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

Jun 8 - Sammy’s Law would let New York City drop speed limits to 20 mph on deadly streets. Council Member Gutierrez led the charge. Brooks-Powers joined. Streets scarred by crashes and deaths. Lower speeds mean fewer bodies broken. The city waits. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, debated by the NYC Council and State Legislature, seeks home rule for New York City to lower speed limits from 25 to 20 mph on dangerous streets. Council Member Jen Gutierrez carried the resolution; Selvena Brooks-Powers later signed on. The bill targets corridors like Bushwick Avenue, Laurelton Parkway, and East Gun Hill Road—sites of hundreds of crashes and dozens killed or maimed since 2019. The matter summary states: 'Because people are dying and being maimed on New York's most-dangerous 25-mile-per-hour streets.' Supporters, including State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, cite the science: lower speeds mean less force, fewer deaths. Research shows 20 mph zones cut crashes by 60 percent. The bill does not mandate, but allows, lower limits where carnage is highest. The council’s action centers the lives of pedestrians and cyclists, demanding the city act before more are lost.

• MAP QUEST: See Exactly Why Sammy’s Law Would Be So Crucial for the Boroughs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 2 - Two sedans collided on Ridge Boulevard in Brooklyn. A 44-year-old woman driving the lead car suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The rear vehicle struck the front car’s center back end. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on Ridge Boulevard collided when the rear vehicle struck the center back end of the front vehicle. The driver of the lead sedan, a 44-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The crash occurred while the front vehicle was stopped in traffic and the rear vehicle was going straight ahead. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor, indicating the rear driver failed to maintain attention. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - Two SUVs crashed on 86th Street in Brooklyn. A 42-year-old female driver suffered facial abrasions. Both vehicles hit each other’s front quarter panels. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. The injured driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 86th Street in Brooklyn. The crash involved a 42-year-old female driver who was injured with abrasions to her face but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision occurred when one vehicle was going straight and the other was changing lanes. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of one SUV and the right front quarter panel of the other. The police identified driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - An e-bike rider was injured after a left-turning SUV struck him on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider was ejected and suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV driver failed to yield right-of-way and disregarded traffic control.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old male e-bike rider was injured when a 2011 Honda SUV made a left turn on 4 Avenue and collided with the rider traveling north. The rider was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists the SUV driver's errors as failure to yield right-of-way and disregarding traffic control. The e-bike rider was conscious after the crash. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The collision caused damage to the left front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the e-bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633911 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 30 - A 14-year-old girl was injured crossing with the signal at 76 Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. A sedan making a left turn struck her. The driver failed to yield and had limited view. The girl suffered hip and upper leg bruises.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection of 76 Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn when a sedan making a left turn struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg but remained conscious. The report lists the driver's failure to yield the right-of-way and a view obstructed or limited as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The driver’s errors created the conditions for the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633468 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 29 - A bike rolled south on Poly Place. The wheels struck a woman. Blood spilled from her leg and knee. She stayed awake on the hard street. The pain was sharp. The cyclist kept moving. Brooklyn pavement bore witness.

A man riding a bike south on Poly Place near 14th Avenue struck a 36-year-old woman. According to the police report, 'Blood spilled from her leg and knee. She stayed awake.' The pedestrian suffered severe bleeding and injuries to her lower leg and knee. The police data lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. No helmet or signaling issues are mentioned. The impact left the woman hurt and conscious on the pavement. The crash shows the danger faced by people walking in Brooklyn, even when the vehicle is a bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633035 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 27 - A sedan hit a parked SUV on 77 Street near 12 Avenue. The sedan driver, 31, suffered arm abrasions. Both vehicles took front-end damage. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 77 Street struck a parked SUV near 12 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan's 31-year-old male driver was injured, suffering abrasions and trauma to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The parked SUV sustained center front-end damage, and the sedan also had front-end damage. No other persons were reported injured in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636998 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 24 - A 76-year-old woman was injured when a sedan backed unsafely on 72 Street near 7 Avenue. The driver, a licensed male, reversed southbound and struck the pedestrian at an intersection. She suffered bruises and arm injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 72 Street was backing up near 7 Avenue when it struck a 76-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor to the crash. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. There is no mention of pedestrian error or safety equipment. The incident highlights the danger of unsafe backing maneuvers in areas with pedestrian activity.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631667 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 24 - Council backs home rule for Sammy’s Law. The move lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Lawmakers and advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. The vote puts safety first.

