Brooklyn’s Streets Are Killing Us—Who Will Stop the Bleeding?

Two sedans collided on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn late at night. A 37-year-old female driver suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries. Airbag deployed. No ejection. No visible complaints. Shock reported. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Eastern Parkway near Rochester Avenue in Brooklyn at 11:49 p.m. The 37-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining upper arm and shoulder injuries. She was not ejected from the vehicle, and the airbag deployed. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The female driver was in shock but had no visible complaints. One sedan was traveling north, the other south, both were parked before the crash. Damage occurred to the center front end and right side doors of the vehicles. No other persons were injured or involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618108 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A taxi struck a sedan from behind on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s front passenger, a 29-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved improper lane usage by the taxi driver. Both vehicles traveled northbound.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Flatbush Avenue rear-ended a sedan also heading north. The impact occurred at the center front end of the taxi and the center back end of the sedan. The sedan carried three occupants; the front middle passenger, a 29-year-old woman, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report lists the taxi driver’s contributing factor as "Passing or Lane Usage Improper," indicating driver error in lane control or passing maneuvers. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629650 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 56-year-old man driving an SUV on Schenectady Avenue suffered neck injuries after colliding with parked vehicles. The crash involved failure to yield and disregarding traffic control. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Schenectady Avenue. The driver, traveling south in a 2021 Ford SUV, collided with multiple parked SUVs. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver sustained neck injuries, including whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. He was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash caused damage to the front center of the moving SUV and the rear and side of the parked vehicles. No other occupants or pedestrians were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617098 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 26-year-old male bicyclist suffered facial abrasions after an SUV struck him on Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash occurred at 8:44 p.m. The driver showed inattention and disregarded traffic control. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on Franklin Avenue collided with a southbound e-bike. The 26-year-old male bicyclist sustained facial abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including inattention and disregarding traffic control. The bicyclist’s contributing factor was pedestrian/bicyclist confusion, but no helmet or signaling issues were noted. The SUV’s right front bumper struck the center back end of the e-bike. The SUV driver was licensed in New York and had two occupants. The bicyclist was not ejected and suffered moderate injury. The crash highlights driver distraction and failure to obey traffic signals as key causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616538 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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

A motorcycle rider suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation after an SUV made an improper U-turn on Empire Boulevard in Brooklyn. The rider was conscious and not ejected. The crash caused significant injury to the motorcyclist’s lower arm and hand.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west on Empire Boulevard collided with an SUV making an improper U-turn. The motorcycle driver, a 43-year-old man, was injured with a fractured elbow and dislocation to his lower arm and hand. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor. The motorcyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The SUV had no occupants at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors or safety equipment details were specified. The crash highlights the danger posed by improper turning maneuvers in Brooklyn intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614640 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A motorcycle traveling south struck the right rear quarter panel of a westbound sedan on Utica Avenue. The motorcycle driver, a 61-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered neck injuries. He was in shock and complained of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a motorcycle and a sedan collided on Utica Avenue. The motorcycle driver, a 61-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained neck injuries with complaint of pain or nausea. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead when the motorcycle struck the sedan's right rear quarter panel. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The motorcycle driver was not wearing any safety equipment. No other injuries or victims were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614639 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A sedan made a left turn and struck a westbound e-scooter in Brooklyn. The e-scooter driver, 54, was partially ejected and injured in the knee and lower leg. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn collided with an e-scooter traveling straight ahead on East New York Avenue in Brooklyn. The e-scooter driver, a 54-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel and the e-scooter's center front end were damaged. The e-scooter driver was conscious and wearing a helmet. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613319 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A sedan struck an SUV at Nostrand and Crown. Metal twisted. A 56-year-old man, trapped behind the wheel, died with crushed legs. Traffic control was ignored. The street did not stop. The crash left silence and broken glass in Brooklyn.

A deadly crash unfolded at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Crown Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a sedan slammed into a sport utility vehicle. The impact trapped a 56-year-old male driver behind the wheel. He suffered severe leg injuries and died at the scene. The report states, 'Traffic control was ignored. The street did not stop.' The official contributing factor listed is 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' No evidence in the report suggests any error or fault by the victim. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when drivers ignore traffic controls at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612732 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

