Queens Streets Run Red. Lower the Limit—Or Count More Dead.

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

A driver lost control near a Queens school. The car struck two children and a man. A seven-year-old girl’s leg snapped. Sirens wailed. Police arrested the driver. The sidewalk bore the scars. The city’s danger was plain.

According to the New York Post (April 4, 2025), an unlicensed driver reversed into a box truck, then spun onto the sidewalk outside Our World Neighborhood Charter School in Astoria, Queens. The crash injured three: a 7-year-old girl with a broken femur and head injury, a 14-year-old girl with leg injuries, and a 58-year-old man with bruises. The article states, 'Bah was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving and driving without a license.' This incident follows another recent crash involving a suspended license, highlighting recurring risks from unlicensed drivers. The crash underscores the persistent threat cars pose to people on city sidewalks, especially near schools.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits Kids Outside School, New York Post, Published 2025-04-04

Two cars struck Jorman Esparza-Olivares at a busy Rego Park crossing. He suffered head and body trauma. Medics rushed him to Elmhurst. He died six days later. Both drivers stayed. No charges. The intersection remains dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 3, 2025, that Jorman Esparza-Olivares, 23, was killed after being struck by two drivers while riding his e-bike north on 63rd Drive at Queens Blvd. The crash occurred just before 5:30 p.m. on March 19. According to police, 'It wasn't clear if any of the men involved in the crash ran a red light.' Esparza-Olivares suffered severe injuries and died six days later at Elmhurst Medical Center. Both drivers, operating a Ford SUV and a Mercedes Benz, remained at the scene and were not immediately charged. The incident highlights persistent risks for cyclists at major intersections and raises questions about traffic controls and driver awareness on Queens Blvd.

• E-Bike Rider Killed At Queens Intersection, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-03

Open Streets faces cuts. Federal funds are gone. Mayor Adams offers no city money. DOT warns of shrinking hours and scope. Council Member Krishnan blasts the move. Streets once safe for walkers and riders now risk return to cars. The future is uncertain.

On April 3, 2025, New York City’s Open Streets program entered crisis. The program, legislated by the City Council, lost its federal Covid funding. Mayor Adams has not allocated city funds. The Department of Transportation (DOT) says $5 million is needed to maintain current operations, but the Council’s preliminary budget omits this. DOT Chief of Staff Ryan Lynch told advocates the agency is lobbying for replacement funds. Council Member Shekar Krishnan criticized the mayor’s stance, saying, “It’s deeply misguided to cut funds from the open street program, especially at this moment.” The City Comptroller’s office also faulted the administration for poor planning. The funding gap has already led to reduced hours and fewer open streets. Council members are pushing for restoration, but the program’s future hangs in the balance.

• Open Street Program in Jeopardy As Mayor Adams Is Not Funding It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-03

Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway when one followed too closely and struck the other’s rear. The driver of the struck vehicle suffered head injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers erred by tailgating.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:33 PM on the Long Island Expressway involving two SUVs traveling westbound. One SUV was stopped in traffic when the second SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, failed to maintain a safe distance and rear-ended the first vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 31-year-old woman restrained by a lap belt and harness, sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for both drivers, highlighting driver error in maintaining safe spacing. The impact occurred at the center back end of the first vehicle and the center front end of the second. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802695 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 27-year-old woman suffered abrasions and arm injuries after an unlicensed driver reversed a sport utility vehicle unsafely in Queens. The pedestrian was struck outside an intersection, hit by the vehicle’s right rear bumper, sustaining moderate injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:00 in Queens near 89-01 Queens Blvd. The driver, a female operating a 2011 SUV without a license, was backing unsafely from a parked position. The vehicle’s right rear bumper struck a 27-year-old female pedestrian who was not in the roadway and was outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The driver’s unlicensed status further underscores systemic danger. The pedestrian’s actions were not listed as contributing factors. Vehicle damage was limited to the right rear bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802694 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.

• Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

Two sedans slammed together on 46 Ave in Queens. A front passenger took the hit—abdomen, pelvis, whiplash. Both drivers licensed. Metal twisted. No cyclist or pedestrian involved.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on 46 Avenue in Queens collided. The right rear quarter panel of one car struck the center front end of the other. A 25-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat suffered injuries to her abdomen and pelvis and reported whiplash. She was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both drivers were licensed men from New York. The police report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801745 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A parked SUV became a tomb on 42nd Avenue. Distraction carved metal, left a woman, 43, lifeless in the daylight hush. The lap belt held her, but the impact did not forgive. The street bore witness, silent and unchanged.

