Crash Count for Queens CB2
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 6,454
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 3,753
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 586
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 43
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 16
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025
Carnage in CB 402
Killed 16
+1
Crush Injuries 11
Lower leg/foot 6
+1
Back 2
Whole body 2
Abdomen/pelvis 1
Amputation 2
Lower arm/hand 2
Severe Bleeding 13
Head 7
+2
Whole body 2
Eye 1
Face 1
Lower arm/hand 1
Lower leg/foot 1
Severe Lacerations 13
Head 5
Lower leg/foot 4
Whole body 3
Face 1
Lower arm/hand 1
Concussion 15
Head 8
+3
Back 2
Lower leg/foot 2
Neck 2
Face 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Whiplash 64
Neck 26
+21
Head 17
+12
Back 16
+11
Whole body 8
+3
Shoulder/upper arm 2
Chest 1
Lower arm/hand 1
Lower leg/foot 1
Contusion/Bruise 148
Lower leg/foot 52
+47
Lower arm/hand 26
+21
Head 23
+18
Neck 9
+4
Back 8
+3
Shoulder/upper arm 7
+2
Whole body 7
+2
Chest 6
+1
Hip/upper leg 6
+1
Abdomen/pelvis 3
Face 3
Abrasion 74
Lower leg/foot 29
+24
Lower arm/hand 21
+16
Head 6
+1
Shoulder/upper arm 5
Whole body 5
Abdomen/pelvis 2
Hip/upper leg 2
Neck 2
Back 1
Eye 1
Pain/Nausea 48
Back 12
+7
Neck 11
+6
Head 8
+3
Lower leg/foot 6
+1
Hip/upper leg 5
Shoulder/upper arm 4
Lower arm/hand 3
Whole body 3
Abdomen/pelvis 2
Chest 2
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Queens CB2?

Preventable Speeding in CB 402 School Zones

(since 2022)
Queens CB2’s broken hour: deaths on Queens Boulevard, trucks in the crosswalk

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

Queens CB2: Jan 1, 2022 - Aug 25, 2025

Queens Community Board 2 sits under highways and big arterials. The toll shows up in the data. Since 2022, there have been 5,081 crashes here, with 12 people killed and 2,940 injured. Pedestrians took 318 hits; SUVs and cars dominate those harms.

  • Queens Boulevard: 3 dead, 163 hurt.
  • Brooklyn-Queens Expressway: 2 dead, 400 hurt.
  • Long Island Expressway: 1 dead, 351 hurt.
  • Roosevelt Avenue: 1 dead, 49 hurt.
  • Greenpoint Avenue: 1 dead, 34 hurt.

Night and dawn are cruel. The worst hours stack up at 4 a.m., 10–11 a.m., 3–5 p.m., and 10 p.m. Bodies keep turning up across the clock.

Bodies at the hot corners

A 38-year-old man died on Roosevelt Avenue at 70th Street before sunrise. The record shows “going straight ahead” and a “center front end” hit from an SUV. He never made it across. The data calls it “apparent death.” The driver kept going straight. NYC Open Data.

A 16-year-old girl was killed at 47th Avenue and 46th Street. A driver turned left. The file reads “view obstructed/limited.” She didn’t get another day. NYC Open Data.

On Greenpoint Avenue at 43rd Street, a box truck turned right. A 28-year-old on an e‑bike was recorded “ejected.” The outcome line says “killed.” NYC Open Data.

The BQE keeps maiming people inside cars too. One westbound chain crash listed three injured, one dead. Trucks and a taxi in the stack. A 75‑year‑old died in the back seat. NYC Open Data.

Queens Boulevard still takes

Queens Boulevard accounts for three deaths and 163 injuries in this district. It is one of the top hotspots here. The numbers are ours, not a headline. They have dates, times, and bodies attached. NYC Open Data.

Heavy vehicles add weight to the harm. Trucks and buses show up in 29 pedestrian injury cases; SUVs and cars in 289. People outside cars pay first. PeriodStats.

What the hours tell us

Crashes spike at 4 a.m. with six deaths across late‑night and dawn hours. The afternoon push—3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m.—adds more deaths and dozens hurt. Ten at night takes two more. The clock is an accomplice. Small-geo analysis.

Top listed factors across years include “disregarded traffic control,” “failure to yield,” and “inattention/distraction.” But the biggest bucket is “other.” It doesn’t matter what we call it. People don’t come home. Small-geo analysis.

