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

Two sedans slammed together on Prospect Expressway East. A woman driver took the hit, her abdomen and pelvis injured. Speed played a role. Metal twisted. Shock followed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided while traveling east on Prospect Expressway East. The crash left a 31-year-old female driver with abdominal and pelvic injuries. She was in shock but not ejected, and wore a lap belt. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and an 'Unspecified' factor as contributing causes. Both vehicles suffered front-end damage from the impact. The male driver was licensed in New York, the female in New Jersey. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash underscores driver errors related to speed and other unspecified factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561767 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Two bikes slammed together on Prospect Park Southwest. A young rider hit the ground. Blood spilled from his leg. Skin torn. He stared at the sky, awake. The street fell silent. Two children and another man were also involved. No helmets. No mercy.

Two bicycles collided head-on at Prospect Park Southwest and Greenwood Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 23-year-old male rider was partially ejected and suffered severe lacerations to his leg, remaining conscious at the scene. Two children, ages 2 and 4, and a 35-year-old man were also involved, all listed as bicyclists. The report notes, 'Two bikes collided head-on. A 23-year-old rider hit the ground hard. No helmet. Blood ran from his leg. Skin peeled back.' No contributing factors or driver errors were specified in the data. Helmets were not used, as noted after the absence of driver errors. The crash left one rider badly hurt while others escaped with unspecified injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561432 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Speed cameras now run all day, every day. Tickets soared 70 percent in three weeks. Most violations hit at night and weekends—times once uncovered. Officials say the surge proves drivers speed when unchecked. The city claims this crackdown will save lives.

On August 1, 2022, New York City activated speed cameras 24/7 after a legislative deal in Albany. In the first three weeks, cameras issued 513,777 tickets—70 percent more than before. The bill, championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, removed harsher penalties but kept round-the-clock enforcement. The matter summary states, 'speed safety cameras are working as they should—catching more speeding drivers and combatting reckless driving.' Council members and advocates, including Elizabeth Adams and Jehiah Czebotar, backed the move. They point to data showing most extra tickets came at night and weekends, exposing a hidden threat to pedestrians and cyclists. Officials insist the expansion will save lives and curb reckless driving.

• Sin City: New 24/7 Speed Cameras Issue a Whopping 70 Percent More Tickets, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-01

Lawmakers spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want tight limits. Others push for taxi exemptions and tunnel credits. Advocates warn: too many carve-outs gut the plan. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, New York officials debated congestion pricing exemptions as the policy neared implementation. The discussion, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted shifting positions. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once opposed to exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll said, "I think that there should be limited exemptions." State Senator Andrew Gounardes added, "Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible." Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine backed toll credits for tunnel users and taxi exemptions. Taxi and for-hire drivers lobbied for relief, citing existing surcharges. Advocacy groups warned against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide on further exemptions after federal review. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-26

Council and state leaders spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want carve-outs. Others warn exemptions gut the plan. Vulnerable road users wait as drivers fight for special treatment. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, the council held a public debate on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, titled 'Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions,' drew sharp lines. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once a hardliner against exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll backs limited carve-outs, saying, 'I think that there should be limited exemptions.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes stresses, 'Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible.' Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine pushes for toll credits and taxi exemptions. Advocacy groups warn against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide after federal review. The debate centers on who pays and who gets a pass, while the safety of people outside cars hangs in the balance.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-26

Nearly a thousand people signed up to speak at MTA’s congestion pricing hearings. The plan targets Manhattan below 61st Street. Supporters want fewer exemptions. Critics fear more truck traffic. Lawmakers push for swift action. Streets and air hang in the balance.

