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

Jan 15 - Council Member Brannan demands a traffic plan for Verrazzano Bridge shutdowns. Closures force cars onto local streets. Drivers mount sidewalks. Buses stall. Pedestrians and first responders face danger. Brannan and Gounardes want action. MTA and DOT pass the buck.

On January 15, 2024, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) called for a contingency traffic plan to address chaos during Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge closures. The matter, titled 'Bay Ridge pols call for help with traffic build-up caused by Verrazzano Bridge closures,' highlights gridlock and reckless driving on residential streets. Brannan, joined by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, pressed the MTA and DOT for early closure notifications and more traffic control. Brannan warned, 'Frustrated drivers... driving up on the sidewalk... affects not just the average driver or pedestrian but... first responders.' Gounardes added, 'Buses literally could not go anywhere.' Local leaders echoed the need for action. The MTA claimed safety as the reason for closures but shifted responsibility for street management to the DOT. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided, but the call centers the danger to pedestrians, transit riders, and emergency crews.

• Bay Ridge pols call for help with traffic build-up caused by Verrazzano Bridge closures, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-01-15

Jan 14 - Two sport utility vehicles crashed on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers were distracted, causing a right-turning SUV to strike the left rear quarter panel of a northbound SUV. A passenger suffered neck injuries from the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:40 on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. Two SUVs were involved: one traveling north going straight ahead, the other making a right turn northwest. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the northbound SUV, struck by the right front quarter panel of the turning SUV. Both drivers were cited for inattention and distraction, which contributed directly to the collision. A 27-year-old female passenger in the northbound SUV sustained neck injuries described as whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report highlights driver inattention as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the passenger or other road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695041 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 12 - A taxi driver made a left turn and collided head-on with a sedan traveling east. The sedan driver, a 26-year-old man, suffered bruises and arm injuries. Police cited failure to yield and driver distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 92 Street at 19:50. A taxi, traveling north and making a left turn, struck a sedan traveling east. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The sedan driver, a 26-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies the taxi driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The sedan driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision highlights critical driver errors leading to injury on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694600 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 31 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

Dec 30 - An 18-year-old motorcycle driver was injured in a crash on 3 Avenue. He was ejected and suffered injuries to his knee and lower leg. The driver was conscious at the scene.

A motorcycle collided with a parked sedan and an SUV on 3 Avenue. The 18-year-old male driver was ejected and sustained injuries to his knee and lower leg. According to the police report, the contributing factors were 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed.' The motorcycle was traveling straight ahead when the crash occurred. No other occupants were involved. The driver was wearing a helmet, but the focus remains on the driver's actions leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691171 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 24 - A 21-year-old male bicyclist suffered facial abrasions after an SUV struck his e-bike from behind on 7 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver, licensed and traveling south, was inexperienced. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 7 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a 2020 Subaru SUV and a 21-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike. The SUV, driven by a licensed male driver traveling south, rear-ended the e-bike, impacting the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his face but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689793 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - A motorcycle and SUV collided on 12 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. The SUV was turning left. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The rider wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male motorcyclist was injured after colliding with a 2019 SUV making a left turn on 12 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV struck the motorcycle with its left front bumper while the motorcycle was traveling straight east. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. The driver of the SUV was licensed and operating the vehicle westbound. The crash caused significant damage to both vehicles' front ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688907 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Dec 20 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Dec 20 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Dec 18 - Two sedans crashed on 7 Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers suffered bruises and neck or head injuries. Slippery pavement contributed. One driver was turning left; the other drove straight. Both wore seat belts and remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 7 Avenue near 86 Street in Brooklyn. One driver, age 60, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The other driver, age 53, was traveling straight southbound. Both drivers sustained contusions and bruises, with injuries to the neck and head. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report lists slippery pavement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The impact points were the left front bumper of the turning vehicle and the right front bumper of the straight-moving vehicle. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688547 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 15 - A 32-year-old woman was struck by a northbound BMW sedan on 86 Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver disregarded traffic control, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan traveling north on 86 Street in Brooklyn struck a 32-year-old female pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The collision caused center front end damage to the sedan. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687656 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 15 - An SUV reversed on 76th Street. Its bumper struck an 83-year-old woman standing in the road. She fell. She died there. The driver did not see her. The street was empty. No crosswalk nearby. Silence followed.

