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

A sedan hit a man crossing 40th Street. The driver failed to yield. The pedestrian suffered abdominal injuries. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as causes.

A 31-year-old man was injured when a sedan struck him as he crossed 40th Street at 6th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk with no signal when the crash occurred. The driver, a 77-year-old man, was making a left turn. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered injuries to the abdomen and pelvis and was in shock. The report does not list any contributing factors for the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816063 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man crossed Fulton Street. A Ford Explorer hit him. The driver sped off. The man died at the hospital. The street stayed quiet. Police searched for the car. The city counted another lost life.

ABC7 reported on May 17, 2025, that a 55-year-old man was killed while crossing Fulton Street at Washington Avenue in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. According to police, 'a burgundy Ford Explorer with Pennsylvania license plates struck and killed the 55-year-old man.' The driver did not remain at the scene. The crash happened just before 12:30 a.m. The victim was taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident highlights the ongoing danger faced by pedestrians and the persistent problem of hit-and-run drivers in New York City.

• Driver Flees After Brooklyn Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-17

Two sedans crashed while turning on 60th Street in Brooklyn. One driver suffered a fractured arm. The police report lists no clear cause. Metal and bone broke. Streets stayed busy.

Two sedans collided while both were making right turns on 60th Street at 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, one driver, a 44-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. Three other occupants had unspecified injuries. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their sides and front panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813297 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senator Palumbo, once wary, now backs the Stop Super Speeders bill. The measure targets repeat speeders with court-ordered limiters. Twenty-one percent of fatal pedestrian crashes involve such drivers. Speed limiters cut deaths by over a third. Action, not talk.

On May 16, 2025, the New York State Senate debated the Stop Super Speeders bill (S4045/A2029), which requires speed-limiting devices for drivers with six or more speed-camera violations in a year. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes, aims to curb reckless driving. Initially, Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-Suffolk) opposed the measure, citing concerns about government overreach and enforcement. He compared it to ignition locks for drunk drivers, which he supports. After discussion with Gounardes, Palumbo shifted, supporting the bill if it meets its goal. The bill’s summary states it targets repeat speeders with court orders and misdemeanor charges for non-compliance. Data shows 21 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes in NYC involve vehicles with six or more camera tickets in the prior year. Speed limiters have been shown to reduce traffic deaths by 37 percent. Palumbo now signals willingness to take strong action against reckless drivers.

• How One Anti-Gov’t Republican Signed onto a Street Safety Bill to Rein in Reckless Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-16

State Sen. Palumbo, once wary of government reach, now supports speed-limiting devices for repeat speeders. The bill targets drivers with six or more violations. Debate follows a fatal crash. Lawmakers clash, then unite. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On May 16, 2025, State Sen. Anthony Palumbo, Republican from Suffolk, changed course on the Stop Super Speeders bill (S4045/A2029). The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would require speed-limiting devices in cars of drivers with six or more speed-camera violations in a year. Palumbo first called the measure 'government overreach,' preferring license suspensions. After debate and a detailed comparison to ignition locks for drunk drivers, Palumbo agreed to support the bill if it meets its goal. Gounardes explained, 'We mimicked the ignition lock process and procedure.' The bill gained momentum after a deadly crash. According to the safety analyst, the event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action affecting pedestrians or cyclists, so no safety impact can be determined.

• How One Anti-Gov’t Republican Signed onto a Street Safety Bill to Rein in Reckless Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-16

A car struck Larry Maxwell, 72, on Sutter Avenue. The driver had just crashed into another vehicle and fled. Maxwell died at Brookdale Hospital. The driver did not stop. Police are still searching. No arrests. The street stayed quiet.

NY Daily News reported on May 15, 2025, that Larry Maxwell, 72, was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The article states, “An elderly man was mowed down and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Brooklyn on May 10, just seconds after the same driver smashed into a nearby vehicle.” The driver first collided with a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, then continued on and struck Maxwell near Sutter Ave. and Osborn St. The Malibu’s occupants were uninjured and remained at the scene. The driver who killed Maxwell fled and remains unidentified. The NYPD Highway District collision investigation squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The case highlights the lethal risk of fleeing drivers and the ongoing challenge of enforcement.

• Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Brooklyn Elder, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-15

Senate Republicans forced a vote on S533 to repeal congestion pricing. Democrats may let it advance with a hollow 'Aye Without Recommendation.' Meanwhile, the Idaho Stop bill, which could save cyclists’ lives, remains stalled. NYPD cracks down on riders. Cyclists keep dying.

On May 13, 2025, the Senate Transportation Committee considered S533, a bill to repeal congestion pricing, after a procedural motion by Sen. Jack Martins. Committee Chair Jeremy Cooney was compelled to place it on the agenda. Democrats may use 'Aye Without Recommendation' to let the bill advance without clear support. A watchdog coalition, including Reinvent Albany and Bike New York, called the bill 'contrary to notions of basic fairness.' The same day, activists lobbied for the Idaho Stop bill (S639/A7071), sponsored by Sen. Rachel May and Assembly Member Karen McMahon. The bill would let cyclists treat red lights as stop signs and stop signs as yield signs, a move proven to reduce injuries. Despite support, the bill remains blocked. NYPD continues harsh enforcement against cyclists, who make up a small share of city trips but receive a disproportionate number of tickets. Cyclist deaths keep rising.

