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

A moped slammed into trouble on 75th Street at 37th Road. The driver, a 44-year-old man, was ejected and hurt his leg. He wore a helmet. The crash left him conscious, scraped, and shaken. The cause remains unclear.

A moped crash on 75th Street at 37th Road in Queens left the driver, a 44-year-old man, injured and ejected from his vehicle. According to the police report, the moped was making a right turn when the collision occurred, damaging the right side doors. The driver suffered abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot but remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The driver was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other people were reported injured. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809886, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Night air cut by a sedan and e-scooter colliding on 37th Avenue. Metal scraped, bodies thrown. Two men, 44 and 18, left shocked and bleeding, arms and legs marked by abrasions. Sirens echoed through Queens as the street fell silent again.

A sedan and an e-scooter collided at 89-16 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, both the 44-year-old e-scooter driver and his 18-year-old passenger were injured, suffering abrasions to their limbs and experiencing shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The sedan struck the e-scooter's left side doors while the e-scooter was traveling straight ahead. No helmet use or signaling issues were cited as factors in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807952, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A sedan turns left on 71st Street. A motorbike charges straight. Metal collides. The rider, thirty-four, is hurled onto the street, leg pouring blood. No helmet. Sirens echo. The city’s lanes betray the vulnerable again.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 71st Street and 32nd Avenue in Queens involving a sedan making a left turn and a motorbike traveling straight. The report states, 'A sedan turns left. A motorbike goes straight. Metal strikes metal.' The motorbike driver, age 34, was ejected and suffered severe bleeding from the leg, remaining conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The impact was to the right side doors of the motorbike and the left front bumper of the sedan. The report notes the motorbike rider was not wearing a helmet, but this detail is listed after the driver errors. The crash underscores the dangers posed by improper lane usage and driver inexperience on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807882, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 25-year-old cyclist was hit by an SUV at 71st Street and 31st Avenue in Queens. The crash left the cyclist injured and in shock. The SUV’s front end bore the impact, scattering debris across the pavement.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV traveling east on 31st Avenue made a left turn and struck a cyclist who was heading straight westbound. The collision occurred at the intersection of 71st Street and 31st Avenue in Queens. The 25-year-old male bicyclist was injured and reported to be in shock. The SUV sustained damage to its center front end, indicating a direct impact. Police listed the contributing factors as 'Unspecified,' providing no further detail on driver actions. No mention of helmet use or signaling was noted as a contributing factor in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807821, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Metal screeched on 73rd Street at 25th Avenue. A station wagon’s front end crumpled, a pick-up’s bumper bent. Paramedics treated a 72-year-old woman for back pain and whiplash. The air hung heavy with the smell of oil and fear.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 73rd Street and 25th Avenue in Queens involving a pick-up truck and a station wagon/SUV. The crash left a 72-year-old female driver injured with back pain and whiplash. Police cited 'Lost Consciousness' as the contributing factor in the crash. No other driver errors were listed. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage, and the injured woman was not ejected from her vehicle. The incident highlights the dangers when drivers lose control behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807714, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Metal scraped and glass rattled on 37 Avenue near Junction Boulevard. Two men, a driver and his front-seat passenger, suffered whiplash after sedans collided in the early morning. Sirens pierced the quiet as emergency crews arrived in Queens.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 37 Avenue at Junction Boulevard in Queens. The crash left a 30-year-old male driver and his 24-year-old male front passenger injured, both reporting whiplash and pain throughout their bodies. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors for the driver. No helmet or signal issues were cited. The impact struck the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. Both vehicles were operated by licensed drivers. The crash underscores the consequences of improper lane use and failure to yield as documented by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807363, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Ford SUV struck a 75-year-old man crossing with the signal at 75th Street and 37th Avenue. The impact tore open his leg. The SUV’s front bumper remained clean. Inside, a baby watched. The driver failed to yield.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling north struck a 75-year-old man who was crossing at the intersection of 75th Street and 37th Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report states the man suffered severe lacerations to his knee and lower leg. The SUV’s point of impact was the right front bumper, which showed no visible damage. The contributing factor listed by police is 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' on the part of the SUV driver. The narrative notes that inside the vehicle, a baby sat unhurt. The report does not cite any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor, except to confirm the victim was crossing with the signal. The focus remains on the driver’s failure to yield, as documented by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807531, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A sedan hit a woman at the intersection of 83rd Street and Northern Boulevard in Queens. The impact left her unconscious, with injuries to her lower leg and foot. Sirens echoed as emergency crews responded in the early morning darkness.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 83rd Street struck a female pedestrian at the intersection with Northern Boulevard in Queens. The collision occurred as the vehicle was starting from a parked position. The pedestrian was left unconscious and sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor in the crash. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signal violations, were listed. The vehicle showed no visible damage, and the pedestrian was engaged in unspecified actions in the roadway at the time of the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807180, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Metal twisted on Grand Central Parkway as two sedans collided. Five people, including a baby, suffered whiplash and pain. The air hung heavy with shock and sirens. Glass and steel littered the road in the early morning darkness.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Grand Central Parkway, leaving five occupants injured. The victims included a 20-year-old woman, a 19-year-old woman, a 64-year-old man, a 56-year-old woman, and an infant. All suffered bodily injuries, with several reporting whiplash and pain. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the primary contributing factor for most of those hurt, including the driver. Both vehicles sustained severe damage, described as 'demolished.' No mention of helmet use or turn signals appears in the report. The crash underscores the consequences of excessive speed on city roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807179, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Night air split by metal and bone at 74th Street and 31st Avenue. An SUV, backing unsafely, struck a northbound moped. Both riders, a young man and woman, were ejected and left with fractured legs on the cold Queens pavement.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV making a right turn at 74th Street and 31st Avenue in Queens backed unsafely into a moped traveling straight north. The collision ejected both moped occupants—a 33-year-old male driver and a 23-year-old female passenger—resulting in knee and lower leg fractures with distortion and dislocation. Both were conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors for the crash. No safety equipment was used by the moped riders, but helmet use was not cited as a contributing factor. The impact damaged the SUV's left front bumper and the moped's center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807464, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Metal crumpled on 112 Street in Queens as two SUVs collided in the afternoon. A 63-year-old man behind the wheel suffered a bruised leg. Sirens echoed as first responders arrived. The street bore the marks of distraction and impact.

