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

Mar 23 - An SUV making a right turn struck a pedestrian crossing Empire Blvd with the signal. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash exposed driver failure to yield and inattention as critical factors in this Brooklyn collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Empire Blvd near Bedford Ave in Brooklyn at 8:23 p.m. An SUV traveling southwest was making a right turn when it struck a female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash, classified as injury severity 3. The report cites the SUV driver’s 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and was located at the intersection. Vehicle damage was noted on the SUV’s right front quarter panel, indicating impact at the right front bumper. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were listed beyond the driver errors. This collision highlights systemic danger from driver failure to yield and distraction in Brooklyn intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801048 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 23 - Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker sped through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection has seen this before. The system pushes speed. The danger remains.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after an e-bike delivery worker "sped through a stop sign" and struck him as he exited his double-parked car in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene. No arrests were made. The article notes this intersection is known for frequent stop sign violations: "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The piece highlights systemic issues, including delivery app pressures and gaps in e-bike regulation. City data shows e-bikes account for less than 2% of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues. Lawmakers have called for tighter rules, as delivery workers face incentives to rush.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Pedestrian, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

Mar 22 - A motorcycle traveling east struck a southbound bicyclist on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered facial injuries, shock, and pain. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed and speeding, causing severe impact and damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:00 PM on Eastern Parkway near Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. A motorcycle traveling eastbound collided with a bicyclist going straight southbound. The motorcycle driver, operating without a license, was cited for unsafe speed. The impact struck the left side doors of the bicycle and the center front end of the motorcycle. The bicyclist, a 39-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained facial injuries, shock, and complaints of pain or nausea. The report highlights the motorcycle driver's failure to maintain safe speed as the primary contributing factor. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash underscores the dangers posed by unlicensed, speeding drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800718 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - A 60-year-old woman crossing Lefferts Ave with the signal was struck by a southbound sedan making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered bruises and arm injuries. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, causing the collision at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Lefferts Avenue at an intersection with the walk signal. The collision occurred at 12:30 PM when a 2023 sedan, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but was not blamed for the crash. The incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to yield and distraction in intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800214 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 19 - A 12-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on Empire Boulevard. The crash involved improper lane usage and limited driver visibility. The boy was conscious and wearing a helmet at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Empire Boulevard in Brooklyn involving a 2017 BMW SUV and a 12-year-old male bicyclist. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound when the crash happened at 17:15. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was wearing a helmet. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors related to lane management and visibility. The bicyclist's inexperience is also noted as a contributing factor. The SUV driver, a licensed female, and the bicyclist both impacted each other at their vehicles' center front ends. The police report focuses on the driver's failure to maintain proper lane usage and limited view as key causes of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800081 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 19 - A dump truck changing lanes struck a sedan on Empire Blvd in Brooklyn. The impact hit the sedan’s left rear quarter panel. A 33-year-old female passenger suffered elbow and lower arm contusions. The truck driver’s unsafe lane change caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Empire Blvd near Utica Ave in Brooklyn at 15:04. A dump truck traveling east was changing lanes when it collided with the left rear quarter panel of a sedan also traveling east. The dump truck’s driver committed an unsafe lane change, cited as the contributing factor. The sedan carried a single occupant, while the dump truck had one driver. A 33-year-old female passenger in the sedan, restrained by a lap belt and harness, sustained contusions and bruises to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies the driver error—unsafe lane changing—as the cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800082 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 14 - A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV made a right turn on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash involved limited visibility, with impact at the SUV’s right front bumper and the bike’s center front end. The rider remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:00 PM on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. A 37-year-old male bicyclist traveling west was struck by a 2021 SUV making a right turn eastbound. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s failure to adequately observe the bicyclist before turning. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle during the maneuver. No contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799610 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 10 - A 55-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries when a sedan backing north on Franklin Avenue struck her. The driver’s unsafe backing and inattention caused the crash. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal outside an intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn backed unsafely, striking a 55-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal and was located outside an intersection at the time of impact. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact occurred during the backing maneuver. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while reversing directly contributed to the collision and the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797831 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 10 - Van turned left on Eastern Parkway. E-scooter struck. Fourteen-year-old boy thrown, leg fractured. Police cite driver inattention. Streets do not forgive mistakes.

A van making a left turn on Eastern Parkway collided with a southbound e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 14-year-old boy, was partially ejected and suffered a fractured leg. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The van driver, age 50, was not reported injured. The crash highlights the danger when drivers lose focus, especially around vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808018 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - A motorcycle slammed into the rear of a turning Mack truck on Washington Avenue. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was half-flung from the bike, his leg shattered. Both vehicles moved south. The crash left the motorcyclist with crushing injuries.

According to the police report, a motorcycle collided with the rear of a Mack tractor truck making a right turn on Washington Avenue near Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The crash occurred as both vehicles traveled south. The report states the motorcycle 'slammed into the rear' of the turning truck, resulting in the 34-year-old rider being 'crushed,' his leg shattered, and partially ejected from the bike. The rider was helmeted and conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The report does not list any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact left the motorcyclist with severe lower leg injuries, underscoring the dangers posed by close following and inattention on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797441 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - A driver out on bail smashed into a Toyota in Bushwick. The crash killed Hayden Wallace and injured three others. The driver fled, leaving chaos behind. Police tracked him for over a year. Charges stack up, but the loss remains.

