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

Dec 9 - A 30-year-old man crossing Gelston Avenue with the signal was hit by a sedan making a left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a neck injury and shock. The sedan’s left front bumper was damaged.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Gelston Avenue at an intersection in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2021 Chevrolet sedan, traveling northeast and making a left turn, struck him. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end, damaging the left front bumper. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian suffered a neck injury and was in shock but had no visible complaints. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685623 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 6 - Two SUVs crashed on Narrows Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact hit the left front bumper of one and the center front end of the other. A 60-year-old female passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Failure to yield right-of-way caused the collision.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Narrows Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash occurred at 5:10 p.m. The impact involved the left front bumper of a 2024 Hyundai SUV and the center front end of a 2014 Nissan SUV. A 60-year-old female passenger in one vehicle was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor for the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685067 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - A 15-year-old boy on a bike was partially ejected and injured in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the cyclist’s left side while turning right. The boy suffered abrasions and leg injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old bicyclist was injured when a 2024 SUV made a right turn and struck the bike on its left side doors in Brooklyn. The cyclist was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed; the bicyclist was unlicensed. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, but the crash was caused by the driver’s failure to yield. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the SUV and left side doors of the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684834 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 4 - A motorcycle collided head-on with an SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue. The 19-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. Both vehicles showed front-end damage. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east collided head-on with a northbound SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The 19-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected from his vehicle and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles sustained center front-end damage. The motorcyclist was conscious after the crash and was wearing a helmet. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The motorcycle driver held a permit license. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 22 - A sedan hit a bicyclist traveling east on 5 Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries, losing consciousness. The driver was going straight south. Police cited unsafe speed and traffic control disregard as factors.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 5 Avenue collided with a bicyclist going east. The bicyclist was ejected from the bike and sustained head injuries, resulting in unconsciousness and minor bleeding. The driver of the sedan had two occupants and was licensed in New Jersey. Contributing factors listed include unsafe speed and traffic control disregard by the driver. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper and the bike's center front end. No fault or blame is assigned to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 20 - A sedan turning left struck two pedestrians crossing with the signal on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. Both suffered head contusions but remained conscious. The driver showed inattention and inexperience. No vehicle damage was reported at the scene.

According to the police report, a 2010 Chevrolet sedan was making a left turn on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn when it struck two pedestrians crossing with the signal at the intersection. The victims, a 39-year-old woman and a 5-year-old boy, both sustained head injuries classified as contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle showed no damage from the impact. Both pedestrians were injured while lawfully crossing, with no mention of helmet use or signaling by the pedestrians. The driver was licensed in New York and was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680895 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 16 - A sedan hit a 72-year-old woman crossing Marine Avenue at dusk. Her head struck hard. She died in the street. Two sedans collided, one parked, one moving. The street grew quiet. The woman’s life ended where the light faded.

A 72-year-old woman was killed while crossing Marine Avenue near dusk. According to the police report, she was not at an intersection and crossed without a signal. A moving sedan struck her, causing fatal head injuries. The report states, 'Marine Avenue, near dusk — a 72-year-old woman crossed without a signal. A moving sedan struck her, head crushed.' Two sedans were involved: one parked, one in motion. The police list the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed in the report. The woman’s death marks another tragedy on New York City’s streets, where the vulnerable pay the price for everyday traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679990 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - A GMC pickup turned left at 11th Avenue and 64th Street. The truck struck a 71-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She fell. Blood pooled on the street. She died there. The crash left the intersection scarred and silent.

A 71-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 11th Avenue and 64th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was crossing in the crosswalk with the signal when a GMC pickup truck made a left turn and struck her head-on. The impact caused severe head injuries and she died at the scene. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The truck’s point of impact was the center front end. The victim was following the signal. No driver errors were specified in the report, but the narrative details a left-turn collision with a pedestrian who had the right of way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678892 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - A sedan struck a bicyclist traveling south on 65 Street. The cyclist was ejected and suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver continued straight, impacting the bike’s left front with the sedan’s right front bumper.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided on 65 Street. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, was traveling straight south and struck the bike with its right front bumper. The bike was also traveling south and was hit on its left front. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The cyclist was conscious after the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679360 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 4 - A bicyclist riding east struck the left side doors of a parked SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue. The cyclist suffered bruises and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was inattentive, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male bicyclist traveling east collided with the left side doors of a parked SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV was stationary before the crash and had damage to its left side doors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676204 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 2 - Two sedans crashed on 65 Street in Brooklyn. One driver made a left turn into the path of the other going straight. A 78-year-old rear passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 65 Street near 13 Avenue in Brooklyn. One vehicle was making a left turn while the other was traveling straight westbound. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the turning vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. A 78-year-old male rear passenger was injured with neck pain and whiplash, despite wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the turning maneuver likely caused the crash. Both drivers were licensed and operating vehicles westbound. The collision caused significant front-end damage to both sedans. No ejections or fatalities were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675926 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 31 - A 63-year-old woman was struck by a sedan making a left turn on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was distracted. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. She suffered abrasions and leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 63-year-old female pedestrian crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated as moderate. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2005 Dodge sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 26 - A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673767 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program died on October 26, 2023. No new law replaced it. Repeat speeders now face only $50 fines. City leaders showed no urgency. State bills to curb reckless driving have stalled. Vulnerable road users remain exposed.

