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

An SUV turned left on 71st Street and hit a cyclist. The cyclist, 25, was injured and in shock. Both vehicles took damage to the front. Police list all factors as unspecified.

A 25-year-old cyclist was injured when an SUV making a left turn collided with him on 71st Street at 31st Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The cyclist suffered injuries and was in shock. The SUV driver, a 21-year-old woman, was not reported injured. Police listed all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were cited in the report. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but this was not listed as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807821 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A driver lost consciousness at 73rd Street and 25th Avenue. Two vehicles crashed. One woman, 72, suffered back injuries. Police cite lost consciousness as the cause.

A crash at 73rd Street and 25th Avenue in Queens involved a pick-up truck and an SUV. According to the police report, a driver lost consciousness, leading to the collision. A 72-year-old woman driving the SUV was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. Three others were involved but not seriously hurt. Police list 'Lost Consciousness' as the main contributing factor. No other errors or equipment issues are cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Brooklyn man lost control on Belt Parkway. His SUV struck a tree near JFK. Emergency crews arrived but could not save him. The road stayed quiet. Police kept watch. The investigation continues.

The Brooklyn Paper reported on April 23, 2025, that a 57-year-old Brooklyn man died after crashing his SUV on the Belt Parkway near JFK Airport. Police said the driver "failed to navigate the roadway and struck a tree." Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case, and no arrests have been made. The article highlights the crash location—westbound Belt Parkway, just west of 130th Street—and notes the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the dangers present on high-speed parkways and the unforgiving design of tree-lined medians.

• Driver Dies After Belt Parkway Crash, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-23

Two sedans collided at 37 Ave and Junction Blvd. Improper lane use. Driver and front passenger hurt. Whiplash. Metal and glass. Sirens in Queens.

Two sedans crashed at 37 Ave and Junction Blvd in Queens. According to the police report, the contributing factor was 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' A 30-year-old male driver and a 24-year-old male front passenger were injured, both suffering whiplash. The crash involved one vehicle making a right turn and another starting from parking. Other occupants were listed but not reported as injured. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report did not mention helmet or signal use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807363 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Ford SUV hit a 75-year-old man crossing with the signal. His leg was torn open. The SUV showed no damage. A baby inside watched, unharmed. Failure to yield left blood on the street.

A Ford SUV struck a 75-year-old man as he crossed 75th Street at 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the man was crossing with the signal when the SUV hit him, causing severe lacerations to his leg. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The SUV’s front bumper showed no damage. Inside the vehicle, a baby was present but uninjured. No injuries were reported among the vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by pedestrians even when following the rules.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.

• Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-21

A sedan struck a young girl at the intersection of 83rd Street and Northern Blvd. She was left unconscious, hurt in the leg. Police cite driver inexperience. The car showed no damage.

A sedan traveling north on 83rd Street struck a female child pedestrian at the intersection with Northern Blvd in Queens. According to the police report, the child was left unconscious with injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The vehicle, a Nissan sedan, showed no damage. The child was performing 'other actions in roadway' at the intersection when hit. No other contributing factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. Speed killed control. Five passengers hurt. Bodies jolted. Metal crushed. Police cite unsafe speed. The road showed no mercy.

Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, the crash involved unsafe speed. Five passengers, including a baby, a teenager, and three adults, suffered injuries ranging from whiplash to shock and pain. Both vehicles were heavily damaged. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the data. The toll fell on those inside, their bodies thrown by force, while the system failed to slow the cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807179 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. It hit a man on a bike. He died there, on the street. Police are investigating. The crash happened in Middle Village, Queens. Metal met flesh. The city keeps moving.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The collision happened as the truck was 'turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street.' The victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating the incident. The article notes the truck's turning movement but does not detail further driver actions. This fatal crash highlights the risks at intersections where large vehicles and cyclists cross paths. No information was provided about charges or policy changes.

• FDNY Truck Strikes Cyclist In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-20

A firetruck struck a cyclist on Juniper Boulevard. The truck turned with lights and sirens. The cyclist was crushed under the rear wheels. Sheets covered the scene. Firefighters stood by, shaken. The victim died instantly. The investigation continues.

According to the New York Post (April 19, 2025), an FDNY Rescue Company 4 firetruck fatally struck a cyclist near Juniper Valley Park in Queens while responding to a call. The article states, "The truck was making a turn onto Juniper Boulevard...when the fatal accident occurred." Police reported the truck had lights and sirens activated. The cyclist ended up beneath the rear wheels and was pronounced dead at the scene. Photos showed emergency sheets covering the area. Witness Miguel Vega described firefighters as "shaken, like shocked." The incident highlights the dangers at intersections, especially when emergency vehicles turn. The crash is under investigation, with no details yet on policy or procedural changes.

• FDNY Firetruck Kills Cyclist Near Park, New York Post, Published 2025-04-19

An SUV backed unsafely into a moped on 74th Street at 31st Avenue. Two moped riders were ejected and suffered leg fractures. The crash left both conscious but hurt.

