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

A 15-year-old moped rider collided with a Ford SUV on 32nd Avenue. He flew from the seat, helmetless, body torn and bleeding, screaming awake. Speed and alcohol shadowed the crash. The street bore witness to another young life shattered.

A violent collision unfolded at 32nd Avenue and 107th Street in Queens when a moped, operated by a 15-year-old boy, slammed into the left front quarter panel of a Ford SUV, according to the police report. The report states the moped rider was 'partially ejected,' suffering severe lacerations to his entire body, and was found conscious and screaming at the scene. 'Unsafe Speed' is cited as a contributing factor in the crash, with 'Alcohol Involvement' also listed in the police data. The teen wore no helmet, as documented in the report. The Ford SUV was traveling west, while the moped headed north; both were reportedly going straight ahead before impact. The police narrative describes the aftermath in stark terms: 'Blood spread. He was awake. He screamed.' The crash underscores the lethal consequences of speed and alcohol on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743180, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 71-year-old bicyclist suffered severe leg fractures after disregarding traffic control in Queens. The rider, traveling westbound, collided with another vehicle going southbound. The crash caused significant injury without ejection, highlighting driver error in traffic law compliance.

According to the police report, a 71-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 84 Street near 37 Avenue in Queens after disregarding traffic control. The bicyclist, traveling westbound, collided with an unspecified vehicle traveling southbound. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist sustained fractures and dislocations to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The report also notes the bicyclist was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited. This crash underscores the dangers posed by failure to comply with traffic controls and unlicensed operation of vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742828, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 39-year-old male driver suffered head injuries and bruising in a Queens crash involving multiple SUVs. Police report alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The collision occurred near 113 Street and 34 Avenue, leaving the driver conscious but injured.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 18:50 in Queens near 113 Street and 34 Avenue. The incident involved multiple Station Wagon/SUV vehicles. The injured party was a 39-year-old male driver who sustained head injuries and contusions. The police report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. Vehicle damage was reported on multiple SUVs, with impacts on right front and rear bumpers and left side doors. The report does not specify victim fault or behaviors but highlights driver error related to alcohol use as a key factor in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742362, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A SUV slammed into the back of a sedan traveling north on 99 Street in Queens. The sedan’s driver, a 53-year-old man, suffered a back injury. Police cited the SUV driver’s failure to maintain distance as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, at 9:07 AM on 99 Street in Queens, a 2017 Chevrolet SUV traveling north rear-ended a 2023 Honda sedan also heading north. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV striking the center back end of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 53-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained a back injury classified as injury severity level 3 and remained conscious. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. Both drivers were going straight ahead prior to the collision. The SUV driver held a permit license from California, while the sedan driver was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742144, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 51-year-old female front-seat passenger suffered back injuries and shock after a collision involving a parked SUV and a turning vehicle in Queens. The SUV sustained damage to its left rear bumper. The crash caused pain and nausea for the passenger.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 103 Street near 39 Avenue in Queens at 19:09. A vehicle was making a right turn when it collided with a parked 2024 SUV, impacting the SUV's left rear bumper. The SUV had two occupants, including a 51-year-old female front passenger who was injured. She was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The passenger suffered back injuries, experienced shock, and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The turning vehicle, a 2009 HINO, showed no damage. The incident highlights the dangers posed by vehicle maneuvers near parked cars and the resulting injuries to vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741450, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan traveling north on Northern Boulevard rear-ended another sedan going straight ahead. The driver of the struck vehicle suffered back injuries and internal complaints. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Northern Boulevard in Queens at 14:11. Two sedans were involved, both traveling north. The striking vehicle impacted the center back end of the lead sedan, which sustained damage to its center front end. The driver of the lead sedan, a 42-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain and internal complaints but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors for the striking driver. There is no indication of victim fault or pedestrian involvement. The collision highlights driver errors in maintaining attention and control while traveling straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739821, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 26-year-old male bicyclist suffered a back contusion after a sedan struck him from behind on Northern Boulevard in Queens. The driver’s inattention and following too closely caused the collision, leaving the cyclist injured but conscious.

