Eastern Parkway’s toll: six lives, hundreds hurt, and no slow-down

Mar 26 - Two SUVs collided on Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact struck the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right rear bumper of the other. A passenger suffered a back contusion, injured but conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:56 on Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn involving two SUVs traveling north. One driver was making a right turn while the other proceeded straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the Audi SUV and the right rear bumper of the Hyundai SUV. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, highlighting driver errors. A 36-year-old female occupant in one vehicle was injured, sustaining a back contusion. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time of the collision. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712725 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Mar 16 - Two sedans collided head-on and side-on at Rogers Avenue and Maple Street in Brooklyn. A six-year-old passenger suffered a head abrasion. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. The child was restrained and conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, at 10:06 AM on Rogers Avenue near Maple Street in Brooklyn, two sedans traveling north and east collided. The first vehicle impacted with its center front end, while the second vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. The collision injured a six-year-old male occupant seated in the left rear passenger seat of one sedan. The child suffered a head abrasion but was conscious and restrained with a child restraint. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor for both vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712366 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 15 - A Brooklyn subway shooting jolted lawmakers. Jo Anne Simon called the National Guard’s presence unwarranted, stoking fear instead of safety. Calls for more policing, mental health funding, and gun control echoed. Riders remain wary. No clear path to safer commutes.

On March 15, 2024, following a deadly subway shooting, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (District 52) and other lawmakers responded with urgency. The incident came days after Governor Hochul’s National Guard deployment in the transit system. Simon stated, 'The Governor's recent deployment of the National Guard was unwarranted and caused fear rather than a sense of safety.' Other officials, including Brian Cunningham and Lester Chang, debated the effectiveness of increased policing and called for more investment in mental health and gun safety. The matter, titled 'NYC subway shooting a ‘wake up call’,' underscores deep divides on how to protect riders. Simon’s stance highlights the risk of heavy-handed security measures fueling anxiety, not safety, for vulnerable New Yorkers.

• NYC subway shooting a ‘wake up call’ — coming on heels of NY Gov. Kathy Hochul’s National Guard safety plan: lawmakers, nypost.com, Published 2024-03-15

Mar 12 - A 28-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV struck him at an intersection on Lincoln Road. The driver, making a right turn, failed to pay attention, causing the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing an intersection on Lincoln Road with the signal. The collision occurred at 4:00 PM when a 2015 Nissan SUV, traveling west and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian on the right side doors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, highlighting the driver's failure to notice the pedestrian despite the pedestrian crossing legally. The driver was licensed in New York and the vehicle had two occupants. The impact caused damage to the right side doors of the SUV. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709397 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - An e-scooter driver was ejected and injured in a collision with an SUV on Bedford Avenue. The crash involved aggressive driving, according to the police report. The rider suffered bruises and lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn at 4:20 AM involving an e-scooter and a station wagon/SUV, both traveling north. The e-scooter driver, a 24-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises. The report cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error. The e-scooter driver was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The SUV showed no damage, while the e-scooter sustained damage to its center back end. The police report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing on the aggressive driving of the involved parties.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 5 - Unlicensed electric motorcyclist hit a 29-year-old woman crossing East New York Avenue. She suffered bruises and leg injuries. Driver failed to yield. Brooklyn street turned violent in seconds.

According to the police report, an unlicensed male driving an electric motorcycle struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian at East New York Avenue and Schenectady Avenue in Brooklyn at 22:41. The pedestrian was crossing at the intersection when the driver, heading south, failed to yield right-of-way. The woman suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the driver's contributing factor. The driver was unlicensed at the time. The crash left the vehicle's center front end damaged. The police report details the sequence but centers the driver's failure to yield as the key factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707894 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - A 59-year-old man suffered full-body injuries after a sedan struck him on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was making a U-turn and failed to pay attention, causing the collision. The pedestrian was off the roadway when hit.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Utica Avenue near Rutland Road in Brooklyn at 16:23. A 59-year-old male pedestrian was injured with full-body trauma after being struck by a sedan whose driver was making a U-turn. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was located off the roadway at the time of impact, indicating no fault on his part. The sedan sustained damage to its center front end, confirming the point of impact. Another sedan traveling northbound was involved but only suffered damage to its right rear quarter panel. The driver held a valid New York license. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707499 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 1 - A 42-year-old man suffered a severe head injury while crossing Eastern Parkway with the signal. The driver disregarded traffic control and drove at unsafe speed, striking the pedestrian and leaving him unconscious with fractures and dislocations.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Eastern Parkway at 2:35 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals and was traveling too fast. The pedestrian sustained a severe head injury, described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation, and was found unconscious at the scene. The vehicle was traveling west, going straight ahead, with one occupant. The report does not identify the vehicle type or driver details. The crash highlights driver errors in traffic control compliance and speed management as the primary causes of the pedestrian's serious injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. Cars stop. Kids cross in all directions. Fewer deadly conflicts. Bill aims to shield students at arrival and dismissal. Action now sits in committee.

