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

May 29 - A Yamaha struck a Toyota’s side near 72nd Street. Steel twisted. Blood spilled. The young rider’s leg split open. Dusk fell hard. Inexperience and speed ruled the crash. The road stayed silent. No mercy. Only pain.

A motorcycle and a sedan collided on Shore Road near 72nd Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a Yamaha motorcycle struck the side of a Toyota sedan. The 21-year-old motorcycle rider suffered severe lacerations to his leg but remained conscious. The crash involved five people, including a 7-year-old passenger in the sedan. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet. The impact left steel bent and blood on the road. No pedestrians were involved. The data shows systemic danger when speed and inexperience meet on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4532188 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 29 - A Nissan SUV struck a Toyota sedan from behind on Belt Parkway. Four occupants, including two children, suffered upper arm and leg injuries. The SUV driver was following too closely. Airbags deployed. All victims conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a Nissan SUV traveling west on Belt Parkway rear-ended a Toyota sedan also heading west. The SUV was slowing or stopping, while the sedan was going straight ahead. The collision caused injuries to four occupants: two adults and two children, all conscious and restrained with airbags deployed. Injuries included contusions and abrasions to shoulders and legs. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance, causing the crash. No victims were ejected. The children were secured in child restraints. The crash damaged the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4532185 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 26 - A Lexus SUV struck a 22-year-old man on Shore Road. The right front bumper hit his head. Blood spilled. He stayed conscious. The driver was distracted. The SUV rolled on, unmarked. The man did not.

A 22-year-old pedestrian suffered a head injury and severe bleeding after a Lexus SUV hit him with its right front bumper near 71st Street on Shore Road in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'The driver was distracted.' The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The pedestrian remained conscious despite the impact and heavy bleeding. The SUV showed no damage. No other injuries were reported. The data does not mention any helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lose focus, leaving vulnerable road users to bear the brunt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4533791 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 25 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

May 24 - A 16-year-old boy was hit by an SUV while crossing 78 Street at 13 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was making a left turn and distracted. The teen suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 78 Street and 13 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2012 Jeep SUV, traveling south and making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle's left front bumper. The driver was the sole occupant and was licensed in New York. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to his shoulder and upper arm but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530826 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 24 - A sedan struck a parked car on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver, a 41-year-old woman, suffered bruises and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The crash involved disregarding traffic control. No one was ejected. Damage hit left side doors.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Bay Ridge Avenue collided with a parked vehicle, impacting the left side doors. The driver, a 41-year-old woman, was injured with contusions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The collision caused damage to the left side doors of the parked vehicle and the front end of the moving sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4531046 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 23 - Albany passed a bill letting New York City run speed cameras all day, every day. Lawmakers cut tougher penalties for repeat offenders. Advocates called the final bill a win, but mourned lost safety measures. Vulnerable road users remain exposed to reckless drivers.

On May 23, 2022, the New York State legislature passed a bill allowing New York City to operate speed cameras 24/7. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Deborah Glick, originally included tougher measures: escalating fines, registration suspensions, and insurance reporting for repeat speeders. These provisions were stripped during negotiations, leaving only the round-the-clock camera operation. Assembly Member Glick said, 'keeping the cameras on 24/7 was that hill.' Mayor Eric Adams called it 'a major victory for New Yorkers that will save lives.' Advocacy groups and lawmakers voiced frustration at Albany’s reluctance to adopt stronger safety tools. The final law removes blackout periods for cameras, but leaves dangerous drivers with fewer consequences. The bill passed despite disappointment over its dilution, exposing the limits of legislative action for street safety.

• Anatomy of a Sausage: How a Great Bill Got Gutted in Albany’s Mediocrity Factory, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-23

May 21 - Andrew Gounardes backs a deal to keep speed cameras on in 750 school zones at all hours. Crashes spike at night and on weekends. Cameras catch reckless drivers. Fewer end up in the ER. The fix is partial, but it will save lives.

On May 21, 2022, State Senator Andrew Gounardes endorsed a legislative deal to allow speed cameras in 750 New York City school zones to operate 24/7. The measure, awaiting City Council and state approval, aims to keep cameras running nights and weekends—when 41% of crashes occur. The matter summary states: 'the Legislature is poised to do the right thing and allow the speed cameras...to keep operating around the clock.' Gounardes, a key advocate, joins Mayor Adams and crash victims’ families in support. The endorsement highlights that automated enforcement cuts reckless driving and reduces injuries. The deal falls short by lacking escalating penalties for repeat speeders and lasting only three years. Still, keeping cameras on at all hours is the most important fix, targeting the deadliest times for vulnerable road users.

