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

Jan 25 - A sedan struck a 38-year-old female bicyclist on 10 Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as causes. The bicyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, a 2023 sedan, parked and facing south, collided head-on with a westbound bicycle on 10 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 38-year-old woman, sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain proper attention. The bicyclist was not ejected from her bike and wore no safety equipment. The sedan's front center end and the bike's front center end were damaged. No other driver errors or victim faults were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - A moped collided with a box truck on 65 Street in Brooklyn. The moped driver was ejected, suffering knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited improper lane usage and disregarded traffic control as causes. The driver was conscious but bruised.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on 65 Street collided with a box truck also heading west. The moped driver, a 20-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The moped driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The box truck was damaged on its right rear quarter panel, while the moped suffered front-end damage. The driver remained conscious despite the contusions and bruises. No other persons were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600268 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - A 59-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a BMW SUV made an improper U-turn and struck his e-bike. The cyclist was ejected and suffered bruises to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV’s left side doors were damaged in the collision.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV was making a U-turn on 3 Avenue when it collided with a westbound e-bike. The bicyclist, a 59-year-old man, was ejected and sustained contusions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists the driver’s errors as "Turning Improperly" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The SUV’s left front quarter panel and doors were damaged on impact. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers of improper turning maneuvers and distracted driving. No fault is attributed to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600269 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 21 - A sedan making a U-turn struck another sedan traveling straight on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The front passenger in the struck vehicle suffered a head injury and shock. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2022 Hyundai sedan was making a U-turn on Fort Hamilton Parkway when it collided with a 2017 Toyota sedan traveling north. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the Hyundai and the right front quarter panel of the Toyota. The front passenger, a 65-year-old woman, was injured with a head injury and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists driver errors including driver inattention/distraction and failure to yield right-of-way. Alcohol involvement was also noted as a contributing factor. The injured party was a passenger, not at fault in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600670 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 20 - Norman Fruchter, education reformer, died after a driver reversed into him at a crosswalk-less Bay Ridge intersection. The driver stayed. No charges. A vigil drew family, officials, and anger. Fruchter’s wife was killed by a reckless driver in 1997. Grief, outrage, no justice.

On January 4, 2023, Norman Fruchter was struck and killed by a reversing driver at 68th Street and Bliss Terrace in Council District 47. The intersection lacked a pedestrian crosswalk. Council Member Justin Brannan attended the vigil and tweeted, 'Confronting traffic violence also means taking personal responsibility [and] safe driving habits. It will take all of us.' The driver remained at the scene but faced no charges. Fruchter’s son Lev condemned the New York Automobile Insurance Plan for letting dangerous drivers stay insured. Community leaders, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, joined in mourning and frustration. Fruchter’s wife Rachel was also killed by a reckless driver in 1997, a tragedy that helped spark Vision Zero. Nearly three decades later, traffic laws remain weak. No systemic change. Vulnerable road users still pay the price.

• Education reform leader remembered after being killed by traffic violence, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-01-20

Jan 20 - Norman Fruchter, education reformer, died after a driver reversed into him at a crosswalk-less Bay Ridge intersection. The driver stayed. No charges. A vigil drew family, officials, and anger. Fruchter’s wife was killed by a reckless driver in 1997. Grief, outrage, no justice.

On January 4, 2023, Norman Fruchter was struck and killed by a reversing driver at 68th Street and Bliss Terrace in Council District 47. The intersection lacked a pedestrian crosswalk. Council Member Justin Brannan attended the vigil and tweeted, 'Confronting traffic violence also means taking personal responsibility [and] safe driving habits. It will take all of us.' The driver remained at the scene but faced no charges. Fruchter’s son Lev condemned the New York Automobile Insurance Plan for letting dangerous drivers stay insured. Community leaders, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, joined in mourning and frustration. Fruchter’s wife Rachel was also killed by a reckless driver in 1997, a tragedy that helped spark Vision Zero. Nearly three decades later, traffic laws remain weak. No systemic change. Vulnerable road users still pay the price.

• Education reform leader remembered after being killed by traffic violence, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-01-20

Jan 18 - A 39-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury on 66 Street. The rider was conscious but bruised. Alcohol involvement and driver distraction contributed. The bike showed no damage. The rider wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected while traveling east on 66 Street. The rider sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists alcohol involvement and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was the sole occupant of the bike, which showed no damage. The rider was not wearing any safety equipment. No other vehicles were involved, and the crash occurred while the bicyclist was going straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598767 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - A 63-year-old man was struck by an eastbound e-bike near 76th Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was off the roadway and suffered neck injuries. The driver was inattentive, causing the collision. The victim was left in shock, complaining of pain.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling eastbound struck a 63-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway near 76th Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The pedestrian was injured but not ejected. The driver’s distraction led to the failure to avoid the collision with the pedestrian off the roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598457 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 12 - A 33-year-old e-bike rider hit a parked SUV on 65th Street. Blood streaked his face. He lay semiconscious under the streetlight. Flesh torn, metal bent. The street fell silent after the crash.

