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

A BMW cut through scattered debris on the Gowanus Expressway. A man, 32, was struck near parked taxis. His legs were torn. Blood pooled on the cold asphalt. He died there, under the humming lights and steel.

A deadly crash unfolded on the Gowanus Expressway. According to the police report, a BMW changed lanes and struck a 32-year-old man near parked taxis and scattered debris. The pedestrian suffered severe leg injuries and died at the scene. Multiple occupants and drivers were also injured, including two drivers with head and back wounds. The police report lists 'Steering Failure' and 'Obstruction/Debris' as contributing factors. No driver was cited for failure to yield or speeding. The crash scene was marked by parked vehicles, debris, and chaos. The victim’s actions are not blamed. The report centers on the hazards and failures that led to this fatal impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595159 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A sedan turning right struck a southbound bicyclist on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The 20-year-old cyclist suffered a head contusion. Police cited failure to yield and other vehicular factors. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn collided with a bicyclist traveling straight south on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 20-year-old male, sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and other vehicular factors. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The point of impact was the sedan's right front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The cyclist was not ejected from the bike. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594546 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Two SUVs traveling east collided in Brooklyn. The front passenger in one vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles showed no damage. The injured woman was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Driver errors were unspecified.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided while traveling straight ahead in Brooklyn near East 5 Street. A 71-year-old female front passenger was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash. She was conscious and properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. Both vehicles showed no visible damage, and the point of impact was the center front end of one SUV and the center back end of the other. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The drivers were licensed and traveling eastbound. The crash resulted in injury to the passenger but no ejection or other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 15-year-old male in-line skater was ejected and suffered a head injury during a collision with a 1997 Dodge SUV making a left turn on 4 Avenue. The skater was riding along the highway with traffic when struck at the right rear quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male in-line skater was injured and ejected after a collision with a 1997 Dodge SUV on 4 Avenue. The SUV was making a left turn when it struck the skater riding along the highway with traffic. The point of impact was the vehicle's right rear quarter panel. The skater suffered a head injury and was in shock. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors explicitly. The skater was not using any safety equipment. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593298 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 31-year-old man was struck on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn by a southbound sedan. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and was incoherent at the scene. The crash occurred away from an intersection with unspecified contributing factors noted.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured on 4 Avenue near 26 Street in Brooklyn after being hit by a southbound 2013 Toyota sedan. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, performing other actions in the roadway. He sustained neck injuries and was incoherent, complaining of pain or nausea. The sedan struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No safety equipment or pedestrian fault is mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A sedan struck a 41-year-old woman crossing 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. She suffered hip and upper leg abrasions. The e-bike driver was also injured. Both drivers disregarded traffic control. The crash left the pedestrian conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 6 Avenue collided with a pedestrian crossing with the signal near 15 Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian, a 41-year-old woman, sustained abrasions to her hip and upper leg and was conscious at the scene. The e-bike driver, also 41, was injured and in shock. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor for both the sedan driver and the e-bike driver. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The sedan's front center end and the e-bike's left front quarter panel were damaged. Both drivers failed to obey traffic controls, leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592004 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Drivers hide plates. Cameras miss them. Streets stay dangerous. Senator Gounardes pushes a bill to pay citizens for reporting illegal plates. Police claim action, but advocates see little change. The bill sits in committee. Ghost cars keep rolling.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill in 2022 to reward citizens who report illegal license plates. The bill remains in committee. The measure would give whistleblowers 25% of the ticket, up to $75. The matter targets drivers who obscure or remove plates to dodge automated enforcement. As city and state agencies rely more on cameras to catch speeders and red-light runners, more drivers hide their plates. The Department of Transportation says cameras failed to ticket over 4% of violators last fall, up from 1% in 2019. Advocates accuse police of lax enforcement and even breaking the law themselves. Gounardes’s bill, still stalled, aims to close this loophole and put power in the hands of citizens. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while enforcement lags.

