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

May 14 - A 77-year-old woman suffered full-body abrasions after an SUV failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck at a Brooklyn intersection. The vehicle's left front bumper bore the impact.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Bay Ridge Parkway and 12 Avenue in Brooklyn at 10:35 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2020 Nissan SUV, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with its left front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian suffered abrasions over her entire body but remained conscious. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front bumper. The collision underscores the dangers posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724549 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 10 - Gov. Hochul backs renewing New York City’s small red light camera program. She stops short of supporting expansion. The city’s power over street safety grows, but Albany holds the reins. Vulnerable road users wait as lawmakers debate control and coverage.

On May 10, 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly supported reauthorizing New York City’s red light camera program, which is set to expire in December. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would renew the program for six years and expand cameras from 150 to 1,325 intersections. Hochul, at a ceremony for 'Sammy’s Law,' said, 'local governments should be making these decisions,' but did not endorse the expansion. The Adams administration and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have pushed for more cameras. Hochul’s stance signals support for local control over traffic enforcement, but leaves the fate of a broader camera rollout uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while Albany debates the city’s authority to protect its streets.

• Gov. Hochul Backs Red Light Camera Renewal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-10

May 4 - SUV slammed into sedan’s right side in Brooklyn. Sedan driver took a blow to the head, suffered whiplash. Both cars mangled. No pedestrians or cyclists caught in the wreck.

According to the police report, a 2019 Ford SUV traveling west struck a 2022 Toyota sedan heading north on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn at 2:12 AM. The SUV hit the sedan’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered head trauma and whiplash but stayed conscious and was restrained by a lap belt. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver and does not detail driver errors for either vehicle. Both vehicles were damaged on their right sides. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721686 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 30 - An 86-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries when an SUV making a right turn collided with him on 92 Street in Brooklyn. The driver’s inattention caused the crash, leaving the cyclist bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:47 on 92 Street near Gatling Place in Brooklyn. A 2019 Ford SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a right turn when it struck an 86-year-old male bicyclist traveling eastbound straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper and the bike’s left front bumper. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, with an injury severity rated at 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721041 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 30 - A sedan making a left turn collided with an eastbound bicyclist on 65 Street near 3 Avenue. The bicyclist suffered facial abrasions but remained conscious. Driver inattention or distraction caused the crash, damaging the sedan’s left front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 2007 Honda sedan was traveling north on 65 Street and making a left turn when it struck a bicyclist traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist, a 44-year-old man, sustained abrasions to his face but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. The sedan’s driver was licensed in New York. No contributing factors were listed for the bicyclist. The collision caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the sedan. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721278 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 29 - A 4-year-old boy suffered head abrasions as a distracted SUV driver struck the vehicle’s right front bumper. The child, restrained in the middle rear seat, was injured despite proper child restraint use. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Brooklyn near Ovington Avenue at 15:35. A 2011 Honda SUV traveling west went straight ahead but impacted its right front bumper. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction as a contributing factor. A 4-year-old male occupant in the middle rear seat, restrained by a child restraint, sustained a head abrasion and was conscious after the crash. The report identifies driver distraction as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the child passenger. The injury severity was moderate, highlighting the risk posed by driver errors even when passengers are properly restrained.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720753 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 28 - A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with a sedan on 79 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan driver’s inattention caused the crash, leaving the teen bruised but conscious. The cyclist was not ejected and rode westbound.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:44 on 79 Street in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling north struck a westbound bicycle at the center front end of the bike and the right front bumper of the sedan. The bicyclist, a 16-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors, emphasizing the sedan driver’s failure to maintain focus. The bicyclist was not ejected and was riding without safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. Vehicle damage was limited to the front ends, confirming the point of impact. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720736 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 24 - Assembly bill A 9877 seeks to kill congestion pricing. Sponsors want more MTA board seats and a forensic audit. No mention of safety for people on foot or bike. The car threat grows unchecked.

Assembly bill A 9877 was introduced on April 24, 2024. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill aims to repeal congestion pricing, add a new MTA board seat for each city borough, and force a forensic audit of the MTA. The matter title reads: 'Relates to repealing congestion pricing (Part A); commissioning an independent audit of the metropolitan transportation authority (Part B); and conducting an environmental impact study (Part C).' Assembly Members Michael Tannousis (primary), Mike Reilly, Samuel Pirozzolo, Michael Novakhov, Lester Chang, and Alec Brook-Krasny sponsor the bill. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided. The bill ignores the deadly risk cars pose to New Yorkers outside vehicles.

• File A 9877, Open States, Published 2024-04-24

Apr 18 - Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 18 - Council bill orders DOT to factor traffic enforcement agents into city safety plans. The move targets deadly streets. Sponsors demand action, not words. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait for safer crossings.