NY Daily News (March 8, 2025) reports that Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested after a deadly hit-and-run in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Seabrook had been out on bail for a previous crash involving police. On January 8, 2024, he crashed into a Toyota, killing Hayden Wallace and injuring three others. Seabrook fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The article notes, "All accidents are useless but this one was even more useless because [Seabrook] had so many other offenses." Seabrook faces 23 charges, including manslaughter, leaving the scene, unlicensed driving, and speeding. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and questions about bail and enforcement. Police needed over a year to arrest Seabrook, who had a history of fleeing crashes and driving without a license.

• Repeat Offender Kills Passenger In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-08

Mar 3 - A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. It struck a man crouched in the road. The driver fled. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. Police are still investigating. Brooklyn’s streets claim more lives. The toll grows.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was 'crouched in the street to pick up food' when the northbound truck turned right and hit him, according to NYPD officials. The driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene. No arrests have been made. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The article notes this crash followed two other recent fatal collisions in Brooklyn. The incident underscores persistent dangers for pedestrians and ongoing issues with drivers leaving crash scenes. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian In Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

Mar 2 - A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

Mar 1 - A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-01

Feb 28 - A drunk driver blasted through a red light at 72 mph. He struck Katherine Harris, killing her steps from home. The car crashed on. Blood alcohol twice the limit. The street became a crime scene. Lives shattered in seconds.

NY Daily News reported on February 28, 2025, that Erick Trujillo, 29, was sentenced to three to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. On April 16, 2023, Trujillo drove his Volvo at 72 mph—nearly triple the speed limit—through a red light at Atlantic Ave and Clinton Street in Brooklyn. He struck pedestrian Katherine Harris, 31, killing her instantly, then rear-ended another car and crashed into an outdoor dining shed. Trujillo's blood alcohol level was .17, more than twice the legal limit. The article quotes Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez: "This defendant made a disastrous decision when he got behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated." The case highlights the lethal consequences of impaired driving and excessive speed, underscoring systemic risks for pedestrians in New York City.

• Drunk Driver Speeds, Kills Pedestrian in Brooklyn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-28

Feb 27 - Delivery workers rallied against Hochul’s e-bike crackdown. Council weighs bills to license e-bikes, raise pay, and study conditions. DOT opposes registration. Advocates warn of criminalization. City Hall silent. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot and bike.

On February 27, 2025, the City Council considered three bills: Intro 606 (register and license all e-bikes), Intro 1133 (expand minimum wage, study delivery worker conditions), and Intro 1135 (set minimum pay for grocery delivery). Intro 606 faces opposition from DOT, which says, 'there is no evidence that registration improves safety.' The matter’s summary warns that Hochul’s plan would let NYPD enforce bike lane speed limits and reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds, requiring licenses and registration. Council members are split: Brad Lander supports regulation targeting app companies, not workers; Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani call for better street design; Michael Blake urges targeted safety solutions and more infrastructure. Advocates like Ligia Guallpa say these measures would criminalize delivery workers and create a 'ticketing-to-deportation pipeline.' The Council press office did not comment. The debate exposes a city divided on how to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Leadership Vacuum: Delivery Workers Oppose Hochul’s E-Bike Plan as Adams Goes AWOL, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 25 - SUV making left turn struck woman crossing with signal. Driver failed to yield. Victim suffered back contusions. Impact was right front bumper. Brooklyn street, late afternoon.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV traveling west on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 28-year-old woman as she crossed the intersection with the signal. The crash happened at 16:52. The pedestrian suffered back contusions and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper. No damage to the vehicle was reported. The pedestrian’s lawful crossing is noted, but the collision resulted from the driver’s errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795098 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 21 - A 45-year-old man suffered back contusions after a sedan failed to yield while making a left turn on Empire Blvd in Brooklyn. The driver’s inattention and failure to yield caused the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Empire Blvd in Brooklyn struck a 45-year-old male pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, making a left turn, impacted him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and was conscious at the scene. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors—specifically failure to yield and inattention—as the cause of injury to a lawful pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 19 - A 59-year-old man walking outside an intersection suffered a severe arm fracture when a Ford SUV traveling west struck him on Franklin Ave. The driver’s failure to maintain safe distance caused the injury, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on Franklin Ave near Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn at 5:00 AM. The 59-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a Ford SUV traveling westbound. The point of impact was the vehicle's right rear quarter panel. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection and engaged in other actions in the roadway. The report cites the driver’s error as "Passing Too Closely," directly contributing to the collision. The pedestrian sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with an injury severity rated at 3. There is no indication of pedestrian fault or contributing factors from the victim. The driver was going straight ahead and had no occupants in the vehicle at the time.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793884 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 19 - Trump killed congestion pricing. The MTA sued. Advocates warn: more cars, more crashes, dirtier air. Transit funding gutted. Disabled riders lose elevators. Streets grow deadlier. Politicians vow to fight. The city braces for gridlock and loss.

""Congestion pricing is working – and is critical for the investments we need to make in our public transit system. We need leadership that's not afraid to stand up for us, or stand up against Donald Trump."" -- Zellnor Myrie

On February 19, 2025, the Trump administration withdrew federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program. U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy cited burdens on working-class drivers and questioned the legality of using toll revenue for transit. The MTA immediately filed a lawsuit to challenge the move, arguing the program is settled law and already reduces congestion. State Senators Andrew Gounardes and Zellnor Myrie condemned the action, warning, 'Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system.' The withdrawal aligns with New Jersey's opposition and threatens transit upgrades like elevators for elderly and disabled riders. Local officials and advocates say ending congestion pricing will harm vulnerable road users and worsen street danger.

• Trump Withdraws Federal Approval for Congestion Pricing, Blowing Hole in Transit Budget, as MTA Files Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-19