Red Lights, Broken Lives: Queens Streets Are Killing Our Kids

A 41-year-old woman suffered arm injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a right turn in Queens. The driver’s inexperience and failure to yield right-of-way caused the collision at an intersection where the pedestrian had the crossing signal.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 108 St and 37 Dr in Queens at 13:01. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2012 Chevrolet sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her with the vehicle's right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, remaining conscious after the impact. Vehicle damage was limited to the right front bumper. The collision highlights critical driver errors, specifically the failure to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing, underscoring systemic dangers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789322 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan rear-ended a stopped vehicle on Grand Central Parkway. The driver of the struck car suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:53 on Grand Central Parkway involving two sedans traveling east. One sedan was stopped in traffic when the following sedan failed to stop and collided with the center back end of the stopped vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 36-year-old female occupant, was conscious but injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the collision. The driver of the rear vehicle did not maintain attention, causing the rear-end impact. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789321 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck a 52-year-old man crossing 23 Ave at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and bruises. Driver inattention caused the collision, highlighting dangers at busy Queens intersections.

According to the police report, a 2018 Mercedes sedan traveling northwest on 23 Ave was making a left turn when it struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and contusions, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication that the pedestrian's actions contributed to the collision. The driver's failure to maintain attention while executing the turn directly led to the pedestrian's injury, underscoring systemic risks posed by distracted driving in Queens intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788070 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

A northbound sedan and westbound SUV collided at 70 Street in Queens. The sedan’s left side was struck. A front-seat passenger suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were distracted, causing the crash and injury.

According to the police report, at 13:55 on 70 Street in Queens, a 2015 sedan traveling north and a 2021 SUV traveling west collided. The point of impact was the sedan's left side doors, struck by the SUV's center front end. The front passenger in the sedan, a 54-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The collision and resulting injury were caused by these driver errors, with no other contributing factors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A 49-year-old woman was injured crossing a marked crosswalk on 78th Street in Queens. The sedan, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck her with its front center. She suffered contusions to her hip and upper leg.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:02 on 78th Street near 31st Avenue in Queens. A sedan traveling west was making a left turn when it struck a 49-year-old female pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the driver. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, causing contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no helmet or other safety equipment was noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2012 Honda sedan. The report emphasizes driver error in failing to yield rather than any fault of the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on 87th Street in Queens. Both drivers were hurt. Lighting defects played a role. Head and back injuries sent them for care. The crash left metal twisted and lives shaken.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on 87th Street in Queens at 15:20. Both drivers were injured: a 69-year-old woman suffered head trauma and shock, and a 30-year-old man sustained back injuries and whiplash. The report lists "Other Lighting Defects" as a contributing factor. Both drivers were restrained and not ejected. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The impact points—center front end and right rear quarter panel—show a forceful collision. The report highlights systemic danger from vehicle lighting problems.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided at Astoria Boulevard. One driver made a left turn, striking the other vehicle’s right rear quarter panel. The front passenger of the struck vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash, restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:52 on Astoria Boulevard involving two sedans. One vehicle was traveling east going straight ahead, while the other was making a left turn. The collision point was the center front end of the eastbound sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the turning vehicle. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. The front passenger in the eastbound sedan, a 39-year-old male, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The drivers were licensed and operating vehicles registered in NY and VA. The data highlights driver failure to yield or disregard of traffic control as the primary cause, with no victim fault noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 24-year-old woman was hit by a pickup truck while crossing a marked crosswalk in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way during a left turn. The pedestrian suffered serious abdominal and pelvic injuries and was rendered unconscious.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 35 Ave and 97 St in Queens at 2:53 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal when a Ford pickup truck, traveling northwest and making a left turn, struck her with its left front bumper. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis and was unconscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but the failure to yield right-of-way directly led to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions or safety equipment were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785034 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pick-up truck hit a 17-year-old girl in a Queens crosswalk. She suffered leg fractures. The unlicensed driver was distracted and failed to yield. Impact came during a right turn. The street saw blood, not brake lights.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old female pedestrian was crossing 100 Street at 35 Avenue in Queens in a marked crosswalk when a Ford pick-up truck struck her with its right front bumper. The driver was unlicensed and making a right turn. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The vehicle had no damage. Driver distraction and failure to yield led directly to the collision and the teen's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785010 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

Congestion pricing hits Manhattan at midnight. Cars pay to cross south of 60th. Lawmakers split. Some call it a burden. Others hail cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit. The toll stirs anger, hope, and a fight over who pays and who breathes.

On January 3, 2025, congestion pricing (no bill number cited) will begin in Manhattan after a federal judge allowed the toll to proceed. The policy charges most drivers $9 to enter south of 60th Street during peak hours. The matter, titled 'Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll,' has drawn sharp lines. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) opposes the toll, warning, 'I don't know how my district is going to be impacted.' He fears more cars parking in Queens and unclear pollution risks. Council Member Kristy Marmorato (Bronx) calls it a 'cash grab.' In contrast, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas support the measure, citing cleaner air, safer streets, and transit upgrades. González-Rojas says, 'Congestion pricing isn't about penalizing anyone—it's about modernizing our transportation system and tackling climate change.' The judge ordered further study on environmental impacts, but the toll begins as scheduled.

• Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll, amny.com, Published 2025-01-03

A taxi struck a moped making a left turn on 34 Ave in Queens. The moped carried three occupants including an eight-year-old passenger injured with facial bruises. Police cited the taxi driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:00 PM on 34 Ave near 97 St in Queens. A taxi traveling west struck a moped traveling east that was making a left turn. The point of impact was the taxi's center front end and the moped's right front bumper. The moped carried three occupants, including an eight-year-old female passenger who suffered facial contusions and bruises but was conscious and not ejected. The police report identifies the taxi driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The injured passenger was not using any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783465 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 54-year-old woman was injured crossing an intersection in Queens when an SUV making a left turn struck her. The driver’s view was obstructed, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female pedestrian was crossing an intersection at 35-02 108 Street in Queens around 7:06 PM when she was struck by a 2010 Honda SUV making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s limited visibility played a role in the crash. The pedestrian was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot area, sustaining internal complaints but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and traveling southwest at the time. No pedestrian errors or contributing factors were noted beyond the obstructed view affecting the driver. This crash underscores the dangers posed by limited driver visibility during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783477 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV merged on Grand Central Parkway, struck sedan’s left side. Sedan overturned. Young woman inside suffered facial bruises. Police cited alcohol and speed as crash causes.

According to the police report, an SUV merged eastbound on Grand Central Parkway and struck a sedan on its left side. The impact overturned the sedan. The 26-year-old female driver of the sedan suffered facial contusions and bruises. Police listed alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The report highlights driver errors including alcohol impairment and unsafe speed as key causes of the collision. The sedan driver wore a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783208 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan driver, unlicensed and aggressive, changed lanes on Grand Central Parkway, striking the right side of an SUV. The SUV driver suffered elbow and arm abrasions. The collision exposed dangers of reckless driving and unlicensed operation on city roads.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:30 on Grand Central Parkway involving a sedan and an SUV, both traveling west. The sedan driver, identified as unlicensed, was changing lanes aggressively when the vehicle's left front bumper collided with the SUV's right rear bumper, damaging the SUV's right side doors. The SUV driver, a 37-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor, highlighting the sedan driver's reckless lane change. The SUV driver was properly restrained with an airbag deployed and lap belt in use. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident underscores the systemic danger posed by unlicensed and aggressive drivers on New York City roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783205 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04