• Yes, we cam: A deal on NYC traffic enforcement speed cameras will save lives, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-21

May 20 - Lawmakers struck a deal. Speed cameras stay for three more years. Cameras will run all day, every day. Assemblywoman Glick backs the move. Streets saw less speeding where cameras watched. The city council must approve. The fight against traffic violence continues.

Bill to extend and expand New York City's automated speed camera program advanced on May 20, 2022. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, representing District 66, cosponsors the legislation. The bill awaits City Council approval. The measure allows cameras to operate 24/7, instead of limited weekday hours. The matter summary states: 'State lawmakers have reached a deal to extend and expand a New York City traffic camera program that has ticketed reckless drivers in school zones since 2013.' Glick said, 'Speeding, as we all know, has become more prolific during the pandemic.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Senate sponsor, said, 'Speed cameras save lives.' Mayor Adams called the bill a 'major victory for New Yorkers.' City data shows speeding dropped 72% during camera hours. The extension aims to curb rising traffic violence and protect vulnerable road users.

• Lawmakers reach deal for 3-year extension to NYC speed camera program, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-20

May 20 - Lawmakers move to keep speed cameras running in school zones. The bill grants a three-year extension. Cameras will operate 24/7. Deborah Glick expected to sponsor in Assembly. The measure aims to curb reckless driving and protect people on foot and bike.

Bill to extend New York City's speed camera program for three years is advancing. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced the measure on May 19, 2022. The bill allows cameras in up to 750 school zones to run around the clock until July 1, 2025. Assemblymember Deborah Glick, District 66, is expected to sponsor the bill in the Assembly. The bill summary states it will 'allow New York City to extend its soon-to-expire speed camera program and keep the devices running 24 hours a day.' Mayor Eric Adams called the deal 'a major victory for New Yorkers that will save lives and help stem the tide of traffic violence.' The bill dropped harsher penalties for repeat offenders, focusing on the extension and expanded hours. The City Council must approve a home rule message before the state Legislature votes. The legislative session ends June 2, 2022.

• Lawmakers likely to extend NYC speed cameras for 3 years, gothamist.com, Published 2022-05-20

May 19 - Albany renewed New York City’s speed cameras for three years, now running 24/7. Lawmakers stripped out tougher penalties for repeat speeders. Advocates cheered the cameras but mourned lost reforms. The deal keeps watch, but reckless drivers dodge real consequences.

Bill to extend New York City’s speed camera program passed on May 19, 2022, after a legislative compromise. The measure, confirmed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, grants a three-year extension with 24/7 camera operation. The original bill would have suspended registrations for repeat speeders, notified insurers, and raised fines. These provisions were removed after concerns from lawmakers, including co-sponsor Sen. Roxanne Persaud. The matter summary: 'Albany lawmakers reached a deal to renew and expand New York City's speed camera program, keeping them on 24/7, but only after key provisions...were removed.' Mayor Adams called the deal 'a major victory,' but advocates like Eric McClure of StreetsPAC said, 'it’s not enough.' The City Council must submit a home rule message before final passage. The compromise keeps cameras rolling but leaves dangerous drivers unchecked.

• Albany Deal Extends Speed Cameras, But Sacrifices the Bill’s Boldest Provisions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-19

May 18 - Two sedans slammed together on 92 Street in Brooklyn. One driver suffered neck pain and whiplash. Both cars took heavy center damage. No pedestrians or cyclists involved. Police list causes as unspecified.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 92 Street in Brooklyn while both were heading west. The crash left one driver, a 50-year-old man, with neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no driver errors identified. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4528929 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 18 - Albany stalls on S5602. The mayor stays quiet. Speed cameras hang in the balance. Some senators push for 24/7 enforcement. Others hedge. Council members want camera cash for roads. The clock runs out. Streets stay dangerous. Lives hang on the vote.

