Two Dead, Still No Fix: City Lets Third Avenue Kill

A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. The driver hit a man crouched for food. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. The driver fled. Police are still searching. Brooklyn’s streets remain deadly for those on foot.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was kneeling in the street to pick up food when the truck, turning right, hit him. According to police, 'the driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene.' The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The article notes this was one of several fatal crashes in Brooklyn that week, highlighting persistent dangers for pedestrians. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene underscores ongoing issues with hit-and-runs and enforcement.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian in Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

A 45-year-old woman suffered a concussion and head injury after being struck at a Brooklyn intersection. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt. The crash details remain unclear, with no identified driver errors or contributing factors reported.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 5 Ave and 53 St in Brooklyn around 10:50 p.m. She sustained a head injury and concussion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no 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 actions are provided. The pedestrian's actions are unknown, and no victim behaviors are cited as contributing factors. The lack of identified driver errors in the report leaves the circumstances of the crash unclear, but the serious injury to the pedestrian highlights the dangers present at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796257 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

A 42-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash occurred on Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist was conscious but seriously injured, with no safety equipment worn.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn was ejected from his bike and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but sustained serious injuries classified as severity level 3. The report notes no damage to the bike and does not list any other vehicles involved. No driver errors or contributing factors were specified in the report. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash. The absence of listed driver errors or other contributing factors highlights the systemic danger faced by bicyclists even when no other vehicles are involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795106 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi traveling east struck a parked sedan on southbound 4 Ave in Brooklyn. The impact injured the taxi driver and front passenger, both in shock with severe injuries. The parked vehicle sustained left-side damage. No driver errors were cited.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:45 on 4 Ave in Brooklyn. A taxi, traveling eastbound, collided with a sedan that was parked and facing southbound. The point of impact was the taxi's center front end striking the sedan's center back end, causing damage to the sedan's left side doors. The taxi driver, a 40-year-old male, and a 59-year-old female front passenger were both injured with bodily injuries described as affecting the entire body and chest, respectively. Both occupants were in shock and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The collision involved no ejections or pedestrian victims, focusing on vehicle-to-vehicle impact and occupant injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796424 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck a northbound bicyclist on 42nd Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg fractures. Police cite defective brakes on the sedan as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 2023 Ford sedan was making a left turn on 42nd Street in Brooklyn at 9:23 AM when it collided with a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies the sedan driver's defective brakes as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan and the center front end of the bike. The sedan had two occupants, and the driver held a permit license. The bicyclist was conscious but seriously injured. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795245 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A distracted driver set off a chain collision on the Gowanus Expressway. An SUV driver suffered back injuries and a concussion. Metal crumpled. Traffic snarled. The danger of inattention cut through the morning rush.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash unfolded at 7:34 AM on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. The collision involved a tractor truck, two SUVs, and a pick-up truck, all traveling east. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. A 33-year-old male SUV driver was injured, sustaining back trauma and a concussion. He was not ejected and wore a lap belt. Impact points show a chain reaction: the tractor truck struck on its left front, other vehicles hit front and rear. All drivers were licensed. No victim actions contributed. The crash exposes the persistent threat of driver distraction on city highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795620 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A 62-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan made a left turn and struck him at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The vehicle showed no damage, highlighting the force of impact on the vulnerable victim.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing an intersection on 7 Avenue in Brooklyn at 6:30 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2017 Honda sedan, traveling northeast and making a left turn, struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report does not list specific driver errors but notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as making a left turn, a maneuver requiring heightened caution. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. This collision underscores the dangers pedestrians face from turning vehicles in urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794450 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

A 26-year-old driver and 32-year-old passenger were injured when a 2023 Jeep SUV struck the right rear bumper of a station wagon merging eastbound on the Gowanus Expressway. Both occupants suffered shock and moderate injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:15 AM on the Gowanus Expressway. A 2023 Jeep SUV traveling eastbound went straight ahead and collided with the right rear bumper of a station wagon merging eastbound. The station wagon driver, 26, and front passenger, 32, both male, were injured and experienced shock. The driver sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as moderate severity. The passenger's injuries were unspecified but also moderate. The report lists no explicit contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both vehicle occupants were not ejected and used safety equipment as noted for the passenger. The collision highlights risks during merging maneuvers on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792314 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 17-year-old crossing 4 Avenue with the signal was struck by a northbound car. He suffered severe injuries to his whole body. The car hit him head-on. He was semiconscious, in pain, and nauseous.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male pedestrian was crossing 4 Avenue at 35 Street in Brooklyn with the signal when a northbound passenger vehicle struck him with its center front end at 8:45 AM. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body and was semiconscious, complaining of pain and nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not cite any explicit driver errors. The vehicle was traveling straight ahead before impact and sustained damage to its center front end. The pedestrian's lawful crossing is noted. The crash underscores the persistent risk to pedestrians, even when following traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senator Gounardes calls for a new tax to save the subway. Riders face crumbling platforms and broken trust. The MTA pleads for billions to repair old lines. Critics demand audits, not taxes. The system teeters. Riders wait. Danger grows.

On February 6, 2025, the council debated funding for the MTA’s $65 billion capital plan. The matter, titled 'To fund NYC subway fixes, MTA must undo decades of distrust,' highlights deep public frustration. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, representing District 26, argued for a new tax to prevent the transit system’s collapse, stating, 'they're going to be a lot more frustrated when the transit system simply falls apart.' The debate included calls for audits and cost reductions from Rep. Mike Lawler, while MTA Chair Janno Lieber promised to prioritize repairs over expansion. The committee has not yet voted. Riders voiced anger over high fares and little visible improvement. The debate exposes years of deferred maintenance and political neglect, leaving vulnerable New Yorkers at risk as the city’s transit backbone erodes.

• To fund NYC subway fixes, MTA must undo decades of distrust, gothamist.com, Published 2025-02-06

A moped driver without a license collided with a box truck while traveling west on 49th Street in Brooklyn. The rider was ejected, suffered head injuries, and was left in shock. The truck was merging with no reported damage.

According to the police report, a moped driver traveling west on 49th Street in Brooklyn collided with a box truck that was merging. The moped's front center end struck the truck's left front bumper. The moped driver, a 54-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained head injuries with an injury severity level of 3. He was reported to be in shock. The moped driver was unlicensed according to the report. The box truck, also traveling west, showed no damage and was merging at the time of the crash. The report lists no contributing factors for the truck driver, while the moped driver's contributing factors are unspecified. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement was noted, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790338 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 59-year-old man suffered severe leg injuries while crossing 3 Ave with the signal. The crash left him conscious but fractured. The police report notes no driver errors or contributing factors, highlighting systemic risks at this Brooklyn intersection.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 3 Ave and 16 St in Brooklyn at 13:57. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, resulting in fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The victim was conscious after the crash. The report lists no 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 actions are provided. The absence of driver error in the report underscores potential systemic dangers at this intersection that remain unaddressed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27

A cargo van struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide in Brooklyn. Gil died. The driver turned left, hit them in the crosswalk. No charges filed. Gil survived war and disaster, but not New York traffic. Another senior lost to city streets.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. A man driving a cargo van made a left turn and struck Gil and her home health aide. The aide survived; Gil did not. Police made no arrests or charges. The article notes, 'She was a very active lady.' Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn that month. Transportation Alternatives highlighted that 46 senior pedestrians died in city crashes last year. The crash underscores the ongoing risk to older New Yorkers at crosswalks and the lack of driver accountability in such incidents.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26