Ocean Parkway to the Belt: CB15’s Deadly Hours

Feb 6 - A Brooklyn driver suffered injuries in a collision involving two SUVs on Avenue U. Police reports cite alcohol involvement as a key factor. The injured driver was semiconscious but not ejected. Vehicle damage was limited to bumper and door impacts.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:09 AM on Avenue U in Brooklyn involving two sport utility vehicles. The driver, a 46-year-old male occupant, was injured and found semiconscious but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies alcohol involvement as a contributing factor in the crash. One SUV was traveling westbound going straight ahead while the other was parked with damage to its left rear bumper and left side doors. The injured driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The report lists no other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The collision caused visible damage to the left rear bumper and left side doors of the parked vehicles. This incident highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790860 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 31 - Assembly bill A 4214 lets drivers escape speed camera tickets if paperwork is sloppy. Missing, wrong, or unreadable info means no fine. Vulnerable road users lose a layer of protection.

Assembly bill A 4214, sponsored by Mike Reilly (District 62) with Michael Novakhov and Joe DeStefano, sits at the sponsorship stage. Introduced January 31, 2025, it reads: 'Permits a violation captured by a speed camera to be dismissed...if any information...is omitted...misdescribed or illegible.' The bill weakens speed camera enforcement by letting drivers dodge tickets on technicalities. No safety analyst has weighed in, but the measure chips away at a tool that slows cars and shields people on foot and bike.

• File A 4214, Open States, Published 2025-01-31

Jan 31 - Assembly bill A 4147 orders bold yellow signs near speed cameras. Signs must stand within fifty feet. Drivers get clear warning. Sponsors push for visibility. No mention of direct safety gains for walkers or riders.

Assembly bill A 4147 was introduced on January 31, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to requirements for signs providing notice of the use of a photo speed violation monitoring system,' demands that warning signs be primarily yellow and placed within fifty feet of speed cameras. Assembly Members Mike Reilly (primary sponsor), Michael Novakhov, and Joe DeStefano back the measure. The bill aims for clearer notice to drivers. There is no analyst note on its impact for vulnerable road users.

• File A 4147, Open States, Published 2025-01-31

Jan 30 - A sedan making a left turn in Brooklyn struck its own passenger, a 4-year-old girl, causing facial injuries and whiplash. The driver’s distraction by passengers contributed to the crash, highlighting dangers inside the vehicle during maneuvers.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 near Shore Parkway in Brooklyn. A 2023 Nissan sedan, traveling west, was making a left turn when the collision happened. The vehicle’s center front end was the point of impact. The injured party was a 4-year-old female occupant seated in the middle rear seat or lying across a seat. She sustained facial injuries and whiplash, with an injury severity rated as 3. The report identifies 'Passenger Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating the driver’s attention was compromised by occupants inside the vehicle. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The incident underscores the risks posed by driver distraction from passengers during critical driving maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789362 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 23 - Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

Jan 21 - A 22-year-old man driving a sedan on Voorhies Ave in Brooklyn suffered a neck contusion after a collision. The vehicle's left front quarter panel was damaged. Police cited driver inexperience as a contributing factor to the crash.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male driver was operating a 2023 Tesla sedan westbound on Voorhies Ave in Brooklyn at 13:48 when the vehicle sustained damage to the left front quarter panel. The driver was injured, suffering a neck contusion and classified with injury severity level 3. The report explicitly identifies 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The collision involved another vehicle, a Honda, also traveling westbound, which sustained damage to its right front quarter panel. No other contributing factors such as victim behavior were noted in the report. The incident underscores the dangers posed by driver inexperience behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 21 - Senator Scarcella-Spanton pushes S 2622. The bill kills congestion pricing, adds an MTA board seat, and orders a forensic audit. Streets risk more cars. Riders and walkers face louder, dirtier roads.

Senate bill S 2622 was introduced on January 21, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to repealing congestion pricing (Part A); commissioning an independent audit of the metropolitan transportation authority (Part B); and conducting an environmental impact study (Part C),' was sponsored by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (District 23). The bill repeals congestion pricing, expands the MTA board, and mandates a forensic audit. No safety analyst has assessed the impact, but repealing congestion pricing means more traffic and danger for New York’s most vulnerable on the street.

• File S 2622, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 19 - SUV backed unsafely on East 13th. Struck moped rider. Rider ejected. Suffered leg and foot injuries. Crash left him bruised, conscious, hurt on the street.

