May 13 - A tractor truck turned left on Atlantic Avenue and struck a sedan going straight. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention and lane misuse. Metal twisted. Lives changed.

According to the police report, a diesel tractor truck making a left turn on Atlantic Avenue collided with a sedan traveling straight. The sedan driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police listed driver inattention and improper lane usage as contributing factors. The truck’s trailer hit the sedan’s left rear quarter panel, causing damage. The sedan driver wore a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger when drivers disregard traffic controls and lose focus behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4527540 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 13 - A new app lets drivers dodge speed cameras. It beeps warnings, tracks speed, and fuels anti-camera talk. Safe-streets advocates push back. They want more cameras, not fewer. State Senator Andrew Gounardes moves to reauthorize the city’s speed camera program.

On May 13, 2022, public debate erupted over speed camera enforcement and evasion technologies. The issue centers on a new app, NYC SpeedCamBuster, which alerts drivers to speed and red-light cameras, helping them avoid tickets. The matter, titled 'New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras,' drew sharp criticism from safe-streets activists and the NYPD, who called such apps a 'significant public safety concern.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, representing District 26, took action to reauthorize and expand the city’s speed camera program. Advocates Jacob deCastro and Jehiah Czebotar demanded more cameras and stricter enforcement, arguing that cameras save lives and change driver behavior. The debate highlights the tension between public safety and technology that undermines enforcement.

• New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-05-13

May 13 - A new app warns drivers about speed and red-light cameras. It helps them skirt tickets, dodge limits, and endanger lives. Safe-streets advocates slam the app. They say speed cameras save lives. The city fights for more control. The danger grows.

On May 13, 2022, Streetsblog NYC reported on the launch of NYC SpeedCamBuster, a cellphone app that alerts drivers to speed and red-light camera locations. The article, titled "New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras," details how the app lets drivers evade enforcement and dispute tickets. Safe-streets groups, including Transportation Alternatives and engineer Jehiah Czebotar, condemned the app. Jacob deCastro of Transportation Alternatives said, "If drivers want to avoid speeding tickets, they simply should not speed." Czebotar added, "Any demand for notifications to help drivers avoid speed cameras is proof that actually enforcing the speed limit does change driver behavior for the better." The NYPD warned that such apps undermine public safety. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes is pushing to reauthorize and expand the speed camera program. The app, and others like it, threaten vulnerable road users by making streets less safe.

• New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-13

May 13 - Albany holds the fate of New York City’s speed cameras. Senator Gounardes pushes to renew and expand the program. Cameras now guard schools, but the law may expire. Advocates demand more hours, tougher penalties. The clock ticks. Lives hang in the balance.

Senate Bill (no number given) led by State Senator Andrew Gounardes faces debate in Albany as of May 13, 2022. The bill seeks to renew and strengthen New York City’s school speed zone camera program, which is set to expire June 2. The measure would expand camera hours to 24/7 and increase penalties for repeat offenders, including insurance notification and license suspension. The committee and current status are not specified, but only nine legislative days remain. The bill summary states: 'New York City officials are in conflict with state lawmakers in Albany over the future of school speed zone cameras.' Gounardes is confident in renewal. Mayor Eric Adams and advocates want home rule for NYC on speed cameras and speed limits, but Albany resists. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez urges lawmakers to use every tool to fight reckless driving. The bill’s fate will shape the city’s ability to protect pedestrians and cyclists from speeding drivers.

• Albany to decide whether NYC school speed zone cameras get real teeth, gothamist.com, Published 2022-05-13

May 12 - A moped stopped in traffic was struck from behind by a sedan in Brooklyn. The moped driver was ejected and suffered neck injuries. The sedan driver was distracted. Both vehicles traveled east on Union Street at impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east struck a stopped moped from behind on Union Street in Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 41-year-old woman, was ejected and sustained neck injuries described as whiplash. She was wearing a helmet. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The moped was damaged at the center back end; the sedan sustained front center damage. The collision caused serious injury to the moped driver, who remained conscious. No other victims were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4527287 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 12 - A 24-year-old woman driving a sedan was injured in a Brooklyn crash. The vehicle was parked before impact. The driver suffered abrasions and arm injuries. The crash involved a pick-up truck and another parked sedan. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a collision occurred in Brooklyn involving a sedan, a pick-up truck, and another parked sedan. The 24-year-old female sedan driver was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The sedan was parked before the crash, while the pick-up truck was traveling east going straight ahead. The report lists "Other Vehicular" as a contributing factor to the crash. Damage was noted on the left front quarter panel of the sedan. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4533910 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 12 - Senator Gounardes fights to renew and expand speed camera enforcement as DOT fumbles Albany talks. Eleven killed in a violent week. City’s push for home rule stalls. Advocates demand action. Cameras in bike lanes and tougher penalties on the table.