According to the police report, at 3:09 AM on Northern Boulevard in Queens, a sedan traveling east struck a bicyclist from behind. The bicyclist, a 26-year-old male, was injured with a back contusion and remained conscious after the crash. The report identifies the driver’s inattention and distraction as primary contributing factors, along with following too closely. The sedan’s right front bumper impacted the bike’s right rear bumper, causing damage to both vehicles. The bicyclist was not ejected and was riding without safety equipment. The driver’s failure to maintain a safe distance and lack of attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers posed by distracted driving in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739822, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A motorcycle collided head-on with an SUV on 31 Avenue in Queens. The unlicensed motorcyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The SUV driver disregarded traffic control, causing the violent impact and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:50 on 31 Avenue in Queens involving a 2018 Dodge SUV and a 2023 Jiajue motorcycle. The SUV was traveling north, and the motorcycle west, both going straight ahead. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the SUV and the center front end of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist, a 32-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious but injured. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. Additionally, the motorcyclist was unlicensed, as noted in the report. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, but no other victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of disregarding traffic controls and unlicensed operation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738806, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two men suffered whiplash and full-body injuries after a head-on crash on Queens’ 82 Street. Both drivers were conscious and restrained. The collision damaged the left front quarter panel and center front end of the vehicles. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Queens’ 82 Street near 31 Avenue at 9:35 PM. Both drivers, a 27-year-old male and a 52-year-old female passenger, were injured with whiplash and full-body trauma but remained conscious and restrained with lap belts. The crash involved impact to the left front bumpers of both vehicles. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed in New York and traveling straight ahead in opposite directions. The collision caused significant damage to the left front quarter panel of one sedan and the center front end of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742118, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Ford SUV and Honda sedan collided on 80 Street in Queens. Both male drivers suffered injuries including whiplash and bruises. Police cite traffic control disregard and unsafe speed as key factors in the crash. Impact struck right side doors and front bumper.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 16:35 on 80 Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens involving a 2008 Ford SUV traveling north and a 2017 Honda sedan traveling west. The SUV was struck on its right side doors while the sedan sustained damage to its right front bumper. Both drivers, males aged 59 and 28, were injured but conscious. The older driver suffered whiplash affecting his entire body, while the younger driver had contusions on his elbow and lower arm. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for the SUV driver and 'Other Vehicular' factors for the sedan driver. Both drivers were properly licensed and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The crash highlights driver errors related to traffic control violations and unsafe speed as central causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738795, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Queens SUV making a left turn struck a bicyclist traveling east on 88 Street. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries, sustaining contusions. According to the police report, the crash resulted from the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way.