According to the police report, an SUV backed unsafely near East 13th Street in Brooklyn at 14:50 and struck a northbound moped. The moped rider, a 35-year-old man, was ejected and suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The moped rider was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787147 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 18 - A sport utility vehicle struck the right rear quarter panel of a sedan traveling eastbound on Belt Parkway. The sedan’s front passenger suffered a shoulder and upper arm injury, conscious and bruised. Unsafe speed by the SUV driver caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:13 a.m. Two vehicles, a sedan and a sport utility vehicle (SUV), were traveling eastbound. The SUV collided with the right rear quarter panel of the sedan. The report cites unsafe speed as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s front passenger, a 36-year-old female occupant, sustained an upper arm and shoulder injury, described as a contusion and bruise, and was conscious at the scene. Both drivers were licensed, traveling straight ahead, and the SUV’s right rear bumper impacted the sedan’s left front bumper. No ejections occurred. The report does not list any contributing factors from the passenger or other victims, focusing on the SUV driver’s unsafe speed as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 17 - Two sedans collided late at night on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. The female driver of one vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Alcohol involvement was cited as a contributing factor in the crash, highlighting driver impairment as a key cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:47 PM on Nostrand Avenue near Voorhies Avenue in Brooklyn. Two sedans traveling westbound collided, with impact points on the left front bumper of one vehicle and the center back end of the other. The female driver of the second sedan, age 54, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor, indicating driver impairment played a role in the collision. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash underscores the dangers of alcohol-impaired driving in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787005 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.

On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.

• Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 15 - A sedan struck a 17-year-old boy crossing with the signal on Nostrand Avenue. The teen suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. He was conscious. No driver errors or contributing factors were listed.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at the intersection of 3044 Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. At 2:50 p.m., a southbound sedan going straight struck him with its center front end. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was crossing lawfully with the signal. No victim actions were cited as contributing factors. The impact left a vulnerable road user hurt in the crosswalk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786977 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 9 - A 72-year-old woman suffered head injuries after a van made a right turn and struck her at an intersection in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the van’s right front bumper hit her, leaving her bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, a van traveling west on Avenue X in Brooklyn made a right turn and struck a 72-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection near W 1 St. The point of impact was the van’s right front bumper, causing a head injury classified as contusion and bruising. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the time of the collision, as noted under 'ped_action'. The report lists no contributing factors attributed to the driver, but the pedestrian’s crossing against the signal is recorded as a factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2011 van. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact but sustained injury severity level 3. No other vehicles or occupants were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785691 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 7 - Councilwoman Inna Vernikov blasts new MTA tax plans. She calls the agency reckless and accuses leaders of squeezing New Yorkers dry. The debate rages as the state hides details. Riders and workers wait in the crossfire.

"Governor Hochul has gifted the MTA free reign to grift NYC taxpayers into subsidizing their every irresponsible whim because, to them, New Yorkers are nothing but piggy banks to cushion a malfunctioning agency every time it inevitably falls in a financial hole." -- Inna Vernikov

On January 7, 2025, Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (District 48) joined the debate over new funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The matter, titled 'Mobility tax, other fees to prop up flailing MTA even after congestion toll — but Hochul’s plans remain secret,' centers on Governor Hochul’s undisclosed plans to hike the payroll mobility tax and add new fees, even after a $9 congestion toll. Vernikov, mentioned as a strong opponent, said, 'Governor Hochul has gifted the MTA free reign to grift NYC taxpayers into subsidizing their every irresponsible whim.' The bill’s status remains uncertain, with the state legislature previously rejecting a similar tax hike. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The debate continues in committee, with business leaders and councilmembers warning of harm to affordability and the city’s business climate.

• Mobility tax, other fees to prop up flailing MTA even after congestion toll — but Hochul’s plans remain secret, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-07

Jan 6 - In Brooklyn, a distracted driver crashed an SUV into parked vehicles. The SUV driver, a 60-year-old woman, suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The impact damaged multiple vehicles, revealing the dangers of driver inattention on city streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Brooklyn near East 5th Street at 8:40 a.m. The collision involved a 2024 Mazda SUV traveling north, driven by a 60-year-old licensed female driver. The SUV struck parked vehicles, including a 2022 Tesla sedan and a 2015 BMW sedan, both damaged at their center back ends. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The SUV driver sustained serious injuries, including a fractured and dislocated elbow on her lower arm and hand, and remained conscious after the crash. No other occupants or pedestrians were involved. The report highlights driver distraction as the primary cause, emphasizing the systemic risk posed by inattentive driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784170 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 5 - A moped plowed into a young man crossing Avenue P with the signal. Metal crushed flesh. Blood pooled. Deep cuts split his legs. He stayed conscious as the driver failed to yield. The street froze in the aftermath.

A 20-year-old man was struck by a moped while crossing Avenue P near McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the pedestrian was 'crossing with the signal' at the intersection when the moped, traveling straight ahead, hit him with its center front end. The report states the driver committed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact crushed the pedestrian’s legs, causing severe lacerations and leaving him conscious but bleeding in the street. The police narrative describes blood pooling and deep cuts. No contributing factors are attributed to the pedestrian; the report places responsibility on the moped driver’s failure to yield and inattention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 1 - A moving SUV struck a parked SUV in Brooklyn. Two inside the moving car suffered back injuries and whiplash. No driver errors listed. The crash left metal twisted and bodies hurt.

According to the police report, at 1:21 AM on Batchelder Street in Brooklyn, a 2012 Kia SUV traveling east hit a parked 2016 Land Rover SUV. The moving SUV took damage to its left side doors. Two occupants inside—the 56-year-old female driver and a 27-year-old male front passenger—were conscious but suffered back injuries and whiplash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash shows the harm that comes when moving vehicles collide with parked cars, leaving occupants injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784176 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04