Senate Bill sponsored by Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) seeks to renew and expand New York City’s speed and red light camera program. The bill, discussed in May 2022, aims to allow 24/7 automated enforcement and add penalties for repeat offenders, including registration suspensions. The matter summary: 'DOT officials said they’re negotiating amendments to Gounardes’ bill that would further crack down on reckless drivers, including a provision to let the city install cameras to ticket cars in bike lanes.' Gounardes stressed urgency: 'We cannot leave Albany without reauthorizing the speed cameras.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez’s late push for home rule caused confusion, risking the program’s renewal. The bill is under negotiation as the legislative session nears its end. Eleven people died on city streets that week, underscoring the stakes for vulnerable road users.

• NYC’s push for more traffic camera enforcement bungled by DOT commissioner in talks with Albany legislators: sources, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-12

May 11 - Albany killed New York City’s push for control over speed cameras. Mayor Adams and DOT backed home rule, but lawmakers stalled. Senator Gounardes now fights to renew and expand camera programs before they shut off. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. Local power denied.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes’s bill S5602 sought to grant New York City control over its speed and red-light camera programs. The effort failed this session. The matter, described as 'home rule for the city on speed cameras,' stalled after City Hall did not send a formal request. Gounardes, shifting focus, now pushes to renew and expand the city’s automated enforcement before cameras go dark in July. Assembly Member William Magnarelli, chair of the Transportation Committee, blamed City Hall for inaction. Mayor Eric Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez voiced support for home rule, but Albany holds the power. Advocates and victims’ families decry the repeated need to beg for basic safety tools. The Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act, including Sammy’s Law for lower speed limits, remains in limbo. Without home rule, New York City’s most vulnerable—pedestrians, cyclists, children—face continued risk from political delays.

• Let’s Face It, ‘Home Rule’ on Speed Cameras is Dead — Blame Focuses on City Hall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-11

May 11 - Council Members Hudson and Hanif call on DOT to fix Grand Army Plaza. They want protected bike lanes, speed bumps, and better signals. Community groups back them. The plaza stays dangerous for walkers and cyclists. DOT promises a review. Action is overdue.

On May 11, 2022, Council Members Crystal Hudson and Shahana Hanif sent a letter to the Department of Transportation urging immediate safety upgrades at Grand Army Plaza. The matter, titled 'Brooklyn Pols: Fix Grand Army Plaza and Make it Safer,' calls for more protected bike lanes, speed bumps, improved traffic signals, and completion of stalled capital work. The councilmembers cited ongoing crashes, injuries, and community complaints about dangerous conditions. They requested a comprehensive traffic study and highlighted support from over 2,000 neighbors and local advocacy groups. DOT responded that it would review the letter and meet with the community. The push comes as past improvements have failed to end the threat to pedestrians and cyclists. Hudson and Hanif’s action keeps pressure on the city to fix a deadly crossroads.

• Brooklyn Pols: Fix Grand Army Plaza and Make it Safer, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-11

May 4 - A taxi with bad brakes hit an e-scooter on Union Street. The rider flew off, bleeding hard from his arm. He lay on the pavement, conscious, staring at the sky. The crash left the street stained and silent. System failed him.

