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

A tractor truck hit a sedan’s right side on the Gowanus Expressway. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old woman, suffered facial injuries and bleeding. Driver inattention and other vehicular factors fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a tractor truck and a sedan collided on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. The truck struck the sedan’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old woman, was injured in the face and suffered minor bleeding. She was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and other vehicular factors as contributing causes. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before impact. The crash underscores driver errors, including inattention and unspecified vehicular issues.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Senator Gounardes’s bill would end car-first reviews. It targets a 15% cut in vehicle miles by 2050. The plan favors safer streets, less pollution, and more ways to get around. Advocates say it’s overdue. The old system kept streets dangerous.

State Bill S1234, introduced by Senator Andrew Gounardes on April 12, 2023, aims to overhaul New York’s environmental review process. The bill, now before the legislature, would replace the outdated 'level of service' metric—focused on driver delay—with a mandate to reduce total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 15 percent by 2050. The bill summary states: 'By eliminating the relevance of level of service as a metric and utilizing vehicle miles traveled reduction instead, we can provide a new criteria for determining the significance of transportation impacts.' Gounardes, the bill’s sponsor, argues this shift will cut emissions and promote safer, multimodal streets. Advocates like Jon Orcutt and Sara Lind back the measure, calling it a long-overdue update that could finally let safety and climate take priority over car traffic. The bill follows California’s lead and could set a national example.

• State Bill Seeks to Alter Environmental Review So it Doesn’t Only Care About Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-12

A motorcycle struck the rear of a bus traveling south on Caton Place in Brooklyn. The 27-year-old male motorcyclist suffered a head contusion and bruising. The bus driver was uninjured. The motorcycle's accelerator was defective.

According to the police report, a motorcycle collided with the center back end of a bus going straight south on Caton Place in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist, a 27-year-old man, was injured with a head contusion and bruising but was not ejected and remained conscious. The bus, driven by a licensed male driver, sustained damage to its center front end but had no reported injuries. The report lists 'Accelerator Defective' as a contributing factor in the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were specified. The motorcyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash highlights mechanical failure as a key factor in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619028 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two SUVs crashed on Hamilton Avenue. One driver turned improperly. The other went straight. A 65-year-old man suffered an elbow abrasion. Airbag deployed. Both drivers were licensed men. Damage hit front left and center front of vehicles.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Hamilton Avenue. One driver, a 65-year-old man, was injured with an abrasion to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as a contributing factor. One SUV was making a left turn while the other was traveling straight. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and had an airbag deploy. Both drivers were licensed men. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the turning vehicle and the center front end of the other. The crash caused damage to the left front quarter panel and center front end of the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 44-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected on the Gowanus Expressway. He suffered chest injuries and was in shock. The crash involved impact to the motorcycle’s left front bumper. The rider wore a helmet but was seriously hurt.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected during a crash on the Gowanus Expressway. The motorcycle, traveling west and going straight ahead, struck an object or surface with its left front bumper, causing center front end damage. The driver sustained chest injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the dangers motorcyclists face even when traveling straight and wearing protective gear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618820 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two sedans collided on 51 Street in Brooklyn. Both vehicles were parked before impact. One driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries and minor burns. The crash caused damage to the rear of one vehicle. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 51 Street in Brooklyn. Both vehicles were parked prior to the crash. The driver of one sedan, a female occupant, sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, along with minor burns. She was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver. The collision caused damage to the center back end of one vehicle, while the other showed no damage. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The report does not specify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621410 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 68-year-old woman was hit by an SUV making a left turn on 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. She was crossing with the signal. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing 6 Avenue at an intersection in Brooklyn. The vehicle involved was a 2016 Toyota SUV making a left turn southwestbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The driver’s failure to yield and distraction caused the crash, resulting in serious injury to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618755 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 30-year-old man was struck by a sedan traveling south on Prospect Park West in Brooklyn. He suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian remained conscious after the collision. Details on driver errors are unspecified.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Prospect Park West in Brooklyn struck a 30-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The pedestrian's location and actions at the time of impact are unknown. No safety equipment or helmet use is noted. The driver was alone in the vehicle and was going straight ahead before the collision. The report does not specify any failure to yield or other driver mistakes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616912 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Senator Gounardes wants a 25-cent fee on every online package. The money would fund city infrastructure. Trucks crowd streets. Packages pile up. The bill aims to slow the flood. City Hall will review. Delivery giants face new rules. Streets stay dangerous.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill on March 23, 2023, proposing a 25-cent surcharge on every online delivery package in New York City. The bill, now under review, aims to raise $226 million yearly for city infrastructure. Gounardes said, "We're proposing an infrastructure fund to help pay for some of the capital costs to mitigate some of the consequences of last-mile trucking, and freight growth." The bill responds to a surge in daily package deliveries, now at 2.3 million, and forecasts of 200,000 trucks a day by 2045. Gounardes, the bill's sponsor, wants the city—not the MTA—to control the funds. City Hall has not taken a position but said it welcomes ideas to limit emissions and advance infrastructure. The bill joins other efforts to regulate last-mile delivery and warehouse placement. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• State Senator Seeks Online Delivery Charge to Fund City Infrastructure, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-23