At 18:25 in Queens on 88 Street near Northern Boulevard, a 2023 Nissan SUV driven by a licensed male driver was making a left turn when it collided with a bicyclist traveling straight eastbound. According to the police report, the contributing factor was the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way. The bicyclist, a 42-year-old man, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The bike sustained no damage. The report identifies no contributing factors related to the bicyclist. The impact point was the SUV’s left front bumper, matching the collision with the cyclist. This crash highlights the danger posed by turning vehicles failing to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737475, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 49-year-old man driving a sedan northbound collided with a parked taxi on 103 Street. The driver suffered arm injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Police cited alcohol involvement and aggressive driving as contributing factors to the crash.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male driver was operating a 2011 Nissan sedan northbound on 103 Street at 4:33 a.m. when he struck a parked 2023 Chevrolet taxi. The impact occurred at the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the taxi, causing roof damage to the sedan. The driver sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, described as contusions and bruises, and was incoherent at the scene. The report explicitly lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors to the crash. The taxi was unoccupied at the time. The driver was not ejected and held a valid New York driver’s license. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737246, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two SUVs collided head-to-tail on Northern Boulevard in Queens. The front passenger and driver of the struck vehicle suffered whiplash injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor. Both vehicles sustained front and rear-end damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:55 on Northern Boulevard in Queens. Two sport utility vehicles traveling east collided, with the front SUV impacting the rear of the second SUV. The driver of the striking vehicle was unlicensed and was noted for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The struck vehicle had two occupants: a 46-year-old male driver and a 45-year-old female front passenger. Both were conscious but injured, suffering whiplash to the neck and back. The driver and passenger wore lap belts and were not ejected. Vehicle damage was centered on the front end of the striking SUV and the rear end of the struck SUV. The report highlights driver distraction as the primary cause, with no contributing factors assigned to the victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737981, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan driver suffered neck injuries after a crash on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The driver’s illness and distraction contributed to the collision. Two occupants were injured, highlighting the dangers of medical conditions behind the wheel.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Astoria Boulevard in Queens at 6:31 AM. The sedan, traveling east, was involved in a collision linked to the driver's illness and inattention. The driver, a 23-year-old male, was injured with back injuries and was conscious at the scene. Another occupant, a 38-year-old male driver, sustained neck injuries. Both occupants wore lap belts and harnesses. The report cites 'Illness' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The dump truck involved showed no damage, indicating the sedan likely collided with a stationary or parked vehicle or object. The report emphasizes driver medical condition and distraction as key factors, with no fault attributed to any pedestrians or cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736461, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped traveling south collided with a slowing pick-up truck on Queens’ 82 Street. The moped driver, an 18-year-old male, suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The truck bore damage to its right side doors from the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 82 Street near 25 Avenue in Queens at 16:27. A pick-up truck was slowing or stopping when a moped traveling south struck the truck’s right side doors. The moped driver, an 18-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating the moped driver’s error in lane usage or passing maneuver. The truck driver was licensed and traveling south, with no contributing factors listed. The moped driver was unlicensed. The collision caused damage to the truck’s right side doors and the moped’s left front quarter panel. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737241, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 19-year-old bicyclist suffered a serious shoulder injury after a sedan struck him from behind on 92 Street in Queens. The crash happened in broad daylight. The driver’s failure to maintain distance caused the collision, highlighting dangers for cyclists.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:55 on 92 Street near 35 Avenue in Queens. A sedan traveling west struck a bicyclist from behind, impacting the bike’s left side doors with the sedan’s right front quarter panel. The 19-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining an upper arm and shoulder injury classified as severity 3. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report cites the sedan driver’s errors as 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. No safety equipment or victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision underscores the risks posed by drivers who fail to maintain safe distances behind vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735927, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A motorscooter traveling north on Junction Boulevard crashed, injuring both occupants. The driver and passenger suffered abrasions to their elbows and lower arms. Police cited aggressive driving and driver distraction as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, a motorscooter carrying two occupants collided on Junction Boulevard in Queens shortly after midnight. The driver, a 20-year-old male with a learner's permit, and the 20-year-old female passenger both sustained abrasions to their elbows and lower arms. The report identifies aggressive driving and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle was traveling straight ahead when the crash occurred, impacting at the center front end of the motorscooter. Neither occupant was ejected, and both remained conscious. The report emphasizes driver errors—specifically aggressive driving and distraction—as the primary causes, without attributing fault to the injured occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734358, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two SUVs collided on 23 Avenue in Queens, injuring three occupants. Drivers reacted to uninvolved vehicles, causing impact. Injuries ranged from abrasions to whiplash. All occupants wore seat belts and none were ejected. The crash left victims in shock and pain.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 23 Avenue in Queens around 13:45. The crash involved a 2011 Jeep SUV traveling west and a 2016 GMC SUV also traveling west. The collision occurred due to drivers' reactions to uninvolved vehicles, cited as contributing factors. The Jeep's left front bumper struck the GMC's right rear bumper. Three occupants were injured: a 29-year-old female front passenger in shock, a 51-year-old male driver with back injuries and whiplash, and a 32-year-old male driver with abrasions to the elbow and lower arm. All occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report highlights driver errors related to reacting to other vehicles, with no contributing victim behaviors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734169, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 20-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a sedan struck his bike’s front end. The sedan, driven by an unlicensed male, impacted the bike’s center front and left side doors. Driver inattention and inexperience caused the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred in Queens at 76-08 31 Avenue involving a sedan and a bicycle. The sedan, driven by an unlicensed male driver who was starting in traffic, struck the bicyclist on the left side doors of the vehicle and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist, a 20-year-old male, sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed and inattentive drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734166, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Three eastbound vehicles collided in a chain reaction on Queens’ 98th Street. Following too closely caused rear-end impacts. A 61-year-old driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash exposed dangers of tailgating in congested traffic.

According to the police report, a chain-reaction collision occurred on Queens’ 98th Street near Northern Boulevard at 4:46 a.m. Three eastbound vehicles—a 2018 Dodge SUV, a 2015 Chrysler sedan, and a 2024 Honda sedan—were involved. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor for at least two drivers, indicating failure to maintain safe distance in slowing or stopped traffic. The 61-year-old male driver of one sedan was injured, suffering back injuries and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. All drivers held valid New York licenses. The impact points were center front and center back ends of the vehicles, consistent with rear-end collisions. This crash underscores the systemic danger posed by tailgating in congested urban traffic, as documented by the police report's emphasis on driver error without attributing fault to any victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733193, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15