Int 0842-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced April 18, 2024, the bill amends city law to require the Department of Transportation to consider where traffic enforcement agents are placed when drafting the interagency roadway safety plan. The bill summary states: 'require DOT to specifically consider placement of traffic enforcement agents in certain areas.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Members Brannan (primary), Louis, Restler, and the Queens Borough President sponsor the measure. The bill responds to Local Law 12 of 2011, which already mandates a five-year safety plan. Now, the council demands DOT put enforcement on the map, aiming to cut injuries and deaths.

• File Int 0842-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 12 - A 31-year-old woman suffered a hip and upper leg contusion after a vehicle struck her at an intersection. The driver, making a left turn, showed inexperience and distraction. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the impact occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 8 Avenue near 67 Street in Brooklyn at 4:05 AM. A pedestrian, a 31-year-old female, was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck by a vehicle making a left turn. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to her hip and upper leg and remained conscious. The report cites driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors to the collision. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The vehicle had no occupants other than the driver, and the driver’s license status and vehicle details were unspecified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716888 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 10 - A motorcycle collided with a vehicle making a left turn on 67 Street in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and improper turning as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:40 on 67 Street near 8 Avenue in Brooklyn. A motorcycle traveling eastbound struck the center back end of a vehicle making a left turn southbound. The motorcycle driver, a 34-year-old male, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction, as well as improper turning by the vehicle driver, as contributing factors. The motorcycle driver was licensed in New York and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. The collision caused damage to the center front end of the turning vehicle and the center back end of the motorcycle. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716397 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 5 - A 62-year-old male motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a left-front quarter panel collision. The crash occurred while traveling north on 5 Avenue. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on 5 Avenue collided at the left front quarter panel with another vehicle also traveling north. The motorcycle driver, a 62-year-old male, was wearing a helmet and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in contusions and bruises. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles were going straight ahead prior to impact. The motorcycle sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715053 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 4 - SUV turned left, struck a 6-year-old boy in Brooklyn. Child crossed with the signal. Driver failed to yield. Boy suffered abrasions to knee, leg, foot. No vehicle damage. Impact left the child conscious, hurt, and vulnerable.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV traveling east on 68 Street in Brooklyn struck a 6-year-old pedestrian at the intersection with 13 Avenue at 8:25 a.m. The child was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, making a left turn, hit him with its left front bumper. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. Driver errors in yielding and turning led to injury for a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715694 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 3 - A driver sped through Bay Ridge Parkway, ignored traffic control, and struck a 32-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk. She suffered a head injury and concussion. The crash left her conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old woman was crossing Bay Ridge Parkway at 12 Avenue in a marked crosswalk when a vehicle traveling east struck her with its left front bumper. The impact caused a head injury and concussion. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors, showing the driver failed to obey signals and control speed. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. No further details on the vehicle or driver were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714600 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 3 - Two sedans collided head-on on Belt Parkway. A 16-year-old driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injuries. Police cited unsafe speed and improper lane usage as contributing factors. The crash caused significant front-end damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, at 14:35 on Belt Parkway, two sedans traveling west collided. The 16-year-old driver of one vehicle was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to the elbow and lower arm. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors to the crash. Both vehicles sustained center front-end damage, with impact points on the right front bumper of one sedan and the left front bumper of the other. The injured driver was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness, and the airbag deployed. The report highlights driver errors—unsafe speed and improper lane usage—as primary causes, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715032 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 2 - Two sedans slammed together on Belt Parkway. Pavement was slick. One young driver took a blow to the head and blacked out. Distraction and road conditions fueled the crash. Metal twisted. Pain followed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Belt Parkway at 21:17. Both vehicles were traveling west when they struck, with impact points at the left front bumper and center front end. A 20-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and lost consciousness. He was wearing a lap belt and reported pain or nausea. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Driver distraction and hazardous pavement directly led to the crash, exposing the dangers faced by vehicle occupants on New York’s fast, unforgiving roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714309 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 2 - A box truck struck the rear of an SUV on slippery pavement in Brooklyn. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited slippery conditions and following too closely as key factors. Both drivers were making left turns at the time.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 86 Street in Brooklyn at 9:43 AM. A box truck, traveling west and making a left turn, collided with the right rear bumper of a westbound SUV also making a left turn. The SUV driver, a 43-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, highlighting driver error in maintaining safe distance under hazardous road conditions. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The collision caused damage to the right rear bumper of the truck and the front center of the SUV. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714206 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 29 - A sedan driver making a U-turn collided with an oncoming sedan traveling east. The impact trapped and injured the U-turning driver, causing neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Brooklyn at 8:05 AM near 65th Street. A 38-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Acura sedan, was making a U-turn westbound when his vehicle's left front bumper struck the center front end of an eastbound sedan. The impact caused damage to both vehicles, including the left rear quarter panel of the Acura. The U-turning driver was trapped inside and sustained neck injuries, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The police report explicitly identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving during complex maneuvers like U-turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19