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

Four SUVs collided on 108 Street in Queens. One 21-year-old woman suffered chest injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and distraction. Impact hit hard at front and rear. No ejections. Serious, contained harm.

According to the police report, four SUVs collided on 108 Street near 34 Avenue in Queens. All vehicles were headed north. Traffic stopped. The crash injured a 21-year-old female driver, who suffered chest trauma and shock. She was not ejected. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. Impact struck the center front and back ends of the vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The crash left one driver hurt and several vehicles damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603217 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-02-01

SUV rear-ends sedan on Astoria Boulevard. Passenger, 26, suffers back injury and shock. Night crash. Police cite driver inexperience and distraction. Impact leaves vulnerable rider hurt in Queens street.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on Astoria Boulevard struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The center back end of the SUV hit the center front end of the sedan. A 26-year-old male passenger in the sedan was injured, suffering back pain and shock. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The injured passenger was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. Both vehicles were operated by licensed male drivers. The crash left the passenger with moderate injuries at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601356 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Assembly bill A 2610 targets bus lane cheaters. Sponsors back cameras and owner liability. The goal: keep bus lanes clear, speed up buses, cut crashes. No votes yet. The fight for safer streets rolls on.

Assembly bill A 2610, now in sponsorship, aims to extend bus rapid transit camera enforcement. The bill, titled "Relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions," was introduced January 26, 2023. Primary sponsor Alicia Hyndman leads, joined by Deborah Glick, Sarahana Shrestha, Manny De Los Santos, Zohran Mamdani, and others. The bill would hold vehicle owners liable for bus lane violations and expand photo enforcement. No votes have been recorded. The measure seeks to keep bus lanes clear, speed up transit, and reduce risk for those outside cars.

• File A 2610, Open States, Published 2023-01-26

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Twenty-two construction workers died last year in New York City. Lawmakers passed Carlos' Law, raising fines for negligent companies to $500,000. State Sen. Jessica Ramos calls it vital as migrants fill non-union jobs. Advocates warn: enforcement and worker awareness still lag.

Carlos' Law, passed in early 2023, raises the maximum penalty for construction companies convicted of criminal negligence leading to worker injury or death from $10,000 to $500,000. The law, named after Carlos Moncayo, aims to curb a surge in construction worker deaths—22 in the past year, the highest in five years. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, representing District 13, called the law 'critically needed' as thousands of migrants enter non-union construction jobs lacking basic safety protections. Ramos and other lawmakers supported the bill, but advocates and union officials warn that without strong enforcement and education for new arrivals, deaths and injuries will persist. The law passed after years of advocacy, but the minimum fine was removed, and nonprofits struggle to train the influx of new workers. As Ramos said, 'Behind every worker is a family expecting them to return home.'

• Construction worker deaths reach 5-year high as lawmakers seek to hold companies responsible, gothamist.com, Published 2023-01-22

A 70-year-old woman was struck by a sedan making a right turn on 76 Street in Queens. She was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The impact fractured her knee and lower leg. She remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 76 Street was making a right turn when it struck a 70-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper. No specific driver errors were listed in the contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision and sustained serious lower limb injuries. The report does not indicate any helmet use or signaling issues related to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600778 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

A 67-year-old man driving a 2019 Chevrolet sedan was injured in Queens. The sedan hit the left side doors of a parked 2015 Ford. The driver suffered back injuries but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male driver in a 2019 Chevrolet sedan traveling south struck the left side doors of a 2015 Ford that was starting from parking. The impact caused damage to the sedan's left front quarter panel and the Ford's right front bumper. The driver was injured in the back and reported internal complaints but remained conscious and was not ejected. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any clear driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Subway stations in outer boroughs roar back. Over 20 surpass 2019 numbers. Riders are workers, immigrants, people of color. MTA tweaks service—adds some, cuts some. Waits grow. Calls mount for more funding. Riders need frequent trains. Lives depend on it.

On January 10, 2023, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that more than 20 New York City subway stations exceeded pre-pandemic ridership in December 2022. The recovery, strongest in outer boroughs and Upper Manhattan, highlights the reliance of working-class, immigrant, and communities of color on transit. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said, 'these New Yorkers deserve the same frequent, safe reliable service that they've come to depend on over time.' State Sen. Jessica Ramos, representing the 7 train corridor, demanded state funding for six-minute off-peak service, noting, 'my neighbors are the ones who do work that they can't do from home.' The MTA has made service adjustments—some lines see more weekend trains, but peak service is trimmed, leading to longer waits. As total ridership lags, agency leaders and advocates warn that cuts hit those who need transit most. The fight for reliable, frequent service continues.

