Brooklyn’s Streets Bleed—How Many More Must Die Before City Hall Acts?

Dec 2 - A 47-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan driver failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at a Brooklyn intersection when the impact occurred, leaving her bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 67 St in Brooklyn struck a 47-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with Fort Hamilton Parkway around 6:15 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, making a left turn, hit her with its left front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, emphasizing the driver's error in not yielding to the pedestrian. The victim sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior, focusing solely on the driver's failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 27 - A 23-year-old man suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation after an SUV struck him at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver disregarded traffic control and was inattentive, hitting the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Gatling Place and 92nd Street in Brooklyn around 5:27 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 Jeep SUV traveling north struck him with the center front end. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated lower arm and hand but remained conscious. The report cites the driver’s failure to obey traffic control devices and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The crash highlights driver errors—traffic control disregard and distraction—as the cause of serious injury to a lawful pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774911 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 27 - A driver struck three cars in Bed-Stuy. She dragged a person, hit a vehicle with a pregnant woman, then crashed into an empty car. No life-threatening injuries. Police arrested her at the scene. Charges include assault and reckless endangerment.

Gothamist reported on November 27, 2024, that a New York City Housing Authority employee was arrested after a chaotic crash in Brooklyn. According to police, the driver, Tanisha Simpson, "swiped an oncoming car," then "drove away, dragging the person several feet and hitting another car with a pregnant woman inside." She struck a third, empty car before New York City Sheriffs arrested her nearby. The pregnant woman was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but no serious injuries were reported. Simpson faces charges of reckless endangerment, assault, and leaving the scene. The incident highlights the dangers of hit-and-run behavior and the risks faced by vulnerable road users at busy intersections.

• Three-Car Brooklyn Crash Sparks Arrest, Gothamist, Published 2024-11-27

Nov 26 - A sedan stopped in traffic was struck from behind by a distracted driver. The impact caused injuries to the driver of the rear vehicle, who suffered whole-body trauma and shock. The crash unfolded in the afternoon on 79th Street.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:15 on 79th Street when a sedan stopped in traffic was rear-ended by another vehicle traveling eastbound. The driver of the striking vehicle, a 41-year-old woman, was injured with bodily trauma affecting her entire body and experienced shock. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The striking vehicle sustained damage to its center front end, while the rear-ended sedan was damaged at its center back end. The injured driver was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing factors related to the victim. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction leading to rear-end collisions in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774419 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 26 - A Honda sedan veered off 68th Street, smashing into two parked cars. Steel tore. Noon sun glared. A 70-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man, both belted, suffered neck wounds and amputations. Distraction at the wheel. Then, silence.

According to the police report, a Honda sedan traveling south on 68th Street near Ridge Boulevard veered into two parked vehicles—a Kia and a Chevrolet. The crash occurred at 12:37 p.m. The report states that 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was the primary contributing factor. The impact left the 36-year-old male driver and a 70-year-old female passenger, both wearing lap belts, with severe neck injuries and amputations. The narrative describes the scene: 'Steel split. A 70-year-old woman and 36-year-old man, both belted, suffered neck wounds and amputations. Noon sun burned down. Distraction behind the wheel. Then, silence.' No contributing factors are attributed to the victims. The data centers driver distraction as the cause, with no indication of any error or action by the injured occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775022 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 25 - Bay Ridge’s parks and promenade get $30 million for repairs and upgrades. Community Board 10 approves. New lighting, wider paths, and more green space promised. Council Member Justin Brannan funds and supports. Cyclists and pedestrians get safer, smoother routes. No timeline yet.

On November 25, 2024, City Council Member Justin Brannan and Community Board 10 announced approval and funding for major upgrades to the Bay Ridge Promenade and Leif Ericson Park. The Parks Committee and full board both voted unanimously for the $30 million overhaul, which includes $20.97 million for the Shore Road Promenade and $9.25 million for Leif Ericson Park. The project, described as 'Destination: Greenways!', will expand green space, separate bike and pedestrian lanes, add lighting, and install new amenities. Brannan, a key funder and supporter, said, 'Our local parks are the lungs of our city.' The overhaul aims to improve recreational cycling, repair pothole-ridden paths, and increase accessibility. Board members raised concerns about safety and sanitation, which the Parks Department pledged to address in final designs. No construction timeline has been set.

