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

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A sedan collided with a moped on 100 Street in Queens. The moped carried two occupants, including a 13-year-old passenger who suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan driver was licensed; the moped driver was unlicensed. Unsafe speed was cited.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 100 Street near 35 Avenue in Queens around 12:39 a.m. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The sedan's front center end impacted the moped's right front bumper. The moped carried two occupants, including a 13-year-old female passenger seated on the left rear position, who sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was conscious and not ejected. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, highlighting driver error. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision resulted in injuries to the vulnerable passenger, emphasizing systemic risks posed by unlicensed operation and speeding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two sedans slammed together in Queens. A front passenger took the brunt, hurt across her body. Police cite traffic control ignored and blocked views. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 13:07 on Northern Boulevard at 69 Street in Queens. The crash struck the right side doors of one car and the front bumper of the other. A 56-year-old woman riding as front passenger suffered injuries to her entire body but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors, highlighting driver error in ignoring signals and limited visibility. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight before the impact. The force left heavy damage on the right front quarter panel and left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700683 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 23-year-old man, riding in the back of a Nissan SUV on Northern Boulevard, was thrown from the car. His head shattered. His body twisted. The SUV rolled on, untouched. He never woke up.

A fatal crash occurred on Northern Boulevard near 82nd Street in Queens. According to the police report, a 23-year-old man riding as a rear seat passenger in a 2015 Nissan SUV was ejected from the vehicle. The report states: 'A 23-year-old man, rear seat of a 2015 Nissan SUV, was thrown from the car. Head shattered. Body twisted. The SUV rolled on, untouched. He never woke up.' The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The vehicle sustained no damage and continued moving after the passenger was ejected. The victim suffered fatal head injuries and was found unconscious. No driver errors are specified in the report, but the ejection and death of a rear seat passenger underscore the lethal risks present for vehicle occupants. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700221 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

An SUV hit a 12-year-old boy crossing Northern Boulevard in Queens. The right front bumper struck him. He suffered knee and leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. The boy survived.

According to the police report, at 15:10 on Northern Boulevard in Queens, a 12-year-old boy was struck by a southbound Chevrolet SUV. The SUV's right front bumper hit the pedestrian, causing injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and traveling straight ahead. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report does not list any pedestrian actions as contributing factors, focusing on the driver's errors that led to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699798 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two sedans collided on 25 Avenue in Queens. The driver of one vehicle suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and other vehicular errors as contributing factors. The crash left one injured but conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:10 on 25 Avenue in Queens involving two sedans. One vehicle was traveling west going straight ahead, while the other was making a left turn southeast. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the westbound sedan and the left front bumper of the turning sedan. The driver of the westbound sedan, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a contusion and injury to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors to the collision. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights driver errors in yielding and vehicle maneuvering as central causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699555 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sixty-year-old woman crossed 37th Avenue. An SUV, speeding, hit her. Steel met flesh. She fell, blood spreading on the cold street. She died before help arrived. The city’s danger revealed in a moment’s impact.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 37th Avenue and 90th Street in Queens when an SUV struck her as she crossed the street. The report states the SUV was traveling at an 'Unsafe Speed.' The narrative describes the vehicle coming fast, with the impact causing fatal injuries to the pedestrian, who died before emergency responders arrived. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor for the driver. The report also notes the pedestrian was 'Crossing Against Signal,' but this is mentioned only after the driver’s excessive speed is cited. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers operate at unsafe speeds, especially at intersections where pedestrians are present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699492 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A speeding SUV driver killed Yenny Baquedano, 61, in Jackson Heights. The driver fled. Councilmember Ramos demanded scramble crosswalks and real safety. Pedestrian deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. City leaders and DOT face sharp criticism for inaction.

On February 1, 2024, a hit-and-run SUV driver fatally struck Yenny Baquedano, 61, as she crossed 90th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens. The incident, reported by Streetsblog NYC, highlights a surge in pedestrian deaths—nineteen so far this year, with injuries up 2.6 percent. Councilmember Jessica Ramos, referencing two children recently hit in her district, called for scramble crosswalks outside schools and demanded urgent attention to street safety: 'I can’t keep getting calls like this.' Transportation Alternatives condemned the Department of Transportation for installing only two Leading Pedestrian Intervals on Glenwood Road since 2014, despite repeated fatalities. The group urged elected leaders to act now to prevent more deaths. The bill or action is not numbered, but the event underscores systemic failures and the urgent need for citywide safety improvements.