Hit‑and‑run is routine, not rare

Citywide, a man crossing near JFK was left to die at 2:30 a.m. “The driver sped off without stopping. No arrests have been made,” police said. That was Queens too. A few miles from this district, same borough, same night air. NY Daily News, Gothamist, ABC7.

The bridge finally splits walkers and bikes

After years of delay, the city opened separate paths on the Queensboro Bridge. “After years of advocacy, many of us were excited to see [DOT] complete the work,” State Senator Michael Gianaris said. The delay? “Not satisfactory,” electeds wrote earlier, warning that waiting “will unnecessarily put at risk” thousands walking and biking the cramped path. Gothamist, Streetsblog NYC.

Slow them down or count the dead

The state renewed 24‑hour school‑zone speed cameras through 2030. Local reps backed it. The next step targets the worst repeaters. In Albany, Senator Michael Gianaris voted yes to move a speed‑limiter bill. Assembly Members Steven Raga and Claire Valdez co‑sponsor the Assembly version. The proposal forces chronic violators to install devices that keep speed to the limit. Open States, Open States.

At City Hall, the Council is pushing owner‑liability cameras for illegal parking that blocks sightlines and space people need to live. The sponsor names are on the paper; Raga is on the state bill the resolution backs. NYC Council – Legistar.

What would help here, now

  • Harden the turns at Roosevelt, Greenpoint, and Queens Boulevard. Force slow, square turns.
  • Daylight every corner along the truck routes. Keep corners clear. People become visible.
  • Target the night hours on the BQE and LIE. Repeat hotspots need constant presence.

The pattern is plain. Twelve dead. 2,940 injured. Queens Boulevard, Roosevelt Avenue, the BQE, the LIE. The clock keeps bad secrets. We don’t have to.

One push that cuts through: slow every street and stop the worst repeaters. Use Sammy’s Law and pass the speed‑limiter bills. Then hold them to it. Start here. Take action.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Claire Valdez
Assembly Member Claire Valdez
District 37
District Office:
45-10 Skillman Ave. 1st Floor, Sunnyside, NY 11104
Legislative Office:
Room 427, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Julie Won
Council Member Julie Won
District 26
District Office:
37-04 Queens Boulevard, Suite 205, Long Island City, NY 11101
718-383-9566
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1749, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6975
Twitter: @CMJulieWon
Michael Gianaris
State Senator Michael Gianaris
District 12
District Office:
22-07 45th St. Suite 1008, Astoria, NY 11105
Legislative Office:
Albany, NY 12247
Twitter: @SenGianaris
Other Geographies

Queens CB2 Queens Community Board 2 sits in Queens, Precinct 108, District 26, AD 37, SD 12.

It contains Long Island City-Hunters Point, Sunnyside, Woodside, Sunnyside Yards (South), Calvary & Mount Zion Cemeteries.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Queens Community Board 2

2
Bus and Sedan Crash on Broadway Injures Teen

Apr 2 - A bus and sedan collided on Broadway in Queens. A 17-year-old passenger suffered a fractured arm. Police cite unsafe speed as a factor. Metal and glass met. The system failed the vulnerable again.

A bus and a sedan crashed on Broadway at 57th Street in Queens. According to the police report, unsafe speed contributed to the collision. A 17-year-old male passenger was injured, suffering a fractured arm and dislocation. The crash involved multiple vehicles and left one young passenger hurt. Police listed 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. No other injuries were specified. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804999 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
29
Moped Driver Injured in High-Speed Crash

Mar 29 - A young woman on a moped suffered knee and lower leg injuries after crashing at unsafe speed. The impact damaged the front center of the vehicle. Driver inexperience and excessive speed were cited as contributing factors in the police report.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old female moped driver was injured in a crash on 44 Street near 55 Avenue at 2:11 AM. The report states the driver was traveling south, going straight ahead when the collision occurred, impacting the center front end of the moped. The driver sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The damage was concentrated on the center front end of the moped, highlighting the severity of the impact. The driver was not using any safety equipment at the time.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash

Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.


26
Garbage Truck Hits Pedestrian Crossing Against Signal

Mar 26 - A 19-year-old pedestrian was struck by a northbound garbage truck on 61st Street in Queens. The impact injured the pedestrian’s knee and lower leg. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the truck’s right front bumper made contact.