• Guerilla activists fight back against NYC drivers who hide license plates to evade tolls and tickets, gothamist.com, Published 2022-12-14

Two sedans collided on 5 Avenue in a late-night crash. One driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The impact struck the right front bumper of one vehicle. Police cited traffic control disregard and other vehicular factors as causes.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 5 Avenue. The driver of one sedan, a 50-year-old man, was injured with contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash involved impact to the right front bumper of the injured driver's vehicle. The report lists contributing factors as 'Other Vehicular' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded,' indicating driver errors related to ignoring traffic signals or controls. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and had an airbag deployed. No other injuries or ejections were reported. The collision caused visible damage to the right front bumper of the injured driver's vehicle and minor damage to a parked sedan nearby.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4588616 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Police arrested Adam White for removing plastic from a hidden plate. Charges dropped. Council Member Restler pushes Int. 501: fines for blocking lanes, rewards for civilian reporting. Politicians call for accountability. Defaced plates shield reckless drivers. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 1, 2022, Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler renewed his push for Int. 501, a bill to fine drivers $175 for blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants near schools, and to reward civilians with 25% of the fine for reporting violations. The matter arose after attorney Adam White was arrested for removing plastic from an obscured license plate; charges were later dropped by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, citing 'insufficient evidence.' The bill, discussed at a press conference, aims to crack down on license plate defacement and illegal parking, which Restler says is rampant among city workers and police. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced a similar bill at the state level. Both lawmakers stress the need for public accountability and tougher enforcement to protect vulnerable road users from drivers who evade responsibility.

• Attorney Arrested for ‘Criminal Mischief’ Charge Will Sue Driver for Wrongful Arrest, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-01

A 52-year-old woman was struck while crossing against the signal on 43 Street. The vehicle hit her center front end. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on 43 Street after being struck by a vehicle traveling west. The 52-year-old woman was crossing against the signal when the crash occurred. The vehicle impacted her at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. No other vehicle or driver details were provided. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling by the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4585701 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 66-year-old woman was struck at an intersection on 50 Street near 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan, making a right turn, hit her with its right front bumper. She suffered fractures and dislocations across her body and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 50 Street in Brooklyn was making a right turn when it struck a 66-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection near 6 Avenue. The pedestrian sustained severe injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her entire body, but remained conscious. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the collision itself, and the pedestrian's actions are unknown. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted for the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4584958 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

An e-scooter rider was partially ejected and injured in a collision with an SUV turning right on 52 Street in Brooklyn. The scooter struck the SUV’s right front quarter panel. The rider suffered facial abrasions and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured when his vehicle collided with a 2008 Honda SUV making a right turn on 52 Street in Brooklyn. The e-scooter struck the right front quarter panel of the SUV, resulting in the rider being partially ejected and sustaining facial abrasions. The report lists the contributing factors as "Following Too Closely" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" by the e-scooter driver. The rider was not using any safety equipment at the time of the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling east, while the e-scooter was traveling north going straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4584262 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Lawmakers and advocates rallied in Manhattan. They demanded more money for the MTA. They want six-minute bus and subway service. They warned against service cuts and fare hikes. They called for gas tax revenue to fund transit. Riders need safe, frequent service.

On November 17, 2022, state legislators and transit advocates pressed for increased MTA funding and six-minute off-peak service. The push comes ahead of the next budget cycle. Assembly Members Zohran Mamdani and Amanda Septimo, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher led the call. Mamdani said, 'If we implement six-minute service, the consequences would be felt for riders across all aspects of their life.' Septimo called transit an economic and racial justice issue. Gounardes urged the governor to include MTA funding in the initial budget. Gallagher criticized the gas tax holiday, urging funds go to transit. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber warned that cuts or fare hikes would devastate working- and middle-class New Yorkers. The group demanded action to protect and improve transit for all riders.