Bill: Home rule message for Sammy’s Law. Status: Poised for passage by the City Council on May 24, 2023. Committee: State and Federal Legislation, chaired by Council Member Shaun Abreu. The measure, titled 'City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday,' lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council Member Jen Gutierrez announced the Council’s intent to pass it, calling it crucial for safety. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'The city's ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Mayor Eric Adams, and State Senator Andrew Gounardes all support the move. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. Data cited shows lower speed limits increase pedestrian survival. Advocates stress urgency to protect New Yorkers.

• City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-24

May 19 - A motorcycle struck the left front quarter panel of a pick-up truck making a left turn on 6 Avenue. The motorcyclist suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male motorcyclist was injured when his Harley Davidson collided with a pick-up truck on 6 Avenue. The truck was making a left turn while the motorcycle was traveling straight east. The motorcyclist sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The truck driver’s action of making a left turn intersected with the motorcycle’s path, causing the impact on the truck’s left front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s right front bumper. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634348 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 18 - Senate bill S 7099 orders complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first blueprints. Gounardes leads. Hoylman-Sigal, Krueger back him.

Senate bill S 7099, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York Senate. Filed May 18, 2023, the bill 'requires inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects undertaken by DOT or which receive both federal and state funding and are subject to DOT oversight.' Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the measure. Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Liz Krueger co-sponsor. The bill demands every street project under DOT control put people first—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. No safety analyst note is available yet. The bill aims to end car-centric planning.

• File S 7099, Open States, Published 2023-05-18

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 12 - A motorcycle struck an SUV on 84 Street in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist, a 21-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered abrasions over his entire body. The crash involved unsafe speed and lane changing by the motorcycle driver.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on 84 Street made a left turn and collided with an SUV traveling south. The motorcyclist, a 21-year-old male driver, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions over his entire body. The report lists driver errors including unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing by the motorcyclist. The SUV driver was going straight ahead and impacted on the right front bumper. The motorcyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash caused damage to the center front end of the motorcycle and the right front bumper of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628257 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 11 - A 45-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries in a Brooklyn crash. An SUV making a right turn struck a sedan starting from parking. The SUV driver failed to yield right-of-way and turned improperly. The impact damaged both vehicles’ bumpers.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured when an SUV making a right turn collided with a sedan that was starting from parking on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the sedan’s left rear bumper with its right front bumper. The driver of the SUV suffered neck injuries and was in shock. The report lists driver errors as failure to yield right-of-way and turning improperly. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The sedan driver held a permit license from New Jersey, while the SUV driver was licensed in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628183 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 9 - Two SUVs crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The right front bumper of one hit the left rear bumper of the other. A front-seat passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction and improper lane usage caused the collision.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The crash involved a 2020 Dodge SUV merging eastbound and a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the Dodge and the left rear bumper of the Toyota. A 31-year-old female front passenger in the Dodge was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper". Both drivers were licensed and driving eastbound. The collision caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 7 - A Toyota sedan tore down Shore Road. It hit hard. Fire swallowed the car. Three adults died inside, trapped and burned. Metal twisted. Speed and alcohol fueled the wreck. No one walked away whole. Lives ended in seconds.

A Toyota sedan crashed at high speed on Shore Road. According to the police report, the car 'slammed into something hard at high speed. Fire swallowed it whole.' Three adults—one man and two women, all in their thirties—were killed, burned beyond saving. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Alcohol Involvement' as contributing factors. The car was demolished. All victims were occupants; no pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report makes no mention of helmet or signal use as contributing factors. The crash shows the deadly consequences of speed and alcohol behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627379 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19