She Survived Nazis and Chernobyl—But Not a Brooklyn Crosswalk

Mar 20 - 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 2024-03-20

Mar 18 - SUV hit sedan turning left on Stillwell Avenue. Impact tore into sedan’s front, SUV’s rear. Passenger in SUV, 54, suffered head abrasions. Unsafe speed cited. Streets turned violent in daylight.

According to the police report, a southbound SUV struck a northeast-bound sedan making a left turn on Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn at 14:46. The SUV’s right rear bumper and the sedan’s center front end collided. The report cites "Unsafe Speed" as a contributing factor, pointing to driver error by the SUV operator. A 54-year-old female passenger in the SUV’s right rear seat, secured by a lap belt and harness, suffered head abrasions but remained conscious. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The collision underscores the risk posed by unsafe speed during turning movements.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 12 - A taxi struck the rear of a stopped sedan on Neptune Avenue, injuring the sedan driver. The impact caused abdominal and pelvic injuries, leaving the driver in shock. Police cite following too closely and other vehicular errors as contributing factors.

According to the police report, at 13:15 on Neptune Avenue, a taxi traveling east rear-ended a sedan that was stopped in traffic. The sedan driver, a 26-year-old man, was injured with abdominal and pelvic trauma and experienced shock. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The taxi driver was also male and licensed in New York. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors to the collision. The sedan sustained damage to its center back end, while the taxi was damaged at its center front end. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights driver errors related to maintaining safe distance and vehicle control in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 11 - A 28-year-old man suffered a fractured arm after a BMW sedan struck him while he emerged from behind a parked vehicle at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, hitting the pedestrian with the right front bumper.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Shore Parkway in Brooklyn around 2:15 p.m. A 28-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a BMW sedan traveling westbound struck him at an intersection. The pedestrian was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle when the collision happened. The point of impact was the sedan’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper attention. There are no contributing factors listed for the pedestrian. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban settings, especially where pedestrians enter traffic from behind parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 7 - Council aims to ban moving billboards. These rolling ads distract drivers. The bill locks in an existing rule. Streets need fewer distractions. Safety for walkers and riders comes first.

Bill Int 0541-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 7, 2024, by Council Members Bottcher (primary), Brannan, Brewer, and Restler, it seeks to ban moving billboards. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to banning moving billboards.' These billboards are already illegal under city rules. The bill would codify 34 RCNY 4-12(j), making the ban law. Bottcher and co-sponsors want to cut visual clutter and driver distraction. The bill was referred to committee on March 7, 2024.

• File Int 0541-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Mar 7 - Council bill forces DOT to act fast. Traffic study calls get answers in 60 days. No more endless waits. Streets stay dangerous while requests stall. Delay kills. Action saves.

Int 0542-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, laid over since March 7, 2024. The bill reads: 'requiring that traffic study determinations be issued no later than 60 days from the date a traffic control device is requested by a city council member or community board.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Brooks-Powers, Vernikov, and Morano. The bill cracks the whip on DOT, ending open-ended delays. Fast answers mean less time waiting for life-saving signals and signs. The city’s slow grind leaves people at risk. This bill demands speed.

• File Int 0542-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Mar 7 - Council aims to keep sightseeing buses out of bus lanes during rush. The bill targets morning and evening peaks. Streets clear for city buses, not tourists. Pedestrians and cyclists get a break from double-deckers.

Bill Int 0543-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on March 7, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to restricting the use of bus lanes by sight-seeing buses,' blocks sightseeing buses from bus lanes on weekdays, 7–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. Sponsors Lincoln Restler (District 33, primary) and Justin L. Brannan (District 47, co-sponsor) push to keep bus lanes clear for transit. No sightseeing bus stops allowed in bus lanes during these hours. The bill responds to congestion and crowding, giving vulnerable road users more space and fewer blind spots.

• File Int 0543-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Mar 7 - Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Mar 3 - SUV struck a cyclist from behind on Stillwell Avenue. Driver was distracted. Cyclist suffered chest abrasions. Impact was sudden. Streets remain perilous for those outside a car.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling south on Stillwell Avenue rear-ended a bicyclist who was also heading south. The SUV's left rear bumper hit the bike's center front end. The 42-year-old cyclist suffered chest abrasions and remained conscious at the scene. Police list "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the cause of the crash. The cyclist was not ejected and played no role in causing the collision. This crash shows the danger distracted drivers pose to people on bikes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706561 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 29 - SUV and sedan crashed on Avenue Z in Brooklyn. Sedan’s bumper hit SUV’s side. A 35-year-old woman in the SUV suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control disregard.