An 83-year-old woman was killed near 1326 76th Street in Brooklyn when a 2007 Honda SUV backed west and struck her legs. According to the police report, 'The bumper struck her legs. She collapsed, silent. The driver did not see.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The woman suffered fatal injuries to her lower body and died at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The SUV sustained no damage. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention, especially when reversing in areas without marked crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687579 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 15 - A 40-year-old male bicyclist was injured when an SUV hit his e-bike on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The impact struck the bike’s left rear bumper and the SUV’s right front quarter panel. The rider suffered bruises and leg injuries.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Fort Hamilton Parkway involving a 2008 SUV traveling north and an e-bike traveling west. The SUV struck the e-bike on its left rear bumper, impacting the SUV’s right front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 40-year-old man wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the SUV driver and the bicyclist. There is no mention of the bicyclist’s actions contributing to the crash. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687428 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 14 - A 65-year-old man was struck by an SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The vehicle impacted the left side doors while parked. The man was conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2017 SUV. The vehicle was parked before the crash and the point of impact was the left side doors. The pedestrian was located in the roadway, not at an intersection, performing unspecified actions. He sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. No safety equipment or pedestrian fault was noted. The crash involved a single SUV and one pedestrian, with no other vehicles or occupants involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687260 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 13 - An SUV struck a 53-year-old woman crossing Bay Ridge Avenue. Driver inattention listed. She suffered arm abrasions. The SUV’s front end was damaged. The street saw blood and metal meet.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver of a 2011 Toyota SUV, traveling east, struck her with the vehicle’s center front end. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk. She sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm but remained conscious. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted. The driver was licensed and proceeding straight at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687017 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 12 - A 65-year-old woman crossing with the signal on 64 Street was struck by a vehicle traveling east. The driver’s inattention caused a head injury and contusion. The pedestrian remained conscious but suffered serious harm at the intersection.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on 64 Street in Brooklyn after being struck by a vehicle traveling east. The victim, a 65-year-old woman, was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. She sustained a head injury and contusion, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the sole contributing factors. No other vehicle or pedestrian errors were noted. The driver was going straight ahead and failed to notice the pedestrian crossing legally. The pedestrian was conscious after the impact. No safety equipment or other factors were mentioned in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686612 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 11 - A 73-year-old man was struck by an SUV making a right turn on 65 Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle's right front bumper hit him. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a 73-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 65 Street with the signal. The collision occurred when a 2017 Honda SUV, traveling west and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors are explicitly noted. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian was conscious after the impact and was located at the intersection during the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 10 - An e-bike rider collided with a parked van on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider was ejected and left semiconscious with serious injuries. The van was stationary at the time of impact. The crash involved a reaction to an uninvolved vehicle.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male e-bike rider traveling east on Bay Ridge Avenue collided with a parked van. The rider was ejected from the bike and sustained serious injuries, remaining semiconscious after the crash. The van was stationary, with damage to its center back end, while the e-bike sustained front-end damage. The report lists "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as a contributing factor, indicating the rider's response to another vehicle not involved in the collision. No other driver errors were specified. The rider wore a helmet at the time of the crash. The van had no occupants and was not moving before impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686287 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 9 - A young driver with a permit struck a parked sedan on Marine Avenue. His 17-year-old passenger took a blow to the knee and leg. Police cite inexperience and distraction. Metal twisted. The street stayed silent.

According to the police report, a sedan driven by a male with a permit crashed into a parked sedan on Marine Avenue in Brooklyn. The front passenger, a 17-year-old male, suffered contusions and bruises to his knee and lower leg. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. Both vehicles were damaged at the left front bumper. The injured passenger was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other injuries or violations were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685688 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19