The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP) expired on October 26, 2023. No replacement policy was enacted. The program, which targeted drivers with 15 or more speed camera violations in a year, was criticized for weak enforcement: only 885 took the mandated safety course, and just 12 vehicles were seized. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, District 31, was mentioned in coverage, but city officials, including Mayor Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, showed little urgency. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said, "We need sharper tools." State Senator Andrew Gounardes has proposed new bills, including mandatory speed governors for repeat offenders. With DVAP gone, repeat speeders face only minor fines, leaving dangerous drivers unchecked. The city and state have failed to act, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• A 'Dangerous' Sunset: What's Next for Reining In Reckless Drivers?, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-10-25

Oct 25 - The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program died. No new law stands in its place. City Hall drags its feet. Reckless drivers keep rolling. State efforts stall. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain exposed. The streets stay dangerous. The clock runs out. Nothing changes.

The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP) expired on October 25, 2023, with no replacement from the City Council or Mayor Adams. The bill targeted drivers with 15 camera-issued speeding tickets in a year, but few took the mandated safety course and almost no vehicles were seized. The matter summary: 'The program launched with a simple idea of getting reckless drivers' vehicles off our streets, so it's incredibly frustrating and disappointing that we're in this situation,' said Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Adams showed little urgency. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said, 'We will look to the advocacy world for support to go to the state and get better restrictions and better enforcement tools.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes is pushing for speed governors and tougher laws, but state efforts have failed. The city’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users at risk. No effective tools remain.

• A ‘Dangerous’ Sunset: What’s Next for Reining In Reckless Drivers?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-25

Oct 23 - Red Hook wants a direct bus to Manhattan. The MTA says no. Residents wait. Cars clog the tunnel. Advocates demand space for buses, not excuses. The city’s working class and disabled riders are left stranded. The fight for fair transit continues.

On October 23, 2023, Red Hook residents and advocates renewed calls for a direct bus route to Manhattan. The Red Hook Civic Association sent a letter urging the MTA to create a regular-fare bus through the Hugh Carey Tunnel. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes backed the push, saying, "The people of Red Hook really deserve this." The MTA rejected the idea, citing congestion in the tunnel and Lower Manhattan. Joana Flores, MTA spokesperson, said it is more efficient for riders to transfer to the subway. Critics, including Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance, countered, "Bad traffic is not an excuse for not improving bus service, it’s an impetus for decongesting the street." Past proposals to extend the M22 or restore the B71 with a Manhattan extension were dismissed over cost and logistics. Advocates argue that buses move more people than cars and that congestion pricing should clear the way for better transit. The proposal remains stalled, leaving vulnerable riders waiting.

• Red Hook Pushes for Direct Bus to Manhattan; MTA Says (Wait for It) There’s Too Much ‘Congestion’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-23

Oct 17 - A bus hit an e-bike rider on 65 Street near 4 Avenue. The rider, a 32-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The bus’s right front bumper made contact with the bike’s front end. Both vehicles traveled south at impact.

According to the police report, a bus and an e-bike collided on 65 Street near 4 Avenue. The e-bike driver, a 32-year-old man, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bus was traveling straight south when its right front bumper struck the center front end of the e-bike. The e-bike driver was unlicensed. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' factors as contributing causes for both vehicles. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet. The crash resulted in moderate injury severity but no ejection. The bus driver was licensed and operating the vehicle properly before impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671282 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 14 - A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671776 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 13 - Mayor Adams left Ashland Place unfinished. Cyclists lost a safe route. Advocates, officials, and residents rallied. They blamed City Hall for caving to a developer. The most dangerous block remains untouched. Eighty-eight crashes scar the street. Safety took a back seat.

On October 13, 2023, local officials and advocates criticized Mayor Adams for halting the Ashland Place redesign. The project, led by the Department of Transportation, aimed to create a protected bike lane from the Manhattan Bridge to Barclays Center. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, "New York City is regressing on meeting its Vision Zero goals ... and stalled street safety improvements, like those slated for Ashland Place, are a part of the reason why." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Crystal Hudson joined the outcry, with Hudson lamenting the incomplete corridor for cyclists. The DOT confirmed the southernmost block would not be converted, following objections from developer Two Trees Management. Advocates cited 88 crashes and multiple injuries in two years, with the most dangerous block excluded from improvements. Residents and advocates rallied, accusing the mayor of prioritizing business over public safety. City Hall deflected, blaming e-bikes for rising cyclist deaths.

• Pols, Advocates Slam Mayor Adams for Unfinished Ashland Place, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-13