Queens CB2’s broken hour: deaths on Queens Boulevard, trucks in the crosswalk

Jul 6 - A 4-year-old boy was injured crossing 9 Street in Queens when a southbound taxi struck him at the center front end. The child suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at impact.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on 9 Street struck a 4-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the street outside of an intersection or crosswalk. The child sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity level of 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead at the time of impact, with the point of impact at the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, only noting 'Unspecified' for pedestrian contributing factors. The taxi sustained no damage. This crash highlights the dangers posed by vehicles to young pedestrians crossing mid-block, emphasizing driver responsibility in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738467 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 5 - A sedan slammed its right front into an object on the Long Island Expressway. Two young men inside suffered whiplash, back, and neck injuries. Both were conscious. No driver errors listed. The road remains unforgiving.

According to the police report, a 2021 Dodge sedan traveling west on the Long Island Expressway struck an object or vehicle, damaging the right front quarter panel. The 20-year-old male driver and a 21-year-old male passenger both suffered back, neck, and whiplash injuries. Both were conscious and wore lap belts. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors such as failure to yield or speeding. No ejections occurred. No pedestrians or other vehicles are specified as involved. The crash highlights the persistent dangers faced by vehicle occupants on New York City expressways, even when no clear driver error is cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738654 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 2 - A moped turned right, striking a bicycle from behind on Queens Boulevard. A GMC SUV then hit a 36-year-old pedestrian head-on, crushing his lower body. Both drivers failed to yield right-of-way, causing chaos at the intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at Queens Boulevard and Jackson Avenue in Queens around 19:43. A moped was making a right turn and struck a bicycle from behind, damaging the moped's left side doors and the bike's center back end. Subsequently, a GMC SUV traveling straight ahead struck a 36-year-old pedestrian head-on, causing contusions and crush injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for both the moped and SUV drivers. Additionally, the pedestrian was noted for 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly,' while the bicyclist was cited for 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The sequence highlights systemic dangers when multiple drivers fail to yield at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739338 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 26 - A Ford carry-all turned left at 47th Avenue and 46th Street. The truck struck a 16-year-old girl in the center of the crosswalk. She suffered fatal head wounds. The driver’s view was obstructed. The truck showed no damage. The license remained.

A deadly collision unfolded at the corner of 47th Avenue and 46th Street in Queens when, according to the police report, a Ford carry-all making a left turn struck a 16-year-old pedestrian in the center of the crosswalk. The report states the girl was crushed and suffered fatal head wounds. The driver’s actions are underscored by the police report’s citation of 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor. The truck sustained no damage, and the driver kept his license, according to the police report. No contributing factors were attributed to the victim. The report details the systemic danger faced by pedestrians at intersections, especially when drivers proceed with limited visibility.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735938 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 25 - Motorcycle driver thrown from bike on 39 Street, Skillman Avenue. Suffered fractured, dislocated arm and hand. No other vehicles. Crash cause not specified.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old man riding a 2016 Yamaha motorcycle was ejected and injured on 39 Street near Skillman Avenue in Queens at 16:41. The motorcycle, traveling south, crashed and struck its center front end. The rider suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated elbow, lower arm, and hand. Injury severity was level 3. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not cite any driver errors. The rider wore a helmet, as noted after the crash details. No other vehicles or people were involved. The report focuses on the crash impact and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736324 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 23 - Two sedans collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A reckless lane change smashed metal. The rear passenger took the blow. He left with arm wounds and abrasions. Driver error set the crash in motion.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed at 8:00 PM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The Nissan sedan changed lanes improperly, striking the left rear quarter panel of the Tesla sedan traveling straight. The impact demolished the Nissan's front right quarter panel. A 21-year-old male passenger in the Tesla's middle rear seat suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The police report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, highlighting the Nissan driver's unsafe maneuver. No contributing factors related to the injured passenger's actions were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735021 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 21 - A taxi struck a bicyclist from behind on 51 Street in Queens. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered abrasions to his arm. The crash happened late at night, highlighting driver failure to maintain safe distance.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on 51 Street collided with a bicyclist also traveling north. The point of impact was the taxi's left front quarter panel striking the bike's left rear bumper. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the cyclist. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but no victim behavior was cited as a contributing factor. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. This crash underscores the dangers posed by driver errors like tailgating in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735817 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 21 - A motorcycle struck the right side doors of a slowing van on the Long Island Expressway. The female motorcyclist, wearing a helmet, suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Driver inattention and improper lane usage contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old female motorcyclist collided with the right side doors of a Ford van traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway at 14:24. The van was slowing or stopping when the impact occurred. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet and sustained abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites driver errors including inattention and distraction, as well as improper passing or lane usage by the motorcyclist. The van driver was licensed and traveling east with no occupants. The crash damage was focused on the right side doors of both vehicles. The motorcyclist’s injuries and the contributing factors highlight the dangers of following too closely and driver distraction on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735032 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 12 - A sedan rear-ended a stopped taxi on 54 Street near Northern Boulevard. Three people were hurt. Police cite driver inexperience and fatigue as causes. Chest and back injuries. Shock. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west struck the rear of a taxi stopped in traffic on 54 Street near Northern Boulevard at 6:30 AM. The crash injured three people: the 56-year-old female taxi driver, a 21-year-old female passenger, and the 18-year-old male sedan driver. All suffered chest or back injuries and were in shock. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Fatigued/Drowsy' as contributing factors for the sedan driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. No victim actions or helmet use were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights critical driver errors leading to harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732030 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 11 - Queens residents gathered under the 7 train. They blasted Governor Hochul’s sudden halt of congestion pricing. Protesters called it a betrayal of millions who rely on transit. Anger burned over lost upgrades, broken promises, and a system that favors drivers over straphangers.

