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

A turning SUV cut across 72nd Street. A motorcycle slammed into its side. The young rider, helmetless, flew from the seat, legs shattered, blood pooling on the pavement. The road bore witness to violence and error, not mercy.

According to the police report, a Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicle was making a left turn from 72nd Street near Northern Boulevard in Queens when a motorcycle traveling straight collided with the SUV's right side doors. The 21-year-old motorcycle rider was ejected from his seat, suffered severe bleeding, and sustained serious injuries to his legs. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The SUV driver’s failure to yield during the turn is explicitly cited. The motorcycle rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail appears after the primary driver errors. The crash unfolded at 3:19 p.m., leaving the rider incoherent and gravely hurt, underscoring the lethal consequences of driver mistakes on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4758181, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Five sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway at night. All drivers suffered full-body injuries and shock. Vehicles sustained front, rear, and side damage. Police report lists unspecified driver errors as contributing factors. No ejections or visible complaints noted.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash involving five sedans occurred on Grand Central Parkway around 11 p.m. All five drivers, aged 26 to 62, were injured with bodily harm described as entire body injuries or specific to knee and lower leg areas. Each driver was in shock, and none were ejected from their vehicles. The vehicles showed damage at front, rear, and side points of impact, indicating a chain collision. The report cites 'Unspecified' contributing factors for all drivers, suggesting driver errors without detail. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors contributed. The crash involved vehicles traveling westbound, with one sedan stopped in traffic before impact. This incident highlights the dangers of multi-vehicle collisions and driver errors on busy roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4757530, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two sedans collided on 97th Street in Queens. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling north when the crash occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:19 on 97th Street in Queens involving two sedans traveling northbound. The rear sedan struck the right rear bumper of the lead sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear sedan, a 43-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time of the crash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The lead sedan's driver details and injuries were not reported. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756350, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Three SUVs collided in a chain reaction on Northern Boulevard in Queens. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. Vehicles were stopped or moving westbound when the crash occurred.

According to the police report, the crash involved three sport utility vehicles traveling westbound on Northern Boulevard in Queens. The first and third SUVs were stopped in traffic, while the second was moving straight ahead. The point of impact was the center back end of the first and third vehicles and the center front end of the second vehicle, indicating a rear-end collision chain. The driver of one SUV, a 45-year-old male occupant, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error as the cause. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756319, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 10-year-old girl crossing 113 Street in Queens was struck by a northbound sedan. The impact fractured her lower leg and foot. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving in city streets.

According to the police report, a 10-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing 113 Street near 37 Avenue in Queens at 22:44. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated injury to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The collision involved a 2018 Hyundai sedan traveling north, which struck the pedestrian on its right front quarter panel. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but the report emphasizes driver error as the cause. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. This incident underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving, especially to vulnerable child pedestrians in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756308, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