Two station wagons—both SUVs—collided at 112 Street and 34 Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers were going straight ahead when the crash occurred. A 63-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining a contusion to his lower leg. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. No other injuries were reported among the three occupants of the second SUV. The collision left visible damage to the left side doors and center front end of the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806391, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A fired firefighter sped through a red light, high and drunk, slamming into a young man’s car. The victim died. The driver had 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The system let him drive until it was too late.

NY Daily News (2025-04-17) reports Michael Pena, a former FDNY firefighter, killed Justin Diaz in Queens while driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, running a red light, and driving under the influence of cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. Pena had '25 tickets for speeding in school zones' in recent years, according to prosecutors. Surveillance showed Pena t-boned Diaz, who was heading to work. Pena faces 14 charges, including manslaughter and DWI. His bail was revoked due to flight risk concerns. The article highlights repeated driver violations and questions about enforcement and policy. Diaz’s family called for laws to reflect 'criminal intent,' not just bail reform. Pena’s license was suspended after the crash.

• Speeding Ex-Firefighter Kills Queens Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-17

Metal crumpled and glass scattered on Northern Boulevard as two sedans collided. Sirens cut through the evening air. A woman in the front seat clutched her head, dazed. Another woman, behind the wheel, sat in shock. Both were hurt. Traffic slowed, but danger lingered.

According to the police report, two sedans collided near 92-15 Northern Blvd in Queens at 7:40 p.m. Both a 38-year-old female passenger and a 38-year-old female driver suffered head injuries in the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The data shows that one vehicle was parked before impact, while the others were moving straight ahead. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or turn signals, were cited in the report. The incident underscores the persistent risk posed by driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804427, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Morning light on 94th Street. A Ford sedan and a man on a bike collide at 31st Avenue. The cyclist, 36, clutches his upper arm in pain, shaken but conscious. Sirens echo as traffic slows. Metal and flesh meet at the center front ends.