• Bay Ridge community board greenlights $30M facelift for Shore Road Promenade, Leif Ericson Park, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-11-25

Nov 20 - Two sedans slammed together on Cropsey Avenue. Driver inattention and a bad turn sparked the crash. A woman and her passenger burned and battered, airbags out. Metal twisted. No one thrown. Brooklyn night, broken by impact.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 19:17 on Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn. One car made a left turn southbound while the other drove straight north. Driver inattention and improper turning caused the crash. A 53-year-old woman driving and her 23-year-old male passenger suffered knee, leg, and foot injuries, along with moderate burns. Both were conscious, not ejected, and protected by airbags and lap belts. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. No victim actions are cited. The crash left both vehicles with heavy front-end damage, marking another night of danger for New York’s streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772886 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 19 - A 23-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV made a left turn and struck him at an intersection. The driver’s inexperience and distraction caused the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 91 Street near 4 Avenue in Brooklyn at 8:13 PM. A 2018 Nissan SUV was making a left turn when it struck a 23-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper, which sustained damage. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but was not ejected from the roadway. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors at intersections, particularly involving inexperienced drivers making turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 18 - A taxi struck a sedan executing a U-turn on 3 Ave in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side doors took the impact. A 68-year-old passenger in the sedan suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited the taxi driver’s failure to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:50 on 3 Ave near Bay Ridge Pkwy in Brooklyn. A taxi traveling north with three occupants collided with a sedan also traveling north but making a U-turn. The point of impact was the taxi’s right front bumper striking the sedan’s left side doors. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver did not yield appropriately to the sedan. A 68-year-old male passenger in the sedan was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772354 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 17 - A sedan making a left turn struck two children crossing 66 Street in Brooklyn. Both suffered abrasions and injuries to face and arm. Driver distraction caused the crash, with victims crossing against the signal. Impact was at the vehicle’s center back end.

According to the police report, a 2014 Ford sedan was making a left turn on 66 Street in Brooklyn at 18:15 when it struck two child occupants, ages 7 and 12. Both children were injured with abrasions—one to the face, the other to the elbow and lower arm—and remained conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The children were crossing against the signal and were not at an intersection when struck. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicle, which sustained damage there. Neither child was ejected from the vehicle, and neither was using safety equipment. The driver was licensed and operating the sedan eastbound. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and failure to yield during left turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772148 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 17 - A sedan collided with an e-bike on 86th Street in Brooklyn, injuring the 62-year-old e-bike driver. The impact caused head injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:18 on 86th Street in Brooklyn. A 62-year-old male e-bike driver sustained head injuries and was in shock following the collision. The sedan, traveling east and previously parked, struck the e-bike on its left side doors, damaging its left front bumper. The e-bike was also traveling east, moving straight ahead at the time of impact. The report identifies the sedan driver’s errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' These driver mistakes directly contributed to the collision and subsequent injuries. The e-bike driver was not cited for any contributing factors. The focus remains on the sedan driver’s failure to maintain attention and yield, which led to this serious crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771894 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - A 23-year-old man suffered abrasions and arm injuries after a sedan made a left turn and struck him at an intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 65 Street and 11 Avenue in Brooklyn around 1:30 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2018 Hyundai sedan, traveling southeast and making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle's center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The sedan showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed. The driver’s failure to yield right-of-way at the intersection directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 8 - Governor Hochul cuts the congestion toll to $9. The move aims to beat a Trump block. Experts warn the lower fee will not cut traffic like the original $15 plan. Urgency grows as the MTA stalls projects. Vulnerable road users wait for relief.

""It’s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it,"" -- Andrew Gounardes

On November 8, 2024, State Senator Andrew Gounardes responded to Governor Hochul’s revised congestion pricing plan. The new proposal drops the peak toll from $15 to $9. The plan’s status is pending, with urgency to implement before a new presidential administration. Gounardes stressed, “It’s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it.” The bill aims to fund the MTA’s 2020-2024 capital plan, but economist Charles Komanoff warns, “You don’t get the immediate traffic speed gain that a $15 toll would give.” The measure is meant to reduce traffic and improve transit, but the lower toll means less impact. The MTA has already paused $16 billion in work. The focus is on starting the program, but advocates note the diluted toll will not deliver the same safety and quality-of-life gains for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Analysis: Hochul's $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won't Reduce Traffic as Much, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-11-08

Nov 8 - Governor Hochul slashes NYC’s congestion toll to $9. The move aims to beat a federal block but guts traffic reduction. Streets will see less relief. The plan leaves vulnerable road users exposed. The city trades speed and safety for political timing.