On June 11, 2024, three dozen Queens residents rallied against Governor Hochul’s last-minute decision to pause congestion pricing. The protest, organized by Laura Shepard of Transportation Alternatives, took place under the 7 train. Jaqi Cohen of Tri-State Transportation Campaign declared, “She can't ignore the needs of New York's eight million transit riders.” Restaurant owner Michael Fuquay said, “You want to know how my employees get to work? They walk, they bike, they take the bus.” State Assembly candidate Claire Valdez called the move “a slap in the face to millions who use public transit.” The MTA’s capital plan, including long-awaited elevator upgrades at 46 St-Bliss St and 33 St-Rawson, now hangs in the balance. Protesters condemned the governor’s action as a blow to vulnerable New Yorkers who depend on safe, reliable transit.

• Queens Residents Rally Against Hochul’s Congestion Pricing Flip Flop, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-11

Jun 9 - A bus traveling east on 23 Street collided with a southbound bicyclist. The cyclist suffered injuries to his entire body but remained conscious. The crash resulted from driver inattention and distraction, highlighting dangerous lapses in vehicle operation.

According to the police report, a bus driven by a licensed male operator was traveling straight ahead eastbound on 23 Street when it struck a bicyclist moving southbound. The point of impact was the bus's left front bumper and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old male, was injured across his entire body but was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor twice, indicating the bus driver’s failure to maintain proper attention. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but no contributing factors related to the victim were listed. This crash underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731597 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Albany scrambles after Governor Hochul kills congestion pricing. Lawmakers float a $1 billion IOU for the MTA. No clear funding. Transit riders left in limbo. Streets stay clogged. Subways wait for repairs. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

On June 7, 2024, state lawmakers, led by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, responded to Governor Hochul’s sudden suspension of Manhattan’s congestion pricing plan. The Legislature rejected Hochul’s push for a payroll tax hike, then considered a vague $1 billion IOU for the MTA, with no funding source. Gianaris told reporters the proposal would simply promise a billion dollars for the next year’s budget, but offered no details. The bill has not been introduced or assigned to committee. Betsy Plum of the Riders Alliance warned, 'The proposal on the table will not fix the subway. A billion dollar IOU is not nearly enough money nor is it nearly secure enough to build trust and rebuild our critical infrastructure.' With no new revenue, the MTA’s ability to fund repairs and upgrades remains in doubt. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders—face continued danger as safe, reliable alternatives to driving are left unfunded.

• NY lawmakers considering $1B IOU after Gov. Hochul’s congestion pricing flip-flop, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Albany lawmakers shut down a last-ditch MTA funding plan after Governor Hochul paused congestion pricing. No replacement for the lost $1 billion. Transit riders and street users face uncertainty. Lawmakers call the move reckless. The city waits. Danger lingers.

On June 7, 2024, the New York State legislative session ended without passing a replacement funding plan for the MTA after Governor Kathy Hochul paused congestion pricing. The matter, described as 'Albany pumps the brakes on MTA funding plan in rebuke of Hochul’s move to ditch congestion pricing,' left the MTA without the $1 billion annual revenue congestion pricing would have provided. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins announced the session’s close without a deal. Lawmakers including State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, State Sen. John Liu, Assemblyman Harvey Epstein, and Assemblyman Tony Simone criticized the governor’s decision and the proposed IOU bailout. Gounardes said, 'I cannot in good conscience ratify a decision that will eliminate a significant, dedicated revenue source for the MTA’s capital plan.' The pause leaves the city’s transit future—and the safety of those who rely on it—uncertain.

• Albany pumps the brakes on MTA funding plan in rebuke of Hochul’s move to ditch congestion pricing, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Albany scrambles after Hochul kills congestion pricing. Lawmakers float a $1 billion-a-year promise for the MTA. No details. No guarantees. Michael Gianaris calls it a stopgap. Riders and streets hang in the balance. The future stays uncertain.

On June 7, 2024, Albany lawmakers responded to Governor Hochul’s cancellation of NYC congestion pricing. The proposed measure, still without a bill number or final language, would guarantee $1 billion annually for the MTA over 15 years. State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris explained, “It’s very simply something that just says there will be a billion dollars for the MTA in the following year’s budget, but without any specifics as to what that means.” Gianaris and others are working with Hochul and the MTA to keep capital projects alive. The bill’s fate is unclear, with some lawmakers already planning to vote no. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The measure’s details and its effect on street safety remain unknown.

• Albany lawmakers considering last-minute bailout for lost congestion toll revenue, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - A 39-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured on the Long Island Expressway. The motorcycle overturned after impact. The rider suffered chest contusions and bruises, remaining conscious despite the severity of the crash.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male driver operating a 2022 Honda motorcycle was traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway at 11:55. The motorcycle overturned, ejecting the rider who sustained chest injuries including contusions and bruises. The rider was conscious after the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors related to the driver. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was licensed in New York. The point of impact was categorized as 'Other,' and the motorcycle was going straight ahead at the time. The report does not specify any pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim behaviors. The crash highlights the dangers motorcyclists face when ejected and overturned on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730614 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 6 - A motorcyclist suffered knee and leg injuries after a vehicle backed unsafely into her on Greenpoint Avenue. The driver was partially ejected and experienced shock. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Greenpoint Avenue at 9:10 AM. A vehicle making a U-turn backed unsafely, striking the left rear bumper of a motorcycle traveling west. The motorcyclist, a 28-year-old female driver, was partially ejected and sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock reported. The report identifies the vehicle driver's errors as backing unsafely and driver inattention or distraction. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, but no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. Vehicle damage was noted on the left rear quarter panel of the motorcycle and the center back end of the other vehicle. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe backing maneuvers combined with driver distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731358 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19