An 8-year-old boy suffered abrasions and arm injuries after a Queens driver failed to yield while making a right turn. The collision struck the pedestrian outside an intersection, highlighting aggressive driving and right-of-way violations in a residential area.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 78 Street near 37 Avenue in Queens at 5:45 p.m. The driver was making a right turn when the vehicle's center front end struck an 8-year-old male pedestrian. The child was injured with abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and remained conscious after the collision. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors by the driver. The pedestrian was not in the roadway and was outside an intersection at the time of impact. Vehicle damage was recorded at the center front end. This incident underscores the dangers posed by drivers who disregard right-of-way rules and engage in aggressive behavior, resulting in harm to vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756316, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 12-year-old girl riding as a passenger on a bicycle was injured when a Honda SUV traveling east on Northern Boulevard struck her. The SUV’s right side doors were damaged. The bicyclist was hurt in the elbow and lower arm area.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Northern Boulevard in Queens at 15:23. A Honda SUV traveling east struck a bicycle carrying two occupants traveling northeast. The 12-year-old female bicyclist passenger suffered injuries to her elbow and lower arm, classified as injury severity 3. The SUV sustained damage to its right side doors. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. No damage was recorded on the bicycle, and the bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor but does not specify victim fault. The bicyclist passenger was not wearing safety equipment. The focus remains on the SUV driver's unsafe speed as the primary cause of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756293, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A city bus struck two parked sedans on 23 Avenue in Queens, injuring the bus driver. The impact damaged the left rear bumpers of both sedans and caused whiplash to the bus operator, who remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a bus traveling eastbound on 23 Avenue in Queens collided with two parked sedans, both facing west. The bus impacted the left rear bumpers of the sedans, causing damage to the vehicles. The bus driver, a 61-year-old male, was injured with whiplash affecting his entire body but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The sedans were stationary prior to the crash, described as 'Parked' in the report. The report lists no specific contributing factors such as failure to yield or other driver errors, but the collision with parked vehicles indicates a loss of control or failure to maintain lane or distance by the bus driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved or cited. The incident highlights the dangers posed by large vehicles colliding with stationary vehicles on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760623, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A motorcycle rider suffered a fractured shoulder after a sedan made an improper U-turn in Queens. The crash at night involved driver inattention and distraction. The motorcyclist, helmeted and conscious, was not ejected but sustained serious upper arm injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:41 near 32-23 Junction Boulevard in Queens. A sedan was making a U-turn southbound when it collided with a northbound motorcycle. The motorcycle driver, a 35-year-old male wearing a helmet, was injured with a fractured and dislocated shoulder and upper arm. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors, indicating the sedan driver failed to execute the U-turn safely. The motorcycle rider was not ejected and remained conscious after the impact. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the sedan's right front bumper and the motorcycle's center front end, confirming the collision point. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4754313, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two vehicles crashed on 32 Avenue in Queens. The SUV struck the sedan’s left side doors. A 52-year-old female passenger suffered internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 14:45 on 32 Avenue in Queens involving a 2016 SUV traveling west and a 2004 sedan traveling south. The SUV impacted the left front bumper against the sedan’s left side doors. The sedan carried two occupants, including a 52-year-old female front passenger who sustained internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis and was reported in shock. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report explicitly cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The injured passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to side-impact collisions at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755115, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 23-year-old bicyclist suffered chest injuries after a collision with an SUV making a left turn on 31 Avenue in Queens. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained contusions. Limited driver visibility and bicyclist confusion contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:05 on 31 Avenue in Queens. A 23-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and injured in the chest after being struck by a 2023 SUV making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as contributing factors. The SUV driver, licensed in New York, was traveling west and turning left, while the bicyclist was traveling east going straight ahead. The bicyclist suffered contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The collision highlights driver error in failing to yield during the turn amid limited visibility, with bicyclist confusion also noted but no blame assigned to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751358, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 42-year-old man suffered severe injuries after an SUV struck him on a Queens sidewalk. The vehicle, initially parked, impacted the pedestrian’s entire body, causing fractures and dislocations. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2021 Honda SUV, initially parked and facing east, struck him on the roof. The point of impact was the roof of the vehicle, which sustained damage there as well. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body, including fractures and dislocations, and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The incident occurred near 94-11 34 Road in Queens. The lack of detailed contributing factors in the report highlights systemic dangers posed by vehicle movements near pedestrian areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747639, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Ford SUV struck the left rear quarter panel of a Ford sedan traveling east on 37 Avenue in Queens. The sedan’s driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Queens’ 37 Avenue near 97 Street at 11:45 PM. A 2023 Ford SUV traveling north collided with the left rear quarter panel of a 2013 Ford sedan traveling east. The sedan’s driver, a 27-year-old male occupant, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were going straight ahead before the collision. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified, providing no direct attribution to pedestrian or cyclist behavior. The impact point and vehicle damage indicate the SUV struck the rear quarter of the sedan, suggesting a failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746879, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A bicyclist suffered arm injuries after an SUV hit his right side doors on 37 Avenue in Queens. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction. The cyclist remained conscious but sustained contusions and bruises to his lower arm and hand.