"We want to minimize the number of exemptions while making sure that we can hit our goal of raising $1 billion." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 25, 2022, the MTA held public hearings on congestion pricing for Manhattan below 61st Street. The hearings drew nearly a thousand speakers. The plan, described as aiming to 'reduce congestion, air pollution, and driving into the city,' would charge drivers $5 to $23 depending on time and exemptions. Council Member Robert Carroll (District 44) urged, 'It needs to be implemented now, we passed this bill three years ago, it’s time to get moving.' Other lawmakers, including Andrew Gounardes and Mark Levine, debated exemptions and credits. Governor Hochul called the charge 'crucial to cutting the number of vehicles and combating climate change.' The hearings reflect strong support for minimal carveouts and immediate action to fund transit and clear streets. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Thousand ask to speak at upcoming MTA congestion pricing hearings, amny.com, Published 2022-08-25

A 25-year-old woman on a bike was ejected and suffered head wounds on 5 Avenue. Improper lane use led to the crash. She was semiconscious, bleeding, helmeted. Impact struck her bike’s left rear.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and injured on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor. The crash occurred when another vehicle, going straight ahead, struck the left rear bumper of her bike. The bicyclist suffered head injuries, was semiconscious, and had minor bleeding. She was wearing a helmet at the time. The crash underscores the danger of improper lane usage, resulting in serious harm to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556432 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Three drivers suffered chest, neck, and back injuries in a Brooklyn crash on 5 Avenue near Prospect Expressway. Vehicles collided head-on and rear-end. All drivers wore lap belts. Police list unspecified contributing factors. No ejections reported.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on 5 Avenue near Prospect Expressway in Brooklyn involving a sedan, a taxi, and an SUV. Three drivers were injured: a 17-year-old male with chest injuries, a 30-year-old female with neck injuries, and a 57-year-old male with back injuries. All were wearing lap belts and none were ejected. The vehicles were traveling north, with the sedan making a right turn before impact. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for all drivers but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The crash resulted in center front and center back end damage to the vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556365 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 32-year-old woman was struck by an e-scooter while crossing 15 Street at 8 Avenue in Brooklyn. The scooter driver made an improper lane usage maneuver. The pedestrian suffered bruises and abdominal injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a male e-scooter driver traveling east on 15 Street struck a 32-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection of 15 Street and 8 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper lane discipline. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. The vehicle's point of impact was the right front bumper, and the scooter sustained damage to its center front end. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556839 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 7-year-old boy was struck at a Brooklyn intersection. The sedan failed to yield right-of-way and was speeding. The child suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The vehicle bore front-end damage from the impact.

According to the police report, a 7-year-old pedestrian was injured while crossing an intersection in Brooklyn. The child suffered a head contusion and was conscious after the crash. The driver of a 2015 sedan was traveling west and failed to yield the right-of-way. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan struck the pedestrian with its center front end, causing damage to the vehicle. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556377 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 22-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling north struck the bike at the front end. The cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The driver was licensed. The crash involved improper lane usage.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a northbound sedan and a bicyclist. The 22-year-old male bicyclist, wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The sedan's right front bumper struck the bike's center front end. The report cites driver errors including 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as contributing factors. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. A parked SUV was also involved but not moving at the time. The bicyclist was injured but not blamed for the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A southbound SUV struck a sedan from behind on 3 Avenue. The impact hit the sedan's center back end. A 30-year-old female rear passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction and following too closely caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2013 SUV traveling south on 3 Avenue rear-ended a 2021 sedan going in the same direction. The collision impacted the sedan's center back end. A 30-year-old female occupant seated in the left rear passenger position sustained head injuries and whiplash, remaining conscious but injured. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely." Neither vehicle showed damage, and no ejections occurred. The injured passenger was not using any safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving and tailgating on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4555235 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

StreetsPAC called for voters to oust State Sen. Kevin Parker. They backed Kaegan Mays-Williams for her push on protected bike lanes and bus network redesign. Parker ignored safety questions. StreetsPAC praised other candidates who fight for safer streets and transit.

On August 9, 2022, StreetsPAC, New York City's safe streets political action committee, issued an endorsement urging Central Brooklyn voters to retire State Sen. Kevin Parker. The group backed Kaegan Mays-Williams, citing her support for redesigning Brooklyn's bus network and expanding protected bike lanes. StreetsPAC Executive Director Eric McClure said, 'She supports redesigning Brooklyn's bus network to simplify routes and speed commutes.' Parker did not respond to StreetsPAC's request for information and has a record of negative incidents. Mays-Williams stressed the need for dependable public transit and safer cycling. StreetsPAC also highlighted the safety records of Andrew Gounardes, Angel Vasquez, Jabori Brisport, Rajiv Gowda, Christian Amato, and Kristen Gonzalez, noting their support for speed cameras, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and transit improvements. The endorsement signals a clear push for candidates who prioritize vulnerable road users.