A 33-year-old man riding an e-bike crashed into the rear of a parked SUV near 65th Street and 14th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the rider was found semiconscious with severe facial lacerations. The e-bike’s front end was mangled from the impact. The SUV was unoccupied and parked at the time of the crash. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other injuries were reported. The scene was marked by blood, torn flesh, and silence after the collision. The police report notes the rider was not wearing a helmet.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 4 - Senate bill S 153 cracks down on bus lane violators. Owners face liability. Cameras catch drivers blocking buses. Sponsors push for stronger enforcement. Streets clear for buses, danger cut for those on foot.

Senate bill S 153, sponsored by Liz Krueger (District 28) with Andrew Gounardes (26) and Brad Hoylman-Sigal (47) as co-sponsors, is at the sponsorship stage. Introduced January 4, 2023, it 'relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions and to the adjudication of certain parking infractions.' The bill extends a bus rapid transit demonstration program, using cameras to enforce bus lane rules. No safety analyst note was provided. The sponsors aim to hold vehicle owners accountable and keep bus lanes clear, a move that can reduce risk for pedestrians and bus riders.

• File S 153, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Jan 4 - Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.

Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Dec 31 - A 36-year-old man driving an SUV backed unsafely on 65 Street in Brooklyn. The SUV struck a slowing sedan from behind. The SUV driver suffered a shoulder injury and bruising. Police cited backing unsafely and driver distraction as causes.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male driver in a 2014 SUV backed unsafely on 65 Street in Brooklyn, colliding with a slowing sedan ahead. The SUV driver sustained an upper arm and shoulder contusion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan was slowing or stopping when struck on its right rear bumper by the SUV's left front bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The SUV driver was not ejected and suffered moderate injury. The crash highlights driver errors in backing maneuvers and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594161 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 28 - A sedan struck a parked SUV on 72nd Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s female driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. The SUV was damaged on its right rear quarter panel. No one was ejected.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old female driver in a sedan collided with a parked SUV on 72nd Street in Brooklyn. The driver was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash, and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan’s left front bumper hit the right rear bumper of the parked SUV, causing damage to the SUV’s right rear quarter panel. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and airbag deployment. No other occupants were involved or injured. The crash occurred at 9:48 p.m. with the sedan traveling eastbound. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 28 - A sedan struck an object on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The left rear passenger suffered a head abrasion but was conscious. The driver was distracted. The vehicle's front center end took the impact. Two occupants were inside the car.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male rear passenger in a sedan was injured in a crash on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The passenger sustained a head abrasion and remained conscious. The sedan, traveling west, struck an object with its center front end. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was identified as inattentive and distracted at the time of the crash. The injured occupant was secured with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593614 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 24 - A 78-year-old man driving a sedan suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries after an SUV struck his parked vehicle. The crash happened in Brooklyn. The driver was distracted. The injured driver was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway collided with a parked sedan. The impact occurred on the left front quarter panel of the SUV and the left rear bumper of the sedan. The injured party was a 78-year-old male sedan driver who suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries and was in shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No other injuries or victims were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592501 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 23 - Two vehicles crashed head-on on 65 Street. Both drivers were conscious but suffered bruises and injuries to knees and lower legs. The SUV carried two men; the sedan had one woman driver. Driver distraction and unsafe speed caused the impact.

According to the police report, a 2015 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Nissan sedan collided head-on on 65 Street. The SUV was traveling east, the sedan south. Both drivers and the front passenger in the SUV sustained knee and lower leg injuries with contusions. The report lists driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The SUV driver and passenger wore lap belts and were not ejected. The sedan driver was also restrained. No pedestrian involvement was noted. The crash caused center front-end damage to both vehicles. The report does not specify other contributing factors or victim errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592376 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 22 - An 85-year-old man crossed Bliss Terrace at night. A sedan reversed. The bumper struck his head. He bled on the cold street. He died there. The driver failed to yield and backed unsafely. The street stayed silent after.

An 85-year-old pedestrian was killed on Bliss Terrace near 68th Street in Brooklyn when a sedan, backing east, struck him in the head. According to the police report, the man was crossing outside a crosswalk when the reversing vehicle hit him. He suffered severe bleeding and died at the scene. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver, a 42-year-old man, was licensed and alone in the car. No injuries were reported to the driver or other occupants. The crash highlights the danger when drivers back up without yielding to people on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592205 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 22 - A 48-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 64 Street near 7 Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist, unlicensed, struck the right side doors of another vehicle while disregarding traffic control. He suffered a back contusion and remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old male bicyclist traveling east on 64 Street collided with a vehicle traveling north near 7 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist was injured, sustaining a back contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the bicyclist failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was unlicensed and not wearing any safety equipment. The collision impacted the right side doors of the other vehicle and the center front end of the bicyclist's bike. No ejection occurred. The crash highlights the dangers posed by disregarding traffic controls and operating a bike without a license.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591916 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 16 - A motorcycle making a right turn struck a sedan traveling north on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. The sedan's left front quarter panel was damaged. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn was making a right turn when it collided with a sedan also traveling north. The motorcycle driver, a 47-year-old man wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was not ejected from the vehicle. The sedan sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The motorcycle's point of impact was the left front bumper, indicating the collision occurred during the turn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591727 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19