A collision occurred at the intersection of 94th Street and 31st Avenue in Queens involving a Ford sedan and a bicyclist. According to the police report, the crash happened as both vehicles were going straight ahead. The 36-year-old male cyclist suffered an upper arm injury and was reported in shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error on the part of the sedan. No vehicle damage was noted. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, but helmet use was not cited as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804815, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 54-year-old woman crossing 35th Avenue at 79th Street in Queens was struck by an SUV’s right front bumper. She remained conscious, suffering a head abrasion. Afternoon traffic moved around the scene as emergency responders arrived.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV making a left turn struck a 54-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection of 35th Avenue and 79th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle’s right front bumper hit her, causing a head abrasion. She was reported conscious at the scene. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No vehicle damage was noted. The data does not specify any helmet or signaling issues. The incident highlights the persistent risk to pedestrians, even when they cross with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803543, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Two female passengers suffered head injuries and whiplash in a Queens collision involving a pickup truck and sedan. The crash, caused by driver inattention and inexperience, left both conscious but injured, highlighting critical driver errors in vehicle control.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 79th Street in Queens at 5:01 AM involving a 2015 Dodge pickup truck and a sedan, both traveling north. The pickup truck sustained center back end damage, while the sedan was damaged at the center front end. Two female occupants in the pickup truck were injured: a 28-year-old front passenger and a 36-year-old right rear passenger. Both were conscious and suffered head injuries and whiplash. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors for the front passenger's injury. The driver was licensed in New Jersey. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash underscores the dangers posed by driver errors, specifically inattention and lack of experience, in multi-occupant vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802943, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A speeding firefighter ran a red light on Northern Boulevard. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. The driver was drunk, high, and off duty. He did not help. The city fired him. The family mourns and demands justice.

According to the New York Post (published March 29, 2025), probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after he drove drunk and high, ran a red light, and crashed into Justin Diaz’s car in Queens on February 26, 2025. Surveillance footage showed Pena’s Mercedes striking Diaz’s BMW at high speed, sending it skidding down the street. Diaz, 23, died. Pena admitted at the scene, 'I hit him. I ran the red light. And I'm a firefighter.' The FDNY cited conduct rules in his dismissal. The article highlights Pena’s failure to render aid and notes his attempt to invoke his firefighter status. The case raises questions about accountability for city employees and the dangers of impaired, reckless driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist, New York Post, Published 2025-03-29

A 36-year-old man driving west on 37 Ave crashed into a parked SUV’s left side doors. The impact caused bruising and injury to his lower arm. Police cite driver inattention and following too closely as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, at 16:25 in Queens, a 36-year-old male driver traveling west on 37 Ave collided with a parked 2016 Ford SUV. The driver struck the left side doors of the stationary vehicle, sustaining a contusion bruise to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The driver was conscious and not ejected, but injured. The collision caused damage to the center front end of the striking vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. The driver was not using any safety equipment at the time. The incident highlights driver errors related to distraction and unsafe following distance, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801883, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A speeding Mercedes ran a red light in Queens. It struck a BMW. The driver, drunk and high, killed a young airport worker. The victim had the right-of-way. Two passengers were hurt. The firefighter behind the wheel now faces charges.

NY Daily News (2025-03-28) reports that FDNY probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and drug use. On February 26, Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and crashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz, 23, died after being rushed to the hospital. Prosecutors say Pena’s blood-alcohol content was 0.156% and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. Surveillance footage shows Diaz had the right-of-way. The article states, “The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.” Two passengers in Pena’s car were also injured. The case highlights the lethal consequences of high-speed, impaired driving and raises questions about enforcement and accountability.

• Firefighter Kills Worker In Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

A 48-year-old male bicyclist was injured in Queens after a failure to yield right-of-way. The cyclist suffered a shoulder contusion and bruising. The crash involved impact to the bike’s right rear quarter panel, highlighting driver error and systemic risk.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 96 Street near 30 Avenue in Queens at 8:50 p.m. The injured party was a 48-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, operating his bike straight ahead when the collision happened. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating a clear driver error. The impact point was the bike’s right rear quarter panel, causing upper arm and shoulder injuries classified as contusions and bruises. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No safety equipment was reported in use. The data focuses on the failure to yield right-of-way by the driver, underscoring systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801471, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14