• How the Sausage Gets Made: Republicans Force Meaningless Vote on Congestion Pricing Repeal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-13

A bus and SUV collided on 5th Ave in Brooklyn. A 51-year-old woman, riding as a passenger, suffered neck injuries. Police list contributing factors as unspecified. Streets remain unforgiving.

A bus and an SUV crashed on 5th Ave at 56th St in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 51-year-old female passenger suffered neck injuries, described as whiplash. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other injuries were reported. Both vehicles were traveling south. The bus was slowing or stopping when the SUV struck its rear. No driver errors were specified in the data. The injured passenger was not ejected and was not using safety equipment. The crash highlights the risks faced by passengers in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813462 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a 74-year-old man crossing 4th Avenue. The car’s front slammed into him. He suffered a head injury. Police cite failure to yield. The street stayed open. The danger remains.

A BMW sedan struck a 74-year-old man at the intersection of 4th Avenue and 37th Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing when the car, making a left turn, hit him with its front end. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered a head injury and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and remained at the scene. The crash exposes the ongoing threat to pedestrians on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812288 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a 73-year-old man crossing 7th Ave. The driver was distracted. The man suffered neck injuries and shock. Blood on the street. Brooklyn traffic did not stop.

A 73-year-old pedestrian was struck by a sedan while crossing at 7th Ave and 40th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the driver was making a left turn and was inattentive or distracted. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and minor bleeding, and was in shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No driver injuries were reported. The crash highlights the danger faced by people crossing city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit an e-bike on McDonald Ave. The cyclist, ejected and bleeding from the face, lay hurt. Police cite driver distraction. Metal and flesh met in Brooklyn’s morning light.

A sedan collided with an e-bike on McDonald Ave near Greenwood Ave in Brooklyn. The 60-year-old male cyclist was ejected and suffered severe facial lacerations. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The cyclist was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment, but the police report lists driver distraction as the primary factor. No injuries were reported for the sedan occupant. The crash underscores the danger faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811100 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

A principal drove down Lenox Road, lost control, hit parked cars, and flipped his vehicle. Police pulled him from the wreck. He refused a Breathalyzer. Charges followed. The street bore the scars. The system let him drive. The danger stayed.

According to NY Daily News (2025-05-06), Gregory Jackson, principal of Brownsville Collaborative Middle School, crashed on Lenox Road near Utica Ave. Police say he struck several parked cars and overturned his vehicle around 11:30 p.m. Jackson told police he had 'only one drink.' He refused a Breathalyzer test at the scene. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while impaired, and refusing the test. The Department of Education referred questions to the NYPD. The incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by impaired drivers and the vulnerability of anyone near city streets, even when parked. Systemic gaps allow such danger to persist.

• Principal Overturns Car In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-06

A sedan flipped on 4th Ave, smashing into parked cars. One driver hurt, back pain, shock. No clear cause named. Metal twisted. Streets left scarred.

A sedan overturned on 4th Ave at 19th St in Brooklyn, crashing into three parked sedans. According to the police report, a 33-year-old female driver suffered back pain and shock. Four other occupants were listed with unspecified injuries. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The overturned sedan struck parked vehicles, damaging their rear and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal issues were noted. The cause remains unspecified in the police data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811225 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck a 14-year-old e-scooter rider on 44th Street. The teen was ejected and injured. Driver inattention and improper lane use played a role. Impact was hard and direct.

A 14-year-old e-scooter rider was injured after a collision with a sedan on 44th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight when the crash occurred. The teen was ejected and suffered a head injury. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The sedan driver was licensed and uninjured. The e-scooter rider was not using safety equipment. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to pay attention and use lanes properly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit an e-bike on 52nd Street. The e-bike rider suffered a bruised leg. Police cite failure to yield and driver inattention. Streets remain dangerous for those outside cars.

A sedan making a left turn struck an e-bike traveling straight on 52nd Street in Brooklyn. The 25-year-old e-bike rider was injured, suffering a contusion to the leg. According to the police report, both 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The sedan's front end hit the e-bike's left side. No injuries were reported for the sedan driver or other occupants. The report lists driver errors as primary factors in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV turned left. Motorcycle struck head-on. Rider hurt. Passengers shaken. Brooklyn street, evening. Metal and bodies collided. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A station wagon/SUV making a left turn on Prospect Park SW collided with an eastbound motorcycle. According to the police report, the motorcycle struck the SUV's right front quarter panel. The 21-year-old male motorcyclist suffered abrasions to his entire body. Three SUV occupants, including a front passenger and a rear passenger, had unspecified injuries. No driver errors were listed in the report. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, as noted in the data. The crash highlights the danger faced by riders and passengers when vehicles cross paths on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04