SUV slammed into sedan’s rear at Sullivan Place. Both drivers hurt. Failure to yield and blocked view fueled the crash. Metal twisted. Neck injuries followed. Brooklyn streets stay dangerous.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling north collided with the left rear quarter panel of a Lexus sedan heading west at 131 Sullivan Place in Brooklyn. Both drivers, a 40-year-old man in the SUV and a 49-year-old woman in the sedan, suffered neck injuries described as whiplash. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The SUV driver’s failure to yield and limited visibility were key errors leading to the crash. Both vehicles sustained damage: the SUV’s front end and the sedan’s left rear quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612409 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 19-year-old woman was struck by a taxi making a left turn on Montgomery Street. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and shock. The impact damaged the taxi's left front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling southwest on Montgomery Street made a left turn and struck a 19-year-old female pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The taxi's left front quarter panel was damaged on impact. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating a 2021 Toyota taxi. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and failure to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613430 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A sedan and a tractor truck collided on Albany Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s front passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved improper lane usage by the sedan driver. Both vehicles were traveling south when the impact occurred.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Albany Avenue in Brooklyn involving a sedan and a tractor truck, both traveling south. The sedan’s front passenger, a 29-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver’s lane use error led to the crash. The tractor truck struck the sedan’s right front bumper with its center back end. No ejections occurred. The driver of the sedan was licensed and female; the truck driver was licensed and male. The crash caused damage to the sedan’s right front bumper and the truck’s center back end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611695 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 5-year-old girl was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The child suffered a head contusion while crossing outside an intersection. The driver was distracted, hitting the pedestrian with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The girl remained conscious.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan traveling east on Maple Street in Brooklyn struck a 5-year-old female pedestrian crossing outside an intersection. The child sustained a head injury described as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at a crosswalk and had no listed safety equipment. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612188 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 20-year-old bicyclist struck the left side of a parked SUV on Lincoln Road in Brooklyn. The rider suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the collision.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male bicyclist traveling west collided with the left side doors of a parked 2010 Infiniti SUV on Lincoln Road, Brooklyn. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and sustained a head injury classified as a contusion, but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV was stationary before impact. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The bicyclist was the sole occupant of the bike, and the SUV had one licensed driver inside. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612699 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Prospect Park’s East Drive gets a full overhaul. Fresh pavement replaces potholes. Cyclists and pedestrians gain wider, dedicated lanes. Cars lose ground. Officials call it a pilot for city parks. If it works, Central Park could be next.

On March 8, 2023, city officials announced a major redesign of Prospect Park’s East Drive. The project, not tied to a specific council bill, begins March 12 and is billed as an 18-month pilot. The main loop’s eastern stretch will be repaved and repainted, giving cyclists a 16-to-18-foot shared lane with authorized vehicles, flanked by two pedestrian lanes up to 14 feet wide. The city rejected a two-bike-lane alternative, citing pedestrian access needs. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie praised the upgrade, calling Prospect Park a treasure. Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu said, 'Re-examining how we design the roads in our park system is a perfect example of how we’re advancing the Mayor’s vision for quality public spaces throughout the city.' Officials stress the park is closed to private vehicles. The redesign aims to set a new standard for park safety and access across New York.

• New Prospect Park Road Redesign Paves the Way for Central Park, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-08

Two buses crashed on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. The right front quarter panel of one bus hit the center back end of the other. The 28-year-old male driver of the first bus suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries. Aggressive driving was a factor.

According to the police report, two buses collided on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact occurred at the right front quarter panel of one bus striking the center back end of the other. The 28-year-old male driver of the first bus was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to his abdomen and pelvis. He remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors to the crash. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before the collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610887 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

NYC streets kill. Cars rule the city. Most people do not own one. Still, roads belong to drivers. Air chokes. Noise blares. Vision Zero fails. Other cities save lives. NYC rebuilds highways. The author demands bold change. Streets must serve people, not cars.

This opinion piece, published March 1, 2023, in Streetsblog NYC, argues that New York City streets themselves are a public nuisance. The article states, 'Most New York City households don’t own a car, yet most street space is given to motor vehicles, interfering with city life.' The author criticizes the Department of Transportation and city leaders for maintaining car dominance, rebuilding highways like the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and failing to meet Vision Zero goals. The piece cites Attorney General Letitia James’s stance on truck depots and calls for NYC to follow cities like Helsinki and Oslo, which have eliminated pedestrian deaths. The author urges the city to use federal funds to remove highways and reclaim streets for people, not cars. No council members are directly involved, as this is an editorial.

• Opinion: New York City Streets Should Themselves Be Illegal!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-01

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 2023-02-28

Assembly Bill 4637 would use cameras to keep cars out of bike lanes. The bill targets drivers who block protected lanes. Sponsors say it will protect cyclists from deadly crashes.

Assembly Bill A 4637, now in the sponsorship stage, aims to create a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced on February 21, 2023, enforces restrictions on protected bike lanes using photo devices. The matter title reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill targets drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking protected lanes. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 4637, Open States, Published 2023-02-21