Senate bill S5602, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would expand New York City’s speed camera program to 24/7 operation. The legislative session nears its end with no clear action. State Sen. Jabari Brisport supports the bill, calling for round-the-clock enforcement. Sen. John Liu backs maintaining cameras but won’t commit to S5602. Some City Council members demand that camera revenue fund local road improvements. Assembly Member Dick Gottfried doubts the Council will send the required home rule message in time, while Assembly Member William Magnarelli promises to advance the bill if they do. Mayor Adams’ team claims safety was discussed in Albany, but the mayor himself stayed silent. The bill faces opposition over increased penalties and insurance notifications. Without action, the city’s speed cameras—and the safety of its streets—are at risk.

• ALBANY NOTEBOOK: Mayor Treks Upstate, But Speed Cameras are Still at Risk of Expiring, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-18

May 16 - A pick-up truck crashed into a parked sedan on 85th Street in Brooklyn. The truck driver, a 34-year-old man, was injured and unconscious. Police found illegal drugs and driver fatigue as factors. The sedan was unoccupied and damaged on its left side.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling southwest struck a parked sedan on its left side doors at 85th Street in Brooklyn. The truck's right front bumper was damaged. The truck driver, a 34-year-old man, was injured and found unconscious. The report lists illegal drugs and falling asleep as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan was unoccupied at the time and sustained damage to its left side doors. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights driver impairment and fatigue as key causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4528365 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

May 16 - Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

May 15 - A 35-year-old male SUV driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash after a collision on 4 Avenue. The pickup truck was turning left and struck the SUV’s right side. The SUV driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 4 Avenue involving a northbound SUV and a southbound pickup truck making a left turn. The SUV struck the right side doors of the pickup truck. The SUV driver, a 35-year-old man, was injured with chest trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor, indicating the pickup truck driver did not yield to the SUV. Both drivers were licensed. The SUV sustained damage to its center front end, while the pickup truck was damaged on the right side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4528612 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 15 - A sedan backing west struck a parked sedan in Brooklyn. The impact hit the left rear quarter panel of the moving car and the right rear quarter panel of the parked car. An 8-year-old passenger suffered knee and lower leg abrasions.

According to the police report, a 2016 Honda sedan was backing west when it collided with a parked 2013 Toyota sedan in Brooklyn. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the moving vehicle and the right rear quarter panel of the parked vehicle. An 8-year-old female occupant in the right rear seat of the moving vehicle was injured, sustaining abrasions to her knee and lower leg. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the backing maneuver. The collision caused damage to both vehicles' rear quarter panels.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4528020 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 13 - A new app lets drivers dodge speed cameras. It beeps warnings, tracks speed, and fuels anti-camera talk. Safe-streets advocates push back. They want more cameras, not fewer. State Senator Andrew Gounardes moves to reauthorize the city’s speed camera program.

On May 13, 2022, public debate erupted over speed camera enforcement and evasion technologies. The issue centers on a new app, NYC SpeedCamBuster, which alerts drivers to speed and red-light cameras, helping them avoid tickets. The matter, titled 'New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras,' drew sharp criticism from safe-streets activists and the NYPD, who called such apps a 'significant public safety concern.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, representing District 26, took action to reauthorize and expand the city’s speed camera program. Advocates Jacob deCastro and Jehiah Czebotar demanded more cameras and stricter enforcement, arguing that cameras save lives and change driver behavior. The debate highlights the tension between public safety and technology that undermines enforcement.

• New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-05-13

May 13 - A new app warns drivers about speed and red-light cameras. It helps them skirt tickets, dodge limits, and endanger lives. Safe-streets advocates slam the app. They say speed cameras save lives. The city fights for more control. The danger grows.

On May 13, 2022, Streetsblog NYC reported on the launch of NYC SpeedCamBuster, a cellphone app that alerts drivers to speed and red-light camera locations. The article, titled "New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras," details how the app lets drivers evade enforcement and dispute tickets. Safe-streets groups, including Transportation Alternatives and engineer Jehiah Czebotar, condemned the app. Jacob deCastro of Transportation Alternatives said, "If drivers want to avoid speeding tickets, they simply should not speed." Czebotar added, "Any demand for notifications to help drivers avoid speed cameras is proof that actually enforcing the speed limit does change driver behavior for the better." The NYPD warned that such apps undermine public safety. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes is pushing to reauthorize and expand the speed camera program. The app, and others like it, threaten vulnerable road users by making streets less safe.

• New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-13