An SUV and a moped collided on 74th Street at 31st Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV was 'Backing Unsafely' when it struck the moped. Two people on the moped—a 33-year-old male driver and a 23-year-old female passenger—were ejected and suffered leg fractures and dislocations. Both were conscious after the crash. The police report lists 'Backing Unsafely' as the contributing factor. No other errors or helmet use were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807464 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs crashed on 112th Street in Queens. One driver, age 63, suffered a bruised leg. Police cite driver inattention for both vehicles. Metal struck metal. Passengers shaken. Streets stay dangerous.

Two sport utility vehicles collided at 112th Street and 34th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers were distracted at the time of the crash. One driver, a 63-year-old man, was injured with a contusion to his lower leg. Passengers, including a child, were present but not reported injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. No other causes are cited. The crash highlights the ongoing risk posed by driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A former firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck Justin Diaz’s car at 83 mph. Diaz died a block from home. The driver was drunk, high, and unregistered. The court revoked his bail. Diaz’s family mourns.

ABC7 reported on April 17, 2025, that ex-FDNY firefighter Michael Peña faces manslaughter and DWI charges after a deadly crash in Queens. Prosecutors allege Peña was drunk, high, and speeding at 83 mph—three times the limit—when he ran a red light and T-boned 23-year-old Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance and body camera footage show Peña admitting to running the light. Five hours after the crash, tests confirmed intoxication by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Peña’s record includes prior arrests and 25 school zone speeding tickets. He also drove an unregistered vehicle with an obstructed plate and tinted windshield. The victim, Diaz, was headed to work and had just graduated college. The case highlights repeated driver violations and systemic failures in enforcement.

• Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-17

A Siena poll shows most New Yorkers fear for their lives on city streets. Women, seniors, Bronx residents feel it most. Candidates split: some push for safer street design, others target e-bikes. Cars and trucks remain the deadliest threat. Voters want action.

On April 15, 2025, a Siena College poll revealed that 77% of New York City voters rank pedestrian safety as a top concern. The poll, highlighted in Streetsblog NYC, found deep worry among women, seniors, and Bronx residents. The matter summary reads: '77% of NYC voters consider pedestrian safety a serious issue.' Mayoral candidates responded. Ben Furnas (Transportation Alternatives) called for universal daylighting and laws against super speeders, urging street redesign and enforcement. Zellnor Myrie backed robust street designs to separate bikers, pedestrians, and drivers. Jessica Ramos supported protected bike lanes for both analog and e-bikes, calling e-bikes 'a vital tool for reducing car dependency.' Whitney Tilson demanded speed caps and insurance for e-bike riders. Despite some focus on e-bikes, advocates and data point to car and truck drivers as the main source of injury and death. The poll signals a mandate: fix the streets, protect the vulnerable.

• Voters to Pols: Don’t Forget Street Safety (Um, But How Do You Define It?), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-15

Council bill orders trees and plants on new medians between bike lanes and car traffic. Concrete gets green. Barriers grow roots. The city must build for life, not speed.

Int 1233-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced April 10, 2025, it demands new medians between bicycle lanes and motor vehicles be built for trees and vegetation, pending feasibility. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to the planting of vegetation on new medians separating bicycle lanes from motorized vehicle traffic.” Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Bottcher, Ossé, Brannan, Hanif, and Brooks-Powers. They push the city to plant, or allow planting, in every new median. The law would take effect 120 days after passage. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 1233-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Two sedans collided on Northern Blvd. A distracted driver struck a parked car. A child and a woman suffered chest and head injuries. Metal twisted. Sirens followed. The street did not forgive mistakes.

A crash on Northern Blvd in Queens involved two sedans. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' caused the collision. One sedan, going straight, struck a parked car. A 10-year-old boy suffered chest injuries. A 38-year-old woman in the front passenger seat suffered a head injury and whiplash. Both were conscious after the crash. Other occupants had unspecified injuries. The report lists driver inattention as the contributing factor. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804427 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck a cyclist on 94th Street in Queens. The cyclist, 36, suffered an arm injury. Police cite failure to yield. The driver was unhurt. The street stayed open. The crash left the cyclist in shock.

A sedan traveling south on 94th Street collided with a cyclist heading east at 31st Avenue in Queens. The 36-year-old cyclist was injured in the upper arm and reported shock. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The sedan driver, age 52, was not injured. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary factor was the driver's failure to yield. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW and motorcycle collided on Woodhaven Boulevard. Both vehicles burned. The motorcyclist died at the scene. The BMW driver survived. No arrests. Police are investigating. Another life lost on a wide, fast Queens road.

According to NY Daily News (April 5, 2025), a fatal crash occurred at 60th Drive and Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park, Queens. A BMW SUV and a motorcycle, both heading south, collided around 9:22 a.m. Both vehicles caught fire. Police said, 'only the car driver survived the collision.' EMS pronounced the motorcycle rider dead at the scene. The BMW driver was hospitalized in stable condition. No arrests have been made, and police continue to investigate. The crash highlights the persistent dangers on major Queens thoroughfares, where high speeds and heavy traffic put vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motorcyclist Killed In Queens Collision Blaze, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-05