• More Than 20 Subway Stations Exceeded Pre-Pandemic Ridership Figures in December, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-10

Fans told Mets owner Steve Cohen they want safe ways to reach Citi Field. They called for protected bike lanes and better pedestrian routes. Cars came last. State Sen. Ramos demanded urgent action. The message was clear: fix deadly streets, not parking lots.

On January 9, 2023, Mets owner Steve Cohen hosted a public consultation on transportation at Citi Field. Attendees demanded safer biking and walking routes, saying, "There's really no segregated [bike] lane, so that would be the main thing." State Sen. Jessica Ramos pressed for immediate bike lanes, stressing, "We need bike lanes yesterday." The event, described as a first step in listening to community priorities, showed strong opposition to car-centric infrastructure. Multiple participants left notes calling for protected bike lanes. The session highlighted the urgent need to address dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists around the stadium, with fans and officials united in demanding safer, more sustainable access.

• Fans to Mets Owner: We Don’t Want to Drive to Citi Field, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-09

A bus and an e-scooter clashed near 25-39 72nd Street. The scooter tried to pass. Metal struck. A 31-year-old woman hit head-first. Blood marked the street. She stayed conscious. Passing went wrong. The city counted another wound.

A bus and an e-scooter collided near 25-39 72nd Street in Queens. The e-scooter, operated by a 31-year-old woman, attempted to pass the bus. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' was a contributing factor. The front end of the e-scooter struck, causing the rider to hit head-first and suffer severe head lacerations. She remained conscious at the scene. The bus carried two occupants, both uninjured. The report notes the e-scooter rider was not wearing a helmet, but only after citing improper lane usage as the primary factor. The crash left the street marked by blood and silence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605600 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 14-year-old girl was struck while crossing 109 Street in Queens. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious and crossing with the signal at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 109 Street and 37 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type were provided. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision and did not have any noted safety equipment or contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595967 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A moped hit a Mercedes on 75th Street and 32nd Avenue. The rider, helmetless, struck headfirst and died on the cold asphalt. Both drivers ignored traffic control. The sedan driver survived. The street stayed silent under Queens’ night sky.

A deadly collision unfolded at the corner of 75th Street and 32nd Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, a moped slammed into the side of a southbound Mercedes. The 31-year-old moped rider, not wearing a helmet, struck headfirst and died at the scene. The sedan driver was not reported injured. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor for both drivers. Both vehicles were going straight ahead before the crash. The rider’s lack of helmet is noted, but the primary cause remains the failure to obey traffic controls. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594841 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

An unlicensed SUV driver crashed into a stopped bus on 78 Street. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention. The bus driver was not hurt. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old unlicensed man driving an SUV struck the right rear bumper of a stopped bus on 78 Street near Northern Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash, but remained conscious. The bus, occupied only by its licensed male driver, was stopped in traffic and the driver was not hurt. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV was traveling straight ahead when it hit the bus. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594397 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two SUVs collided while making right turns on 108 Street in Queens. The rear vehicle struck the front one’s center back end. The driver of the rear SUV, a 35-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, two SUVs were making right turns on 108 Street in Queens when the rear vehicle struck the center back end of the front vehicle. The driver of the rear SUV, a 35-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck pain and shock. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely." The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Vehicle damage was noted on the left rear bumper of the rear SUV, while the front SUV showed no damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601352 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two SUVs collided on Grand Central Parkway. One driver suffered a head injury and concussion. Police blamed driver inattention and unsafe speed. Both vehicles showed heavy bumper damage.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed eastbound on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The driver of the lead SUV, a 51-year-old woman, was injured with a concussion and head trauma. She remained conscious and was not ejected. The crash involved a rear-end impact, with the trailing SUV striking the right rear bumper of the lead vehicle. Police cited driver inattention, distraction, and unsafe speed as contributing factors. No other factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590610 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 60-year-old woman was hit by a sedan while crossing 94 Street at Astoria Boulevard. The impact struck her head, causing injury and shock. The driver was inattentive, failing to notice the pedestrian. The victim suffered pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 94 Street struck a 60-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection with Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The driver failed to maintain attention, leading to the collision and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 44-year-old man was hit while crossing a marked crosswalk in Queens. The sedan struck him head-on, causing back injuries and bruising. The driver was inattentive and inexperienced. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at 35-59 69 Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling north and going straight ahead, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian suffered back contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. No other contributing factors such as pedestrian error or safety equipment were noted. The collision caused damage to the front center of the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A taxi struck a sedan backing unsafely on 103rd Street in Queens. The sedan driver, 55, suffered hip and upper leg injuries. The crash happened at 1:15 a.m. Driver inattention and unsafe backing caused the collision.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north collided with a sedan backing south on 103rd Street in Queens. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old man, was injured with contusions and bruises to his hip and upper leg. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan was struck on its center back end by the taxi's left front bumper. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or other occupants were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe backing maneuvers combined with driver distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09