• Legislators and Advocates Press Case For MTA Rescue And Six-Minute Service, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-17

A Honda SUV turned left at 7th Avenue and 57th Street. The bumper struck an 8-year-old girl crossing with the signal. She suffered crush injuries. Two other pedestrians, including a 6-year-old, were also hit. All were conscious. The driver failed to yield.

At the corner of 7th Avenue and 57th Street in Brooklyn, a 2022 Honda SUV made a left turn and struck three pedestrians. According to the police report, the SUV's left front bumper hit an 8-year-old girl who was crossing with the signal. She suffered crush injuries to her entire body but remained conscious. A 6-year-old girl was also hit, sustaining facial fractures and dislocations. A 36-year-old woman suffered injuries to her shoulder and upper arm. All three pedestrians were crossing with the signal at the intersection. The police report states: 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The driver, a 41-year-old man, was licensed and remained uninjured. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4579863 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

An e-bike rider struck the right side of a parked SUV on 5 Avenue. The rider was ejected and suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The SUV showed no damage. The crash happened as the e-bike passed too closely, causing impact and injury.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old male e-bike rider traveling north on 5 Avenue collided with the right side doors of a parked 2020 Chevrolet SUV. The e-bike rider was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV, occupied by two licensed drivers, showed no damage. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The e-bike rider was conscious after the crash. The incident highlights the dangers of close passing near parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4579266 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Two sedans collided on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver made a left turn into the path of the other. A rear passenger suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. Unsafe speed was a contributing factor. The injured passenger was not ejected and was in shock.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on 5 Avenue collided when one vehicle was making a left turn and struck the other going straight ahead. The impact occurred at the right rear bumper of the turning vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. A 40-year-old female rear passenger was injured, suffering shoulder and upper arm injuries and was in shock. She was not ejected from the vehicle and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors were specified. Both drivers were male, and one driver was licensed in New York. The collision caused center back and front end damage to the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4577413 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A Ford SUV struck a Toyota sedan from behind on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact injured a 36-year-old female passenger in the SUV, causing shoulder and upper arm pain. Unsafe speed and following too closely led to the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a Ford SUV and a Toyota sedan, both traveling north. The SUV's left front bumper hit the sedan's center back end. A 36-year-old female occupant in the SUV suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries and was in shock. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed men. The injured passenger was not ejected and complained of pain and nausea. Vehicle damage was centered on the SUV's front end and the sedan's rear bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4582489 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 73-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by an e-scooter traveling south on 55 Street. She suffered a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. The scooter's left front bumper made impact, causing injury.

According to the police report, a 73-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing 55 Street with the signal. She was struck by a male driver on an e-scooter traveling straight south. The point of impact was the scooter's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a back contusion and remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the collision itself. The pedestrian was not ejected and no safety equipment or other factors were noted. The incident highlights the dangers posed by motorized scooters to vulnerable pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4577414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 44-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 19 Street in Brooklyn. The SUV made a right turn and hit the cyclist from the side. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both parties failed to yield right-of-way, according to police.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on 19 Street was struck by a 2015 Jeep SUV making a right turn from 4 Avenue. The cyclist was injured with contusions and trauma to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for both the bicyclist and the SUV driver. The bicyclist was unlicensed and not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV sustained no damage, while the bike was impacted at its center back end. The collision highlights failures in yielding right-of-way by both parties.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4576935 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 33-year-old front-seat passenger was injured in a multi-vehicle crash on the Gowanus Expressway. The SUV struck the sedan from behind. The passenger suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries and was semiconscious with complaints of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on the Gowanus Expressway involving a sedan and an SUV, both traveling westbound. The SUV struck the sedan in the center back end, causing injuries to a 33-year-old female front passenger in the sedan. She was semiconscious and complained of pain and nausea, with injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. The report lists driver errors including 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' factors contributing to the crash. No ejection occurred, and the passenger's safety equipment status is unknown. The crash involved multiple vehicles traveling straight ahead, with impact points indicating a rear-end collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4577766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12