""It s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it," said state Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn). "The time to commit to better public transit, less traffic and cleaner air is now."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On November 8, 2024, Governor Hochul proposed lowering New York City’s congestion pricing toll from $15 to $9. The plan, a policy proposal to adjust congestion pricing, comes as officials rush to implement it before a new presidential administration can intervene. The original $15 toll, crafted by the Traffic Mobility Review Board and approved by the MTA Board, promised strong traffic reduction and included credits and caps. The $9 version, previously reviewed in environmental assessments, may lack those protections. Economist Charles Komanoff warns, 'You lose other benefits. Most noticeably, you don’t get the immediate traffic speed gain that a $15 toll would give.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes urges swift action, saying, 'The time to commit to better public transit, less traffic and cleaner air is now.' The lower toll is projected to improve traffic speeds by only 6.4 percent, far less than the 17 percent expected from the original plan. With less traffic reduction, streets remain dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Analysis: Hochul’s $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won’t Reduce Traffic as Much, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-08

Nov 7 - An e-scooter rider suffered upper arm injuries after colliding with a sedan traveling east on 65th Street in Brooklyn. The scooter struck the sedan’s right rear bumper. The rider remained conscious but bruised, highlighting risks in mixed traffic flows.

According to the police report, at 9:16 AM on 65th Street in Brooklyn, an e-scooter traveling east collided with a sedan also moving east. The point of impact was the sedan’s right rear bumper and the e-scooter’s center front end. The e-scooter driver, a 47-year-old man, was injured with contusions and upper arm trauma but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists the contributing factor as "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion," indicating confusion or error on the part of the e-scooter rider. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead, with no cited driver errors. No victim behaviors such as helmet use or crossing signals were noted as contributing factors. The collision underscores the dangers faced by vulnerable road users in shared traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769874 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 31 - A 77-year-old woman suffered severe injuries after an SUV backing west on 70th Street struck her as she emerged from behind a parked vehicle. The driver’s inattention and unsafe backing caused a fracture and dislocation to her entire body.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old female pedestrian was injured on 70th Street in Brooklyn when a 2022 Alfa SUV backing west struck her. The pedestrian was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle when the collision occurred. The report cites the driver’s errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely.' The point of impact was the vehicle’s left rear quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained a fracture, distortion, and dislocation affecting her entire body and remained conscious after the crash. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior. The crash highlights the dangers posed by inattentive drivers performing unsafe backing maneuvers in areas where pedestrians may be obscured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767973 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - Two sedans collided on Bay Ridge Parkway in Brooklyn. The lead vehicle was stopped in traffic when the following car struck its rear. The driver of the lead sedan suffered back injuries and shock, reporting pain and nausea at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:10 AM on Bay Ridge Parkway in Brooklyn. Two sedans traveling north collided when the trailing vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance and struck the center back end of the lead sedan. The lead vehicle was stopped in traffic, and the following vehicle was going straight ahead. The driver of the lead sedan, a 56-year-old man, was injured with back pain and experienced shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The lead driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement was reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766555 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - A steering failure triggered a violent crash between an SUV and a tow truck on Belt Parkway. The SUV driver suffered head injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained. Vehicle damage focused on the left rear quarter panels of both vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 1:00 AM involving a 2023 SUV and a 2024 tow truck, both traveling straight ahead in opposite directions. The SUV driver, a 36-year-old male occupant, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Steering Failure' and 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' as contributing factors to the collision. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel on both vehicles, causing damage to the left side doors. The tow truck driver was licensed and traveling east, while the SUV driver was licensed in New Jersey traveling west. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766668 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 23 - A moped struck a bicyclist from behind on 68 Street. The bicyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Both drivers were distracted, and the moped driver improperly used the lane, causing the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:05 on 68 Street involving a moped and a bicyclist, both traveling south. The moped driver struck the bicyclist at the center back end of the bike, causing abrasions to the bicyclist's elbow and lower arm. The bicyclist, a 34-year-old male, was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' for both parties and specifically notes 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor for the bicyclist. The moped driver’s failure to maintain proper attention and lane discipline directly led to the rear-end collision. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The focus remains on the drivers’ errors, particularly the moped driver’s inattention and improper lane use, which caused the injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765809 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 21 - A sedan making a left turn collided with a southbound bicyclist on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cite improper lane usage by the sedan as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:43 on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. A sedan, traveling south and making a left turn, struck a bicyclist also traveling south. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist, an 18-year-old male, sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the sedan operator. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by improper lane usage during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765344 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19