According to the police report, a garbage truck traveling north on 61st Street in Queens struck a 19-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing against the signal. The truck’s right front bumper was the point of impact, causing injuries to the pedestrian’s knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered abrasions. The report identifies the pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal but does not list any contributing driver errors explicitly. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when struck. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the pedestrian’s crossing behavior as a factor. No victim blame is implied; the focus remains on the hazardous conditions created by the vehicle-pedestrian interaction.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
21
SUV Driver Suffers Head Injury on Defective Pavement

Mar 21 - A 70-year-old male SUV driver sustained a concussion and head injury after crashing on defective pavement in Queens. The vehicle's left front bumper was damaged. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 70-year-old male driver operating a 2018 Chevrolet SUV in Queens suffered a head injury and concussion after a crash at 3:22 AM near 42-50 21st Street. The report cites 'Pavement Defective' as the contributing factor, indicating road conditions played a critical role. The vehicle impacted with its left front bumper, sustaining damage in that area. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not indicate any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but highlights the defective pavement as the primary cause of the crash and injury.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
19
Sedan Turning Right Hits Cyclist on Queens Blvd

Mar 19 - A sedan turned right and struck a cyclist riding straight on Queens Blvd. The rider was thrown, suffering knee and leg injuries. No victim error listed. The crash shows the threat turning cars pose to cyclists.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male bicyclist traveling westbound on 33rd Street was hit by a 2009 Hyundai sedan making a right turn onto Queens Blvd. The sedan's right front bumper struck the bike's center front end. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. He was conscious at the scene and wore a helmet. The sedan driver, a licensed New York woman, was executing the turn when the collision occurred. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but identifies the sedan's turning maneuver as the critical action. No cyclist error is cited. The crash highlights the danger turning vehicles pose to cyclists moving straight through intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799978 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
17
Driver Loses Consciousness, Injures Self in Queens

Mar 17 - A 56-year-old male driver lost consciousness behind the wheel in Queens. His sedan struck multiple parked vehicles. He was injured and incoherent at the scene. The crash caused front-end damage to his vehicle and rear impacts to parked SUVs and vans.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old male driver in Queens lost consciousness while driving his sedan southbound near 34-37 59th Street. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness but became incoherent and injured during the crash. The sedan's front end struck the center back end of a parked van and the right rear quarter panel of a parked SUV. Additional parked SUVs sustained damage to their rear bumpers and right side doors. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s medical condition led to the collision. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited. The driver was not ejected and was the only occupant in his vehicle.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799332 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
13
Motorcycle Collides with SUV in Queens

Mar 13 - A 16-year-old motorcyclist suffered hip and leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on Broadway. The crash involved improper lane usage by the motorcycle driver. The motorcyclist was conscious and wearing a helmet at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway in Queens at 14:53. A 16-year-old male motorcyclist, operating with a permit, collided with a station wagon/SUV while traveling east. The motorcycle's right front bumper struck the SUV's left front quarter panel. The motorcyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions and upper leg and hip injuries, but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the motorcycle operator. The SUV driver was licensed and was reportedly avoiding an object in the roadway prior to impact. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but no other victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
13
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash

Mar 13 - A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.


9
Sedan Strikes E-Bike on Queens 11 St

Mar 9 - A sedan collided head-on with an e-bike on Queens’ 11 Street. The 25-year-old bicyclist was ejected, suffering a severe head injury and unconsciousness. Police cited the sedan driver for disregarding traffic control, causing the violent impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:37 on Queens’ 11 Street near 45 Avenue. A 2022 BMW sedan traveling west struck an e-bike traveling north. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, was ejected from his e-bike and sustained a severe head injury, rendering him unconscious. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. No other factors were specified. The sedan had two occupants and the driver was licensed in New York. The collision’s violence and the driver’s disregard for traffic control highlight systemic dangers for vulnerable road users in Queens.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798356 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
4
Distracted SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal

Mar 4 - A 31-year-old man suffered neck injuries and shock after a Ford SUV making a left turn hit him at a Queens intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the victim in pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling south on Jackson Ave was making a left turn when it struck a 31-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end, causing neck injuries and shock to the pedestrian, who complained of pain and nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The driver, licensed in New York, was alone in the vehicle. Vehicle damage was noted at the center front end, consistent with the collision dynamics. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in Queens intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796620 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker

Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.


4
Raga Supports Safety Boosting Automated Parking Enforcement Expansion

Mar 4 - Council eyes 150 new street cameras to ticket illegal parkers. Double parking blocks crosswalks, hydrants, bike lanes. Lawmakers say chaos endangers walkers and riders. DOT backs tech to clear streets. Delivery drivers worry. Streets stay dangerous until cars yield space.

