Queens Streets Bleed—How Many More Before We Act?

A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

Senate bill S 3832 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Sponsors push for stricter standards. No direct safety impact analysis for pedestrians or cyclists yet.

Senate bill S 3832, now in sponsorship, demands advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill instructs the DMV commissioner to create new rules. Filed January 30, 2025. The matter: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state.' Sponsors are Brad Hoylman-Sigal (primary), Michael Gianaris, and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The measure aims to raise standards but leaves details to future regulations.

• File S 3832, Open States, Published 2025-01-30

A 78-year-old woman suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck her at a Queens intersection. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, hitting the pedestrian on the left side doors. The victim was conscious but injured crossing against the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:56 on 69 Street near Garfield Avenue in Queens. A 2016 Ford SUV traveling north struck a 78-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian on its left side doors. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the time of impact. She sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No vehicle damage was reported. The collision highlights the critical role of driver distraction in causing harm to vulnerable road users at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788775 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two sedans collided head-to-tail on Pulaski Bridge. A 24-year-old front-seat passenger suffered neck abrasions. The crash was caused by one driver following too closely. Both vehicles were traveling westbound when impact occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Pulaski Bridge involving two sedans traveling westbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the lead vehicle and the center back end of the trailing vehicle. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factor, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle. A 24-year-old female front passenger was injured, sustaining neck abrasions but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The driver of the trailing vehicle was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of insufficient following distance on city bridges.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787720 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Assembly bill A 2642 orders new safety tech in every car. The DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for change. Streets could see fewer crashes. The fight for safer roads moves to Albany.

Assembly Bill A 2642, now in sponsorship, would require advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill, introduced January 21, 2025, directs the DMV commissioner to set rules and regulations. The matter reads: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Brian Cunningham leads as primary sponsor, joined by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt life-saving tech. No safety analyst has yet assessed its direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 2642, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

A sedan struck an e-scooter on Woodside Ave in Queens, ejecting the 60-year-old rider. The rider suffered neck abrasions but remained conscious. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:42 on Woodside Ave in Queens. A sedan, traveling east and starting from parking, collided with an eastbound e-scooter. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper and the e-scooter's center front end. The e-scooter driver, a 60-year-old male, was ejected and sustained neck abrasions but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factors attributed to the sedan driver. The sedan driver was licensed in New York and driving a 2015 Acura. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and close following distances in interactions with vulnerable e-scooter riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787724 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 19-year-old woman suffered neck contusions when a box truck making a left turn hit her at an intersection in Queens. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, causing the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Queens Boulevard was making a left turn on 69 Street around 9:22 AM when it struck a 19-year-old female pedestrian crossing the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained neck contusions and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors to the crash. The truck's point of impact was the center front end, and notably, the vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was not at fault; the driver’s failure to yield and distraction directly led to the injury. This incident highlights the dangers posed by inattentive drivers failing to respect pedestrian right-of-way at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787767 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Governor Hochul pledged more police and brighter lights in the subway. Barriers and new fare gates will come to a few stations. Critics called the plans symbolic, lacking funding and detail. Andrea Stewart-Cousins stood with Hochul as the city waits for real change.

On January 14, 2025, during the State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul announced new subway safety measures. The proposals include NYPD officers on every overnight train, LED lighting in all stations, and limited installation of platform barriers and modern fare gates. The matter summary states: 'Hochul finally acknowledges NYC subway crime in State of the State speech—but proposals slammed as largely symbolic.' Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the announcement, stood with Hochul. Critics, including State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, called the measures 'symbolic.' The Working Families Party warned that tax cuts without new revenue could threaten transit funding. No direct safety analyst assessment was provided, but advocates and lawmakers questioned whether these steps will protect riders or simply signal action.

• Hochul finally acknowledges NYC subway crime in ‘State of the State’ speech — but proposals slammed as largely ‘symbolic’, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-14

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator 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 bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

A 27-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a limousine making a left turn on Jackson Ave in Queens. The limo driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing head injuries and shock to the pedestrian. Alcohol involvement noted.

According to the police report, a limousine traveling south on Jackson Ave in Queens struck a 27-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the limo, making a left turn, impacted her on the left front quarter panel. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the limo driver as a contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock but had no visible complaints. Additionally, alcohol involvement is noted as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally but failed to yield to the pedestrian, resulting in serious injury. The incident occurred at 18:01, highlighting systemic dangers posed by driver errors in yielding to pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 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 safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

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

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

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

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08