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

Mar 9 - An unlicensed 18-year-old on a 2023 ZHEJIANG motorscooter slammed headfirst, ejected, and died on Laurel Hill Boulevard. The streetlight flickered above his crushed skull. No helmet. No one else involved. The road claimed another young life.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male, operating a 2023 ZHEJIANG motorscooter, crashed near Laurel Hill Boulevard and 49th Street in Queens at 22:37. The report states he was 'unlicensed and bareheaded,' and that he was ejected from the vehicle, suffering fatal head injuries. The narrative describes the victim as slamming 'headfirst' and dying alone on the pavement. Police records indicate the driver had no license and wore no safety equipment. The vehicle sustained damage to the center front end, consistent with a high-impact collision. The police report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor, but the data makes clear the driver was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The crash underscores the lethal risk of unlicensed operation and lack of protective equipment, as documented in the official report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709150 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 9 - A 68-year-old man suffered severe bodily injuries after a sedan struck him while crossing Borden Avenue without a signal. The vehicle hit the pedestrian with its center front end. The victim was conscious but fractured and dislocated.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old male pedestrian was injured crossing Borden Avenue outside of an intersection or crosswalk when he was struck by a 2016 Volkswagen sedan traveling east. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, was going straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian at the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained fractures, dislocations, and injuries to his entire body but remained conscious. The report lists the pedestrian's crossing action as "Crossing, No Signal, or Crosswalk" but does not specify any driver contributing factors or violations. The absence of identified driver errors in the report leaves unclear the exact cause, but the collision occurred while the pedestrian was crossing mid-block, highlighting systemic danger in such locations.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708752 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - A 46-year-old female driver suffered full-body injuries and shock after her SUV struck the rear of another vehicle on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The crash was caused by driver inattention, resulting in significant vehicle damage and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:45 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The driver of a 2018 Subaru SUV, a 46-year-old woman, was traveling east when her vehicle impacted the right rear bumper of another eastbound vehicle. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. The SUV sustained damage to the center back end, while the other vehicle was damaged at the center front end. The driver was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. She suffered injuries to her entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708427 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - A distracted driver hit a 48-year-old man on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The pedestrian suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The driver, also injured, was in shock. Both were left hurt on the highway.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old pedestrian was struck on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 4:00 a.m. The man suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The driver, a 38-year-old man, was also injured, sustaining minor bleeding and shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. Two sedans were involved, both traveling westbound. The point of impact was the center front end of one vehicle, showing a direct hit. No contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. The crash underscores the danger of driver distraction on high-speed roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708426 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 5 - A sedan struck the rear of another sedan on the Long Island Expressway. The driver of the struck vehicle suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cite following too closely as the cause. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on the Long Island Expressway around 11:00 AM. The vehicle traveling northwest, a 2015 Jeep sedan, struck the center back end of a 2017 BMW sedan traveling west. The impact point was the center front end of the Jeep and the center back end of the BMW. The driver of the BMW, a 36-year-old female, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and not ejected. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were going straight ahead prior to the collision. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights driver error in maintaining safe distance on a busy expressway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707430 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - Two sedans collided on 56 Street in Queens, injuring a 24-year-old driver. The crash involved aggressive driving and outside car distraction, resulting in head injuries and whiplash. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 56 Street in Queens at 5 p.m. involving two sedans. The contributing factors listed are 'Outside Car Distraction' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage.' The 24-year-old male driver was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report notes the driver was not ejected from the vehicle. Vehicle damage was sustained on the right side doors and right front bumper. The police report highlights aggressive driving as a key cause, emphasizing driver error rather than victim fault. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted and aggressive drivers in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707271 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - Lawmakers push to triple fare-free bus lines. Fifteen routes, more buses, faster rides. Focus on low-income neighborhoods. The move aims to shift New Yorkers from cars to transit. Congestion pricing looms. Riders want speed, reliability, and access.

Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the 'Congestion Pricing Done Right' bill on March 4, 2024. The bill, now before the legislature, seeks to expand New York City's fare-free bus pilot from five to fifteen lines, with three in each borough. The measure promises $45 million for better bus reliability and frequency, targeting low-income and disadvantaged communities. The bill summary states: 'expand and extend New York City's fare-free bus pilot program.' Gianaris, as sponsor, aims to boost mass transit before congestion pricing takes effect. Supporters, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Riders Alliance, and the Transport Workers Union, stress that affordable, frequent buses are vital for safety and equity. MTA Chair Janno Lieber backs more service but warns that bus lanes lag behind. The bill focuses on routes that can handle more buses without new infrastructure, aiming to make public transit a real alternative to cars.

• More free rides? State lawmakers look to triple size of NYC fare-free bus pilot, increase frequency ahead of congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-03-04

Feb 28 - A 39-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making a left turn. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, injuring the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot. The impact left her conscious but bruised at a Queens intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 39 Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection with 61 Street around 6 p.m. The driver, a licensed male operating a 2023 Toyota sedan, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, emphasizing the driver's failure to maintain focus. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact occurring at the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian's compliance with crossing signals is noted but was not a contributing factor to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705904 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Council wants 500 solar-lit crosswalks in five years. Bright signals cut through the dark. The bill demands action and a study. Safety for walkers, not drivers. No more hiding in the shadows.

Int 0301-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to install at least 100 illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks each year for five years. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law...in relation to the installation of solar-powered crosswalks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Menin, Brooks-Powers, Rivera, and others. The bill also requires a study comparing these devices to standard signs. The city must report findings within two years. The goal: more visible crossings, fewer deadly impacts.

• File Int 0301-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to create a parking permit enforcement unit. The bill targets city-issued permit misuse. Streets clogged by illegal parking put walkers and riders at risk. Action now sits with the transportation committee.

Int 0173-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the establishment of a parking permit enforcement unit within the department of transportation," would require DOT to form a unit dedicated to enforcing laws against misuse of city-issued parking permits. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Erik D. Bottcher, Julie Won, Rita C. Joseph, Crystal Hudson, and Farah N. Louis. The bill aims to curb illegal parking that endangers pedestrians and cyclists. It awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 0173-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians win the right to cross anywhere, signals or not. The law strips police of power to ticket walkers. Streets shift. The city must now teach all road users the new rules.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, amends city code to let pedestrians cross streets at any point, even against signals. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed it on October 26, 2024. The bill states: 'crossing against a traffic signal or outside a crosswalk will not be a violation.' Council Member Tiffany Cabán led, joined by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, Restler, Mealy, Louis, and Bottcher. The law bans summonses for jaywalking and orders the Department of Transportation to educate the public on new rights and responsibilities. The mayor returned it unsigned. This law removes a tool long used to target vulnerable New Yorkers.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants 100 miles of protected bike lanes each year. Cyclists need steel and concrete, not paint. The bill sits in committee. Streets could change. Lives hang in the balance.

Int 0271-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of protected bicycle lanes.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Rivera, Louis, Hanif, Ossé, Brewer, Cabán, Nurse, Hudson, Salaam, Bottcher, Gutiérrez, Feliz, Won, and Joseph. The bill demands the Department of Transportation install 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year for six years. The aim: real protection for cyclists and a safer city grid.

• File Int 0271-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill orders DOT to probe crashes. Expands what counts as serious. Sets tight deadlines. Demands detailed reports. Pushes city to face the wreckage, not hide it.

Int 0263-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Lincoln Restler (primary), Joseph, Feliz, Louis, Won, Salaam, Riley, and Banks. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to investigate vehicle collisions,' expands the definition of serious crashes, forces DOT to start investigations within a week, finish in a month, and publish detailed findings. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It aims to expose the facts behind every deadly impact, demanding the city account for the toll on streets.

• File Int 0263-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to create a DOT parking squad. The bill targets illegal parking. Sponsors say it will enforce rules. Streets choke on blocked lanes. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price.

Bill Int 0264-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it would require the Department of Transportation to form a unit focused on parking violations. The matter title reads: 'Establishment of a parking enforcement unit within the department of transportation.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Crystal Hudson, Erik D. Bottcher, and others. The bill aims to crack down on illegal parking, a known threat to people on foot and bike. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but blocked lanes endanger all who travel outside a car.

• File Int 0264-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28