On March 4, 2025, Assemblyman Steven Raga proposed a bill to install 150 automated cameras across New York City. The measure, discussed in the council and supported by the NYC Department of Transportation, aims to ticket drivers who double park or block critical spaces. The bill summary states: 'Double parking and curb violations aren’t just a nuisance – they’re a public safety hazard.' Raga and DOT officials argue that manual enforcement cannot keep up with rising car numbers, leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk. Raga led the push, highlighting blocked hydrants and crosswalks as threats. DOT said automated enforcement 'helps keep streets clear, reduces congestion, and protects New Yorkers.' Delivery drivers voiced concern about work impacts, but the bill’s focus remains on clearing space for vulnerable road users. The proposal awaits further council action.


3
Motorcycle Rear-Ends Stopped SUV on BQE

Mar 3 - A motorcycle struck the back of a stopped SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash’s impact and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway around 5 p.m. A motorcycle, traveling east, rear-ended a station wagon/SUV that was stopped in traffic. The motorcycle driver, a 37-year-old male, was wearing a helmet and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the collision. The motorcycle’s point of impact was the center back end of the SUV, which also sustained damage at the same location. The motorcycle driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. This crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways, resulting in serious injuries to vulnerable vehicle occupants.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
3
Raga Supports Safety Boosting Automated Parking Enforcement Cameras

Mar 3 - Lawmakers push for cameras to ticket double parkers. Streets choke with blocked bike lanes and chaos. Manual enforcement fails. DOT backs automation. Some lawmakers resist, call for cops. Vulnerable road users left dodging danger as debate drags.

On March 3, 2025, a legislative proposal surfaced to deploy automated parking enforcement cameras across New York City. Assemblymember Steven Raga leads the push for a $35 million pilot, aiming to install 150 cameras targeting double parking and illegal stops. The bill, not yet assigned a committee or number, seeks to automate enforcement where manual efforts fall short. Raga writes, 'manual enforcement has not been able to meet the demand to combat double parking and illegal parking.' State Senator Simcha Felder of District 44 opposes the measure, arguing for traditional police summonses instead. The Department of Transportation supports the expansion, stating, 'Automated enforcement has proven to change driver behavior and make our streets safer for everyone.' The debate centers on whether automation or police presence best protects pedestrians and cyclists from blocked lanes and traffic hazards.


1
Distracted Truck Driver Strikes Pedestrian Off-Road

Mar 1 - A distracted pick-up truck driver hit a pedestrian off the roadway in Queens. Both the pedestrian and the driver suffered serious injuries. The truck’s right side was damaged; the pedestrian was bruised but conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, just after midnight in Queens on 48 Street near Skillman Avenue, a 24-year-old licensed male driver traveling south in a 2022 Toyota pick-up truck struck a 45-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The truck sustained damage to its right side doors. The driver was semiconscious with injuries to his entire body and complaints of pain or nausea. The pedestrian was conscious but suffered contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The driver was going straight ahead at the time. No contributing factors were listed for the pedestrian. The collision also involved a sedan, but primary impact and injuries centered on the truck and pedestrian.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
28
Distracted SUV Driver Strikes Queens Pedestrian

Feb 28 - A distracted SUV driver making a left turn struck a 40-year-old woman crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention at unsignalized crossings.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2020 Jeep SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, struck her while making a left turn in Queens near 43-22 69th Street at 5:59 AM. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal and sustained a head contusion, remaining conscious after the impact. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. This incident highlights the critical role of driver distraction in crashes involving vulnerable pedestrians, especially at locations without traffic controls.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens

Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.

NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'


21
Moped Driver Injured in Rear-End SUV Collision

Feb 21 - A moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being struck from behind by an SUV on Broadway in Queens. The crash involved driver errors including reaction to an uninvolved vehicle and following too closely. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Broadway in Queens involving a moped and a station wagon/SUV, both traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites driver errors including "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors. The moped driver was conscious and not ejected but suffered injury severity level 3. Both vehicles showed no damage despite the impact occurring at the center back end of the moped and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and proper reaction led to the collision. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794366 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
21
Distracted Driver Backs Into Queens Pedestrian

Feb 21 - A 29-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan backed into him on 30 Place in Queens. The driver’s inattention and unsafe backing caused the collision, striking the pedestrian emerging from behind a parked vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 30 Place in Queens around 11:00 AM. A 29-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2018 Toyota sedan traveling south backed into him. The pedestrian was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle when the collision happened. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely' as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The data highlights the driver's failure to maintain attention and safely back the vehicle, directly causing harm to the vulnerable pedestrian.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794165 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19