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

E-bike rider hit a parked SUV on 57 Street, Brooklyn. She suffered facial abrasions. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe speed. The SUV was undamaged. The rider was conscious, not ejected, wore no safety gear.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old woman riding an e-bike south on 57 Street collided with a parked Nissan SUV. The rider suffered abrasions to her face and remained conscious at the scene. Police list driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The SUV, parked and occupied by a licensed male driver, showed no damage. The e-bike sustained front-end damage. The rider was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The crash underscores the risks created by unsafe speed and distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613556 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 20-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 4 Avenue when an SUV making a right turn hit him. The cyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries but was conscious and wearing a helmet. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male bicyclist riding north on 4 Avenue was struck by a northbound SUV making a right turn. The bicyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The SUV's right front quarter panel impacted the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The driver’s error in yielding caused the collision. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617113 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Albany lawmakers plug the MTA’s budget hole and block a fare hike. They launch a free bus pilot but refuse funds for more frequent service. Riders wait. Advocates warn: infrequent buses and trains leave New Yorkers stranded, exposed, and at risk.

On March 14, 2023, state legislators proposed a budget to fill the MTA’s fiscal deficit, avoid a fare hike, and fund a pilot for free buses. The bill, still under negotiation before the April 1 deadline, does not include the $300 million sought to boost off-peak bus and subway service to every six minutes. The matter summary reads: 'Legislators in Albany have proposed a budget to fill the MTA's fiscal hole, avert a fare hike, and fund a small pilot of free buses across New York City.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Andrew Gounardes pledged to keep fighting for better frequency. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised stable funding. Advocates like Betsy Plum criticized the omission: 'The legislature's budget ignores millions of riders stranded 12, 15, 20 minutes or more on subway platforms and at bus stops.' The budget’s failure to expand service leaves vulnerable riders waiting longer, exposed to danger and delay.

• State Legislators Fill MTA Fiscal Hole, Reject Fare Hike — But Don’t Expand Service, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-14

Albany lawmakers plug the MTA’s budget hole and block a fare hike. They launch a free bus pilot but refuse to fund more frequent service. Riders wait. The streets stay dangerous. The system limps on. Vulnerable New Yorkers are left behind.

On March 14, 2023, state legislators proposed a budget to address the MTA’s fiscal crisis. The plan, discussed in committee, fills the funding gap and stops a fare hike. It launches a free bus pilot in low-income and commercial districts. The bill, backed by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, does not include the $300 million needed to run buses and subways every six minutes off-peak. The matter summary states: 'Legislators in Albany have proposed a budget to fill the MTA's fiscal hole, avert a fare hike, and fund a small pilot of free buses.' Hoylman-Sigal supported ending Madison Square Garden’s tax break to help fund transit. Advocates and lawmakers like Zohran Mamdani blasted the omission, warning that infrequent service leaves riders stranded and exposed. The budget keeps the system afloat but fails to deliver safer, more reliable transit for those most at risk.

• State Legislators Fill MTA Fiscal Hole, Reject Fare Hike — But Don’t Expand Service, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-03-14

A 14-year-old e-scooter rider was ejected and injured on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan driver made a right turn and struck the scooter. The rider suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured and ejected during a collision with a sedan on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan, traveling west and making a right turn, struck the e-scooter traveling south. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper and the scooter's center front end. The rider suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users when drivers fail to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611824 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 34-year-old woman crossed 52 Street with the signal. A Ford SUV made a left turn, hitting her with its left front bumper. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver was distracted and turned improperly.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old female pedestrian was crossing 52 Street at an intersection with the signal when a 2005 Ford SUV, traveling east, made a left turn and struck her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with an improper turn. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling by the pedestrian were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611574 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Three Bay Ridge officers got city and state awards for shielding students during a deadly U-Haul rampage. The driver struck eight, killed one. Officers rushed to shelter kids. Politicians praised quick action. Community demanded tougher traffic violence measures and mental health support.

On March 8, 2023, State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Justin Brannan honored officers from the 68th Precinct for their response to the February U-Haul attack in Bay Ridge. The event, not tied to a specific council bill, recognized police who 'evacuated and sheltered school children' as a driver struck eight pedestrians and killed one. Gounardes said, 'These students, their families and our entire community here in southern Brooklyn will be forever grateful.' Brannan called the response 'a shining example' of local policing. The commendation took place at Bay Ridge Preparatory School. The incident sparked calls for 'enhanced measures against traffic violence' and more mental health resources at a vigil for the victims. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the focus remained on protecting vulnerable road users and preventing future harm.

• ‘Heroic’ Bay Ridge officers honored for protecting students during U-Haul attack, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-03-08

Two SUVs collided in Brooklyn at 2 Avenue. One driver, unlicensed, made a right turn on red and hit a northbound SUV. The licensed driver suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries. Airbags deployed. The crash was caused by disregarding traffic control.

According to the police report, the crash occurred when an unlicensed driver made a right turn on red and collided with a northbound SUV. The licensed driver of the northbound vehicle was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to the abdomen and pelvis. The airbags deployed, and the driver was conscious and not ejected. The contributing factor listed was 'Traffic Control Disregarded,' indicating the unlicensed driver failed to obey the traffic signal. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11