year-old female driver and a 60-year-old female right rear passenger were injured, suffering neck and back injuries respectively. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The box truck had one male occupant who was not reported injured. Vehicle damage was centered on the front end of the box truck and the rear end of the taxi. The crash highlights driver error—specifically failure to maintain safe distance and attention—as the cause of injury to vulnerable passengers inside the taxi.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695319 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 15 - Council Member Brannan demands a traffic plan for Verrazzano Bridge shutdowns. Closures force cars onto local streets. Drivers mount sidewalks. Buses stall. Pedestrians and first responders face danger. Brannan and Gounardes want action. MTA and DOT pass the buck.

On January 15, 2024, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) called for a contingency traffic plan to address chaos during Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge closures. The matter, titled 'Bay Ridge pols call for help with traffic build-up caused by Verrazzano Bridge closures,' highlights gridlock and reckless driving on residential streets. Brannan, joined by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, pressed the MTA and DOT for early closure notifications and more traffic control. Brannan warned, 'Frustrated drivers... driving up on the sidewalk... affects not just the average driver or pedestrian but... first responders.' Gounardes added, 'Buses literally could not go anywhere.' Local leaders echoed the need for action. The MTA claimed safety as the reason for closures but shifted responsibility for street management to the DOT. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided, but the call centers the danger to pedestrians, transit riders, and emergency crews.

• Bay Ridge pols call for help with traffic build-up caused by Verrazzano Bridge closures, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-01-15

Jan 13 - A 25-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured after striking debris obstructing his path in Brooklyn. The crash caused upper arm injuries and bruising. Limited visibility and obstruction contributed to the impact, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male motorcyclist was traveling southbound on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn at 6:30 AM when he collided with debris obstructing the roadway. The report identifies 'Obstruction/Debris' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors to the crash. The motorcyclist was ejected from the vehicle and sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries, including contusions and bruises. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The motorcycle's point of impact was the center front end, and the vehicle was traveling straight ahead before the collision. The report highlights the hazardous conditions caused by debris and limited visibility, which directly contributed to the crash and the rider's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695113 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 6 - A 78-year-old man crossing with the signal at a Brooklyn intersection was struck by a vehicle making an improper left turn. The impact caused back contusions and bruising. The driver’s failure to execute a proper turn led to the pedestrian’s injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:50 on 4 Street near 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. A vehicle traveling south was making a left turn when it struck a 78-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained back injuries classified as contusions and bruises and remained conscious after the collision. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' as the primary contributing factor, indicating driver error in executing the turn. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This incident highlights the dangers posed by improper vehicle maneuvers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693194 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 1 - A Jeep lost a tire on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted as it slammed forward. Seven inside. In the right rear, a man’s leg was crushed. He wore a harness. He lay still. The road stayed quiet.

According to the police report, a Jeep sedan traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway lost a tire. The vehicle slammed forward. Metal folded. Seven people were inside. In the right rear seat, a 27-year-old man screamed as his leg was crushed. He wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' and 'Outside Car Distraction' as contributing factors. No driver errors such as speeding or failure to yield were cited. The injured passenger suffered severe crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was in shock. The crash shows the brutal cost of mechanical failure and distraction for those inside.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691871 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 31 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31