According to the police report, at 14:39 on 37 Avenue in Queens, a 2012 Chevrolet SUV traveling east struck a bicyclist traveling in the same direction. The point of impact was the right side doors of the SUV and the left front bumper of the bike. The bicyclist, a 45-year-old male with a learner's permit, was injured with contusions and bruises to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The SUV driver was going straight ahead and failed to maintain attention, leading to the collision. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749457, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan making a right turn struck a 29-year-old bicyclist traveling straight on 94 Street in Queens. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved limited driver visibility and following too closely, according to the police report.

At 9:50 AM on 94 Street near 30 Avenue in Queens, a sedan making a right turn collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead, according to the police report. The 29-year-old male bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, highlighting driver errors that led to the crash. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The driver of the sedan was licensed and operating the vehicle southbound. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist. This incident underscores the dangers posed by limited driver visibility and unsafe vehicle spacing during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747466, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 52-year-old bicyclist was injured when an SUV made a right turn in Queens. The collision caused bruising and knee injuries. According to the police report, driver inattention and bicyclist confusion contributed to the crash.

At 8:09 AM in Queens on 34 Avenue near 92 Street, a 52-year-old female bicyclist wearing a helmet was injured when a 2019 Jeep SUV made a right turn and struck her. The police report states the SUV's left front quarter panel was damaged on impact. The bicyclist suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a primary contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to adequately observe the bicyclist while turning. Additionally, "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" is cited, suggesting some confusion on the bicyclist's part. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted turning drivers in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746793, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 20-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked SUV in Queens. The collision occurred at night, leaving the driver conscious but injured, highlighting risks from rear-end impacts.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:50 in Queens near 35-20 108 Street. A 20-year-old male driver, restrained by a lap belt and harness, was injured with back trauma and whiplash after his 2014 GMC SUV collided with the left rear bumper of a parked 2021 Honda SUV. The report notes the Honda was stationary, indicating the moving SUV struck the parked vehicle from behind. The driver was conscious and not ejected. No contributing factors or driver errors were explicitly cited in the report, but the impact with a parked vehicle suggests failure to maintain control or proper attention. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748174, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 30-year-old male driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries when his SUV overturned after colliding with a sedan. Police cited unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors. The crash occurred on Grand Central Parkway at 4:20 a.m.

According to the police report, the crash involved two vehicles traveling eastbound on Grand Central Parkway at 4:20 a.m. A 30-year-old male driver in a 2018 SUV lost control after executing an unsafe lane change at unsafe speed. The SUV collided with a sedan, impacting its left rear quarter panel and causing the SUV to overturn. The driver sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factors to the collision. There is no indication of victim fault or other contributing behaviors. The sedan sustained damage to its right front bumper. This crash highlights the dangers of driver errors on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744413, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 23-year-old bicyclist suffered facial injuries after a sedan struck him from behind on 39-06 114 Street in Queens. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected. Police cited the sedan driver's failure to maintain a safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 39-06 114 Street in Queens involving a sedan and a bicyclist traveling southbound. The 23-year-old male bicyclist was riding straight ahead when the sedan, also traveling south, struck the right side doors of the bike with its left side doors. The bicyclist sustained internal facial injuries and remained conscious, with no ejection from the bike. The report identifies the contributing factor as 'Following Too Closely' by the sedan driver. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted. The sedan involved was a 2014 Ford, and the crash caused damage to both vehicles' side doors. This incident highlights the dangers of insufficient following distance leading to serious injuries for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743592, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 46-year-old man suffered a severe leg fracture after a vehicle making a U-turn struck him on 87 Street near 23 Avenue in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was traveling at unsafe speed, causing a violent impact to the pedestrian.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:45 AM on 87 Street near 23 Avenue in Queens. The vehicle was making a U-turn and struck a 46-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside a signal or crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as a serious injury. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end, causing the injury. The pedestrian was conscious and not ejected from any vehicle. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior or safety equipment were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743410, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15