A taxi collided with an eastbound e-scooter on Union Street near Clinton in Brooklyn. The 40-year-old e-scooter rider was ejected and suffered severe bleeding from his arm. According to the police report, 'A taxi struck an eastbound e-scooter. The rider, 40, flew off. No helmet. Blood streamed from his arm. The brakes had failed.' The report lists 'Brakes Defective' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. No helmet was worn by the e-scooter rider, but this is noted only after the mechanical failure. Three taxi occupants were involved but reported no injuries. The crash highlights the danger when vehicle systems fail on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4524747 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 2 - A fatigued driver struck two parked SUVs on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver, semiconscious and injured, hit the right front bumper of one vehicle and the left side doors of another. No ejections occurred. The crash caused moderate injuries.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male driver was fatigued and drowsy when he collided with two parked SUVs on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was semiconscious and sustained injuries classified as moderate. The impact points were the right front bumper of a Jeep SUV and the left side doors of a Chevrolet SUV. The report lists 'Fatigued/Drowsy' as the primary contributing factor. The driver was licensed and traveling north, going straight ahead before the collision. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved, and no ejections occurred. The crash highlights the dangers of driver fatigue leading to collisions with stationary vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4524018 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 28 - A 24-year-old man was struck by an SUV on Sigourney Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The crash left the victim in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Sigourney Street and Columbia Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding. The vehicle involved was a 2020 Dodge SUV traveling west, driven by a licensed male driver going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor attributed to the driver. The pedestrian was also noted to have some error or confusion, but the report emphasizes the driver's failure to yield. There was no vehicle damage reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4523025 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 27 - Mayor Adams vowed to get reckless drivers off city streets. He promised $904 million for safety. But he gave no details. No plan for enforcement. No timeline. Advocates want action, not talk. Vulnerable New Yorkers still wait for real change.

On April 27, 2022, Mayor Adams made a public statement on traffic enforcement and street safety policy. He announced a $904 million budget for safety improvements and said, 'We need to find them proactively, and get them off the streets.' Adams called for meetings with precincts and targeting dangerous intersections. But he gave no specifics on enforcement, legislative changes, or expanding the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program. Advocates like Eric McClure (StreetsPAC) and Sara Lind (Open Plans) welcomed the words but demanded concrete action, especially from the NYPD. The city’s current laws limit its power to remove dangerous drivers. Pending state bills could help, but for now, the mayor’s promise remains just that—words, not protection for those most at risk.

• Mayor Says He’ll Act on Reckless Drivers, But Leaves Out the ‘How’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-27

Apr 22 - A sedan struck a cyclist on 7 Avenue. The rider suffered leg injuries and a concussion. Police cite driver reaction to another vehicle and limited view. The crash left the cyclist hurt but conscious.

According to the police report, a southbound sedan collided with a southbound bicyclist on 7 Avenue at Lincoln Place in Brooklyn. The bicyclist suffered injuries to the knee, lower leg, foot, and sustained a concussion. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected. Police list "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as a contributing factor, along with obstructed or limited view. The sedan’s left front bumper was damaged. No helmet or signaling issues were listed as contributing factors. The crash underscores the danger when driver reactions and visibility fail to protect vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4523099 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 21 - New York ranked 13th in bike safety but earned an F for traffic laws. Lawmakers and advocates demand stronger protections. The state lacks a safe passing law and local speed control. Riders face risk. Change is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

"Bicyclists in New York deserve better than an F-rating for their safety on our streets, said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge)." -- Andrew Gounardes

On April 21, 2022, the League of American Bicyclists released a report ranking New York State 13th in bike friendliness, but giving it an F+ for traffic laws and practices. The report criticized the absence of a defined safe passing distance for motorists overtaking cyclists, the lack of local control over speed limits, and poor public reporting on police stops. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes called the grade unacceptable, urging passage of his road-sharing training bill and support for Sen. Brad Hoylman’s bill to lower speed limits. Gounardes also pushed to keep speed cameras active. Advocates like Jon Orcutt acknowledged progress, such as the MTA’s bike strategy and new greenway funding, but stressed the need for stronger laws. The League’s summary: 'New York received high marks for infrastructure and funding, and education and encouragement, but got an F+ in traffic laws and practices.' The state’s failure to protect cyclists and pedestrians leaves vulnerable road users exposed to daily danger.

• New York Gets an ‘F’ Grade in the New ‘Bike Friendly States’ Survey…, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-21

Apr 21 - New York scored high for bike infrastructure but failed on traffic laws. No safe passing rule. Cities can’t set lower speed limits. Lawmakers call for action. Cyclists remain exposed. The state’s grade: F for safety. Progress lags. Danger persists.