According to the police report, a fatal crash occurred outside 104-28 42nd Avenue in Queens when a parked Subaru SUV was struck on its left side. The sole occupant, a 43-year-old woman, was inside the vehicle at the time and was held in place by her lap belt. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor leading to the collision. The impact folded metal and resulted in the apparent death of the woman, who did not leave the car. The police report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the danger created by driver distraction, which turned a parked vehicle into a scene of tragedy.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 34-year-old woman crossing Baxter Avenue away from an intersection was struck by an eastbound SUV. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and abrasions. The driver’s inattention and disregard for traffic control led to the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Baxter Avenue in Queens at 3:30 AM. A 34-year-old female pedestrian was crossing outside of a crosswalk or signal when she was hit by a Station Wagon/SUV traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and abrasions but remained conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, highlighting the driver’s failure to yield and maintain attention. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian’s crossing location is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and failure to observe traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803177 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 16-year-old boy suffered upper leg injuries and shock after a BMW sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The vehicle was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The pedestrian was at the intersection, injured but not ejected.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Britton Ave and Elbertson St in Queens around 9:30 PM. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The collision involved a 2020 BMW sedan traveling south and making a right turn. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian but does not identify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the driver’s details were not provided. The pedestrian was located at the intersection at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.

• Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

Council eyes 150 new street cameras to ticket illegal parkers. Double parking blocks crosswalks, hydrants, bike lanes. Lawmakers say chaos endangers walkers and riders. DOT backs tech to clear streets. Delivery drivers worry. Streets stay dangerous until cars yield space.

On March 4, 2025, Assemblyman Steven Raga proposed a bill to install 150 automated cameras across New York City. The measure, discussed in the council and supported by the NYC Department of Transportation, aims to ticket drivers who double park or block critical spaces. The bill summary states: 'Double parking and curb violations aren’t just a nuisance – they’re a public safety hazard.' Raga and DOT officials argue that manual enforcement cannot keep up with rising car numbers, leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk. Raga led the push, highlighting blocked hydrants and crosswalks as threats. DOT said automated enforcement 'helps keep streets clear, reduces congestion, and protects New Yorkers.' Delivery drivers voiced concern about work impacts, but the bill’s focus remains on clearing space for vulnerable road users. The proposal awaits further council action.

• NYC lawmaker wants 150 new street cams to ticket drivers — including double-parkers: ‘It’s a headache’, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-04

Lawmakers push for cameras to ticket double parkers. Streets choke with blocked bike lanes and chaos. Manual enforcement fails. DOT backs automation. Some lawmakers resist, call for cops. Vulnerable road users left dodging danger as debate drags.

On March 3, 2025, a legislative proposal surfaced to deploy automated parking enforcement cameras across New York City. Assemblymember Steven Raga leads the push for a $35 million pilot, aiming to install 150 cameras targeting double parking and illegal stops. The bill, not yet assigned a committee or number, seeks to automate enforcement where manual efforts fall short. Raga writes, 'manual enforcement has not been able to meet the demand to combat double parking and illegal parking.' State Senator Simcha Felder of District 44 opposes the measure, arguing for traditional police summonses instead. The Department of Transportation supports the expansion, stating, 'Automated enforcement has proven to change driver behavior and make our streets safer for everyone.' The debate centers on whether automation or police presence best protects pedestrians and cyclists from blocked lanes and traffic hazards.

• New push for automated ticketing of drivers who double park in NYC, gothamist.com, Published 2025-03-03

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

Delivery workers rallied against Hochul’s e-bike crackdown. Council weighs bills to license e-bikes, raise pay, and study conditions. DOT opposes registration. Advocates warn of criminalization. City Hall silent. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot and bike.

On February 27, 2025, the City Council considered three bills: Intro 606 (register and license all e-bikes), Intro 1133 (expand minimum wage, study delivery worker conditions), and Intro 1135 (set minimum pay for grocery delivery). Intro 606 faces opposition from DOT, which says, 'there is no evidence that registration improves safety.' The matter’s summary warns that Hochul’s plan would let NYPD enforce bike lane speed limits and reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds, requiring licenses and registration. Council members are split: Brad Lander supports regulation targeting app companies, not workers; Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani call for better street design; Michael Blake urges targeted safety solutions and more infrastructure. Advocates like Ligia Guallpa say these measures would criminalize delivery workers and create a 'ticketing-to-deportation pipeline.' The Council press office did not comment. The debate exposes a city divided on how to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Leadership Vacuum: Delivery Workers Oppose Hochul’s E-Bike Plan as Adams Goes AWOL, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-27

A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

A 22-year-old man crossing Broadway with the signal was hit. He suffered knee and foot injuries. The driver went straight. Police list unspecified driver errors. The street turned violent in the early morning dark.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Broadway at Baxter Ave in Queens at 2:21 AM. He was crossing with the signal when a northbound vehicle going straight struck him. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The police report lists 'unspecified' contributing factors, indicating driver error played a role. No vehicle type or driver details were provided. The report does not attribute any fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794992 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04