• Woman Fatally Struck By Hit-and-Run Driver in Queens, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-01

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-01-30

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-01-30

Two sedans slammed together on 108 Street. One driver took the hit, back wrenched, neck whipped. Police blamed driver distraction. Metal bent. No one thrown. The street stayed quiet after.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 38-12 108 Street in Queens at 2:47 AM. The crash left a 35-year-old male driver injured with back pain and whiplash. He was conscious, not ejected, and wore a lap belt and harness. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' for both vehicles as the cause. The impact struck the center back end of one sedan, showing a rear-end hit. No other contributing factors were listed. Driver distraction led directly to the crash and the injuries that followed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699496 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A distracted driver collided with another vehicle on 37 Road in Queens, injuring a 22-year-old front passenger. The impact struck the SUV’s right rear bumper and the pickup’s left front bumper, leaving the passenger with neck pain and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:51 on 37 Road in Queens involving a 2018 Jeep pickup truck and a 2004 Toyota SUV. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound and collided with the pickup truck impacting the left front bumper and the SUV sustaining damage to the right rear bumper. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. A 22-year-old male front passenger in the SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report does not indicate any fault or contributing behavior by the passenger. The collision highlights the dangers of distracted driving and driver inexperience on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698691 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

SUV turned left on Northern Boulevard. Driver distracted. Hit woman outside intersection. She stayed conscious. Head bruised. City street, cold night, hard impact.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling north on Northern Boulevard in Queens made a left turn and struck a female pedestrian who was not in an intersection. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The driver was licensed and alone in the vehicle. This crash underscores the risk posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697504 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Advocates stormed Albany for Sammy’s Law. They want New York City to set its own speed limits. Last year, Speaker Heastie blocked a vote. Mothers starved in protest. Lawmakers stalled. Now, survivors and families demand action. Data shows lower speeds save lives.

On January 23, 2024, advocates launched a renewed push for Sammy’s Law in Albany. The bill, which would let New York City control its own speed limits, stalled last year when Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refused to allow a vote, despite majority support. Brooklyn Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, a strong supporter, noted, 'Even [lawmakers] who had City Council members from their districts supporting the bill were still not interested.' Queens Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, recently injured by a driver, said, 'Had the car been going faster ... I might not be here.' Amy Cohen of Families for Safe Streets highlighted broad support: 'We have organizations from across the city supporting Sammy’s Law.' City data shows a 36% drop in pedestrian deaths after the 2014 speed limit reduction. The bill remains in limbo, but advocates are not backing down.

• This Year’s Mettle: The Push for Sammy’s Law Begins — With or Without Carl Heastie, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

SUV and sedan slammed together on Astoria Boulevard. A 21-year-old passenger took neck injuries and whiplash. Police blamed driver distraction and inexperience. Metal twisted. The passenger paid the price.

According to the police report, a crash struck Astoria Boulevard at 13:15. A 2023 SUV heading east and a 2007 sedan going north collided, both moving straight. The SUV's center front and the sedan's left front bumper took the hit. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' for both drivers and 'Driver Inexperience' for one. A 21-year-old male front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. He was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles showed heavy front-end damage. The report highlights distraction and inexperience as key driver errors. The injured passenger bears no blame.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694979 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two sedans collided on Northern Boulevard in Queens. The rear car struck the front. A young passenger suffered head injuries. The driver was hurt. Police cite driver distraction as the cause.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on Northern Boulevard in Queens collided when the rear vehicle hit the center back end of the front vehicle. A 19-year-old female passenger suffered head injuries. The 20-year-old male driver of the front car sustained back injuries. Both were conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No errors are attributed to the injured passenger or driver beyond distraction. The crash underscores the risk of driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A driver hit Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas in a Jackson Heights crosswalk. She broke her arm. The driver failed to yield. The intersection lacked daylighting. González-Rojas vows to fight for lower speed limits and more protected bike lanes. Danger remains for all.

On January 7, 2024, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas was struck by a driver while crossing 78th Street near 35th Avenue in Jackson Heights. She suffered a broken arm and bruises. The driver received a summons for failure to yield. González-Rojas called the intersection dangerous, citing poor visibility and lack of daylighting. She stated, "If we had universal daylighting—he could have seen me." González-Rojas renewed her push for Sammy’s Law, which would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph, and called for more protected bike lanes. She said, "I absolutely had the right of way. He just turned right into me—and the next thing you know I was on the floor." The incident highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians and the urgent need for systemic street safety reforms.

• Queens Pol Recovering From Broken Arm, Bruises After Driver Strikes Her in Crosswalk, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-07

A sedan traveling east struck a male pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The pedestrian suffered upper arm injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the primary contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, a 2017 Toyota sedan traveling east on 37 Avenue in Queens struck a male pedestrian who was crossing outside a designated crosswalk. The impact occurred at the vehicle's left front bumper, causing injuries to the pedestrian's shoulder and upper arm. The pedestrian was reported to be in shock and complained of pain or nausea. The report explicitly identifies "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian's crossing outside a signal or crosswalk is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead at the time of impact. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front bumper. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and the vulnerability of pedestrians outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 76-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making a left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing head injuries and abrasions. The pedestrian remained conscious despite the impact at a Queens intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 74 Street in Queens was making a left turn when it struck a 76-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection near 37 Avenue. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and abrasions but remained conscious. The report explicitly cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact, but the pedestrian suffered injury severity level 3. The driver was licensed and operating a 2021 Toyota sedan. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This crash highlights the critical danger posed by driver errors in yielding at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692400 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08