• StreetsPAC to Central Brooklyn Voters: Retire State Sen. Kevin Parker Now!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-09

A motorcycle crashed into a parked SUV on 62 Street in Brooklyn. The rider, a 39-year-old man, suffered arm injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The SUV was empty. Both vehicles were damaged.

According to the police report, a motorcycle heading south on 62 Street struck the left side doors of a parked SUV. The motorcycle driver, a 39-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and an elbow-lower-arm-hand injury. He remained conscious and was not ejected. Police listed driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The SUV was stationary before the crash. The rider wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No other contributing factors were listed. The crash left both vehicles damaged. No other people were reported hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4553038 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 44-year-old man driving an SUV struck a parked sedan in Brooklyn. The impact hit the sedan’s left rear quarter panel. The SUV driver suffered a head injury and concussion. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as factors.

According to the police report, an unlicensed driver operating a 2019 Jeep SUV in Brooklyn struck a parked 2013 Toyota sedan. The collision occurred at the left rear quarter panel of the sedan. The SUV driver, a 44-year-old man, was injured with a head injury and concussion but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan was unoccupied at the time. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4553689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 7-year-old boy was struck while crossing outside a crosswalk in Brooklyn. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The child suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 7-year-old pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being hit by a sedan traveling east on 3rd Avenue. The child was crossing outside a crosswalk when the collision occurred. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The sedan showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552217 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Speed cameras now run all day, every day in New York City. The law ends the blackout. No more breaks for speeders. State Senator Andrew Gounardes led the charge. The city’s streets stay watched. Vulnerable lives get a fighting chance.

On August 1, 2022, a new law took effect expanding New York City’s speed camera program to operate 24/7. The bill, sponsored in the State Senate by Andrew Gounardes, passed in Albany and was signed by Governor Hochul in June. The measure extends the program for three years and ends the old rule that shut cameras off overnight and on weekends. The Department of Transportation has installed about 2,000 cameras in 750 school zones. The bill’s summary: 'expands the safety technology around the clock.' Gounardes said, 'Your right to speed does not supersede anyone’s rights to live on the streets safely.' Mayor Eric Adams joined advocates to celebrate, stating, 'A city that never sleeps deserves a camera system that won’t take a nap.' DOT data shows 59% of traffic deaths happened during off hours. The expansion aims to close that deadly gap.

• Whoa there! NYC speed cameras now stay on 24/7, amny.com, Published 2022-08-01

A 62-year-old male bicyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm after a collision with a sedan on 44 Street. Both vehicles were making right turns. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a sedan struck him while both were making right turns on 44 Street. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The sedan, a 2008 Honda, had no reported damage. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper and the bike's center back end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4554659 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 23-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on 34 Street near 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV made a right turn while the e-bike traveled south. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike was injured after an SUV made a right turn on 34 Street near 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield. Both vehicles showed no damage at the point of impact. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling west while making the turn; the e-bike was traveling straight south. The crash resulted in injury severity level 3 for the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550727 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A Land Rover barreled down 3rd Avenue. The SUV struck head-on. Metal folded. The airbag burst. The 70-year-old woman behind the wheel took the full force. She died in the seat. Three others survived. The street swallowed another life.

A 70-year-old woman driving a 2020 Land Rover SUV was killed in a head-on crash on 3rd Avenue near Council District 38. According to the police report, the SUV struck head-on, the airbag deployed, and the front end crumpled. The driver, who was not ejected, suffered fatal injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. Three other occupants, including a 50-year-old man and two children, sustained unspecified injuries. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the police report. The report notes the airbag deployed but does not cite it as a contributing factor. The crash left the SUV destroyed and claimed the life of its driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550586 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12