Resolution 0060-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The measure, introduced February 28, 2024, calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The resolution states: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks halt all vehicles, letting pedestrians cross in every direction. This design cuts car-pedestrian conflicts, especially for children. The council's action follows years of crashes near schools and a drop in crossing guards. The bill aims to protect the city's most vulnerable road users—its students.

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. All cars stop. Kids cross in every direction. Fewer deadly turns. Streets safer at bell time. No more waiting for tragedy.

Resolution Res 0060-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The bill calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The matter title reads: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks stop all traffic, letting students cross in any direction. The Council notes: 'Such legislation could increase the safety of New York City students traveling to and from school.'

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. All cars stop. Kids cross in every direction. Fewer deadly turns. Streets safer at bell time. No more waiting for tragedy.

Resolution Res 0060-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The bill calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The matter title reads: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks stop all traffic, letting students cross in any direction. The Council notes: 'Such legislation could increase the safety of New York City students traveling to and from school.'

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to outlaw fake plates. Fraud hides reckless drivers. Bill targets sellers, sets fines. Streets need truth. Law aims to strip shields from danger.

Bill Int 0178-2024 sits with the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the sale or distribution of fraudulent license plates," makes it illegal to sell or distribute fake or temporary plates, with civil penalties for violators. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Brewer, Brannan, and Avilés. The bill was referred to committee the same day. Fraudulent plates let reckless drivers vanish. This measure aims to close that escape, exposing those who endanger lives.

• File Int 0178-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants 500 solar-lit crosswalks in five years. Bright signals cut through the dark. The bill demands action and a study. Safety for walkers, not drivers. No more hiding in the shadows.

Int 0301-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to install at least 100 illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks each year for five years. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law...in relation to the installation of solar-powered crosswalks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Menin, Brooks-Powers, Rivera, and others. The bill also requires a study comparing these devices to standard signs. The city must report findings within two years. The goal: more visible crossings, fewer deadly impacts.

• File Int 0301-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to create a parking permit enforcement unit. The bill targets city-issued permit misuse. Streets clogged by illegal parking put walkers and riders at risk. Action now sits with the transportation committee.

Int 0173-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the establishment of a parking permit enforcement unit within the department of transportation," would require DOT to form a unit dedicated to enforcing laws against misuse of city-issued parking permits. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Erik D. Bottcher, Julie Won, Rita C. Joseph, Crystal Hudson, and Farah N. Louis. The bill aims to curb illegal parking that endangers pedestrians and cyclists. It awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 0173-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians win the right to cross anywhere, signals or not. The law strips police of power to ticket walkers. Streets shift. The city must now teach all road users the new rules.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, amends city code to let pedestrians cross streets at any point, even against signals. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed it on October 26, 2024. The bill states: 'crossing against a traffic signal or outside a crosswalk will not be a violation.' Council Member Tiffany Cabán led, joined by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, Restler, Mealy, Louis, and Bottcher. The law bans summonses for jaywalking and orders the Department of Transportation to educate the public on new rights and responsibilities. The mayor returned it unsigned. This law removes a tool long used to target vulnerable New Yorkers.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council eyes bigger NYPD tow pounds. Bill demands enough space to haul away law-breaking cars. Public reports would track towing. Committee shelves action. Streets wait.

Int 0179-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Public Safety, would require the NYPD to run tow pounds with enough capacity to deter illegal driving. The bill, introduced February 28, 2024, and discussed again on April 28, 2025, reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to police department tow pound capacity.' Council Member Kamillah Hanks led as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Farías, Narcisse, Restler, Hudson, Louis, and Holden. The bill also calls for public reports on towing operations. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0179-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill orders bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions, and ramps. DOT must study bollard impact in crowded zones. Aim: shield walkers, especially those with disabilities, from car incursion.

Int 0144-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced February 28, 2024. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation to install bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps to improve access for people with disabilities. It also requires a study on bollard effectiveness in high pedestrian traffic areas and the creation of installation guidelines within six months. The matter title reads: 'installation of bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions and pedestrian ramps.' Council Members Shekar Krishnan (primary), Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Shahana K. Hanif, and Crystal Hudson sponsor the bill. The committee last acted on June 25, 2024, laying it over for further review.

• File Int 0144-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28