According to the police report, a 2023 SUV traveling south and a 2023 sedan traveling west collided on Avenue Z in Brooklyn at 16:18. The sedan’s right front bumper struck the SUV’s left side doors. A 35-year-old female front passenger in the SUV was injured, suffering head injuries and whiplash. She remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention, distraction, and disregard of traffic control as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight before the crash. No victim fault or helmet use is mentioned. The report centers on driver errors and systemic danger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707886 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Council moves to outlaw fake plates. Fraud hides reckless drivers. Bill targets sellers, sets fines. Streets need truth. Law aims to strip shields from danger.

Bill Int 0178-2024 sits with the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the sale or distribution of fraudulent license plates," makes it illegal to sell or distribute fake or temporary plates, with civil penalties for violators. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Brewer, Brannan, and Avilés. The bill was referred to committee the same day. Fraudulent plates let reckless drivers vanish. This measure aims to close that escape, exposing those who endanger lives.

• File Int 0178-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 26 - SUV and sedan collided at a Brooklyn intersection. Both drivers and a passenger suffered neck injuries. Metal twisted. Whiplash followed. The crash left both vehicles scarred and silent.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling east struck a sedan making a left turn on Brighton Beach Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:50 PM. The SUV's driver and the sedan's front passenger, both women, were injured with neck pain and whiplash. Both remained conscious and wore lap belts. The sedan's male driver was also involved. The report lists 'unspecified' contributing factors, with no mention of victim fault. The crash damaged the front ends of both vehicles. The collision highlights the danger when drivers make turning maneuvers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705451 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 21 - A southbound SUV struck a westbound sedan on Bay 47 Street, causing injury to the SUV driver. The collision damaged the right front bumper of the SUV and the right rear quarter panel of the sedan. The driver suffered whiplash and full-body injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:45 on Bay 47 Street involving a 2021 SUV traveling south and a 2022 sedan traveling west. The SUV driver, a 50-year-old woman wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with whiplash and bodily injuries affecting her entire body. The collision point was the SUV's right front bumper impacting the sedan's right rear quarter panel. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver did not yield properly. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The accident also involved a parked 2007 SUV damaged on its left rear quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704208 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 19 - A parked sedan in Brooklyn lurched forward. It struck a young man on foot and a woman in the front seat. Both suffered severe leg injuries. Driver errors remain unknown. The street stayed silent. The pain did not.

According to the police report, a 2020 Lexus sedan, parked near 3052 West 21 Street in Brooklyn, struck a 25-year-old male pedestrian and a 25-year-old female front-seat passenger. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with shock and pain. The passenger sustained fractures and dislocations to her lower limbs. The sedan's center front end was the point of impact. The police report lists all contributing factors as unspecified and does not cite driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless driving. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report. The incident shows the risk posed by vehicles, even when parked, with responsibility left unclear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703671 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 18 - Two sedans collided on Belt Parkway in a rear-end crash. The front passenger in the struck vehicle suffered a head injury and minor bleeding. Police cited following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling westbound at the time.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway around 5:00 a.m. Two sedans traveling westbound collided when one vehicle struck the rear of the other. The driver of the striking vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance, resulting in a rear-end collision. The front passenger in the struck sedan, a 37-year-old male, sustained a head injury with minor bleeding and was reported to be in shock. The injured occupant was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report explicitly cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. Both drivers held valid New York licenses and were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the right front bumper of the striking sedan and the left rear bumper of the struck sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703285 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 12 - A motorcycle traveling west on Neptune Avenue struck a pedestrian at an intersection. The rider suffered a severe head injury with fractures and dislocations. Police cite aggressive driving and disregard for traffic control as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male motorcycle occupant was injured in a collision on Neptune Avenue near West 6 Street in Brooklyn at 6:30 PM. The motorcycle, traveling straight ahead westbound, impacted the pedestrian at the intersection with its left front bumper. The injured party sustained head injuries including fractures and dislocations and remained conscious. The report identifies aggressive driving and road rage as primary contributing factors, along with the driver disregarding traffic control. These driver errors directly led to the crash and the serious injuries sustained. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions or safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702182 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 11 - Two sedans collided on Avenue Y. Driver inattention sent one car into the back of another. Three people bruised, shaken, but conscious. The crash struck hard, leaving bodies sore and the street marked.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Avenue Y near Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn just after midnight. The rear sedan struck the back of the front sedan. Three occupants were injured: a 31-year-old male driver and two female passengers, ages 28 and 30. All suffered contusions and bruises to their entire bodies. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause. All victims were conscious and not ejected. The police report does not cite any contributing factors related to the victims. The crash highlights the danger of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701916 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08