"Bicyclists in New York deserve better than an F-rating for their safety on our streets, said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge)." -- Andrew Gounardes

On April 21, 2022, a national survey ranked New York State 13th for bike friendliness but gave it an F+ in 'Traffic Laws and Practices.' The review, covered by Streetsblog, highlighted the lack of a defined safe passing distance, restrictions on local speed limits, and missing public data on police stops. The League of American Bicyclists noted, 'New York is way behind other states on having a safe passage law, as 38 other states do.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes called for urgent legislative fixes, including road-sharing training, lower speed limits, and keeping speed cameras on. Emily Gallagher, District 50, was mentioned in the advocacy push. The report underscores how state inaction leaves cyclists and pedestrians at risk, despite some progress in infrastructure and enforcement.

• Why New York State Gets an ‘F’ Grade in the New ‘Bike Friendly States’ Survey, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-04-21

Apr 20 - Traffic deaths in New York City jumped 44% in early 2022. Fifty-nine people died in three months. Pedestrians and children bore the brunt. Advocates and Senator Gounardes call for urgent street redesigns and expanded camera enforcement. City Hall and Albany face mounting pressure.

On April 20, 2022, advocates and Senator Andrew Gounardes (District 26) sounded the alarm as traffic deaths in New York City surged. The report, titled 'Advocates demand action as NYC traffic deaths rise 44% in 2022,' revealed 59 deaths in the year's first quarter, the highest since Vision Zero began in 2014. Pedestrians and minors suffered most. Gounardes declared, 'It is unacceptable that there have been more traffic fatalities this year than since Vision Zero began.' Transportation Alternatives called for Mayor Adams to back a $3.1 billion DOT street redesign plan and for Albany to grant NYC home rule over traffic cameras. Advocates demand more bike lanes, safer intersections, and unrestricted camera enforcement. The push aims to end the deadly toll on city streets.

• Advocates demand action as NYC traffic deaths rise 44% in 2022, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-20

Apr 8 - SUV cut into lane on 5 Avenue, slammed sedan’s rear. Young passenger in back seat took the hit. Neck injury. Whiplash. Streets turned violent in a flash.

According to the police report, a Station Wagon/SUV traveling south on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn made an improper passing maneuver and struck the left rear quarter panel of a southbound sedan. The sedan carried two occupants. A 23-year-old male rear passenger suffered neck trauma and whiplash. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor. The injured passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The crash damaged the sedan’s left side doors and left rear quarter panel. No other safety equipment issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4517677 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 7 - Councilmember Rita Joseph opens the door. Residents in District 40 and four other Brooklyn districts can vote on local projects. Ballots close April 10. The process funds parks, schools, and public spaces. The city lets people decide. Streets may change.

Participatory Budgeting voting opened in Brooklyn District 40 on April 7, 2022. Councilmember Rita Joseph announced the cycle, which runs until April 10. The process lets residents as young as 11 vote on capital and expense projects. The official matter title: 'Voting for Participatory Budgeting is open in five Brooklyn districts until April 10.' Joseph, along with councilmembers Jennifer Gutiérrez (34), Chi Ossé (36), Alexa Avilés (38), and Shahana Hanif (39), offers in-person and online voting. Projects range from park upgrades to school improvements. Final results will be announced the week of April 17. Participatory Budgeting shapes how public money is spent, but the safety impact for vulnerable road users depends on which projects win. No direct safety assessment was provided.

• Voting for Participatory Budgeting is open in five Brooklyn districts until April 10, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-04-07

Apr 1 - Two sedans collided in Brooklyn at Henry Street. A 14-year-old rear passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash. The crash involved unsafe speed and improper turning. Air bags deployed. Multiple vehicles were damaged in the impact.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Henry Street in Brooklyn. The crash injured a 14-year-old male occupant seated in the left rear passenger seat. He sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver errors including unsafe speed and turning improperly as contributing factors. The injured passenger was protected by deployed airbags. Several vehicles, including parked cars and motorcycles nearby, sustained damage from the collision. The crash highlights the dangers of speeding and improper turning maneuvers in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4515513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19