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

Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.

NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.

• BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 15 - A 35-year-old woman was struck at a Brooklyn intersection while crossing with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered upper leg injuries and bruising but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Montgomery Street in Brooklyn struck a 35-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection while she was crossing with the signal. The driver was making a right turn at the time of impact and hit the pedestrian with the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors on the driver's part. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, including contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the collision. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The report explicitly cites driver errors, emphasizing systemic danger from failure to yield and distraction, without attributing fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793184 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 12 - A sedan slammed into stopped traffic on Eastern Parkway. Two men inside suffered whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. The crash left both injured, conscious, and shaken.

According to the police report, a crash unfolded on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn at 6 p.m. Two sedans and an SUV were involved. A sedan, stopped in traffic, was struck from behind by another vehicle. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. A 29-year-old male driver and a 28-year-old male passenger in the struck sedan suffered neck and head injuries, described as whiplash. Both were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The impact points—center front and back—show a chain-reaction collision. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792536 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 7 - SUV driver ran the light on Eastern Parkway. The crash hurled a young motorcyclist onto the street. His leg shattered. He lay unconscious. The SUV’s front end crumpled. The bike was wrecked. Streets stayed loud. Sirens cut the air.

According to the police report, a 2020 Ford SUV struck a 2024 Jiajue motorcycle at Eastern Parkway and Washington Avenue in Brooklyn at 11:55 AM. The SUV driver, unlicensed and holding a North Carolina license, disregarded traffic control. The SUV hit the motorcycle’s right side, ejecting the 21-year-old rider. The motorcyclist suffered severe injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations, and was found unconscious. The motorcycle was demolished. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and the SUV driver’s unlicensed status as key factors in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791062 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 31 - A 20-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and passed too closely, causing abrasions and injury to the pedestrian’s lower arm and hand.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on President Street in Brooklyn struck a 20-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and passing too closely as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but enough to cause injury. The pedestrian was conscious and did not contribute to the crash. This collision highlights driver errors in yielding and spatial awareness as the primary causes of harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790037 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 21 - Assembly bill A 2642 orders new safety tech in every car. The DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for change. Streets could see fewer crashes. The fight for safer roads moves to Albany.

Assembly Bill A 2642, now in sponsorship, would require advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill, introduced January 21, 2025, directs the DMV commissioner to set rules and regulations. The matter reads: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Brian Cunningham leads as primary sponsor, joined by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt life-saving tech. No safety analyst has yet assessed its direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 2642, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 19 - A moped driver, unlicensed, was ejected and injured on Rutland Road. The crash followed an animal’s sudden action. The rider suffered leg abrasions. The moped’s right front bumper was damaged.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male moped driver was ejected and injured at 354 Rutland Road in Brooklyn at 6:06 AM. The report lists 'Animals Action' as the contributing factor, indicating an animal caused the crash. The driver was unlicensed. He sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The moped’s right front bumper was damaged. No victim actions are cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the risks posed by animal encounters and unlicensed operation on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787534 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 16 - A sedan turned left and struck an escooter traveling straight. The escooter rider suffered facial abrasions. Police blamed driver distraction and failure to yield. The sedan’s front quarter panel was smashed.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn on New York Avenue in Brooklyn collided with an escooter traveling straight south at 1:45 PM. The escooter rider, a 25-year-old man, suffered facial abrasions but remained conscious at the scene. Police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors caused by the sedan driver. The sedan’s right front quarter panel was damaged. The escooter showed no vehicle damage. No contributing factors were attributed to the escooter rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787544 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 15 - A bus and an SUV collided on Winthrop Street in Brooklyn. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor. Both vehicles were traveling east when the crash occurred at 4 p.m.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:00 on Winthrop Street in Brooklyn. A bus traveling east with one occupant struck the right rear quarter panel of an SUV also traveling east but making a right turn. The SUV driver, a 38-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash, and was reported to be in shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. The bus impacted the SUV with its left front bumper. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in multi-vehicle collisions on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 15 - Two sedans collided on Bedford Ave in Brooklyn. The rear vehicle struck the front car’s left rear bumper. The front driver suffered a head injury and whiplash, remaining conscious. Police cite following too closely as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:17 on Bedford Ave in Brooklyn. Two sedans traveling westbound collided when the rear vehicle impacted the center back end of the front sedan, damaging its left rear bumper. The front vehicle’s driver, a 30-year-old male, sustained a head injury and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the collision. Both drivers were male; the rear driver held a permit license, while the front driver was licensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and driver error in maintaining safe following distances.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786019 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 14 - A 3-year-old girl crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making an improper right turn on New York Ave in Brooklyn. The child suffered bruises and lower leg injuries. The driver’s unsafe speed and turning error caused the crash.

According to the police report, at 5:55 PM on New York Ave near Sterling St in Brooklyn, a 3-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2019 Nissan SUV made an improper right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when the vehicle struck her at the center front end. The child sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver’s errors as 'Turning Improperly' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage. The incident highlights the dangers posed by driver mistakes in turning maneuvers, especially involving vulnerable pedestrians, without any fault attributed to the child.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786129 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 10 - A 19-year-old driver suffered full-body injuries after a collision on Washington Ave. The crash involved a pick-up truck making a left turn and a sedan traveling straight. Driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way caused the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Washington Ave near Eastern Pkwy in Brooklyn at 3:00 PM. A pick-up truck was making a left turn when it collided with a sedan traveling southbound. The 19-year-old sedan driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained contusions and injuries to the entire body but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, both attributed to the sedan driver. The pick-up truck driver was licensed and traveling northbound. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the right front bumper of the truck and the left front bumper of the sedan. This crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and failure to yield in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785254 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 1 - A white Audi struck Michael Foster on Caton Avenue. The car dragged him for blocks. The driver never stopped. Foster died in the street. The Audi vanished into the night. No arrests. The city’s danger stays.

NY Daily News reported on January 1, 2025, that Michael Foster, 64, was killed after a white Audi hit him on Caton Ave. near Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The driver, described as speeding, dragged Foster for half a mile before leaving him near Linden Blvd. and Nostrand Ave. The article quotes a witness: "I saw him at the stop light. He would go out to the cars and beg for change." The driver fled the scene and has not been caught. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians in city streets and the ongoing issue of hit-and-run drivers evading responsibility.

• Audi Driver Drags Man Half Mile, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-01