Crash Count for Queens CB5
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 4,878
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 2,812
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 565
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 39
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 22
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Queens CB5?

Blood on Their Hands: Slow Queens Streets or Count More Dead

Blood on Their Hands: Slow Queens Streets or Count More Dead

Queens CB5: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 18, 2025

The Deaths Keep Coming

Five dead. Twelve left with life-changing wounds. In the last year alone, Queens CB5 has seen 1,267 crashes. Seven hundred forty-four people were hurt. The numbers do not bleed, but the streets do.

Just this spring, a cyclist was killed on Juniper Boulevard North. A box truck turned right. The man on the bike was thrown and crushed. He died there, helmet or not. The truck kept rolling. The street stayed open. Data from NYC Open Data confirms the toll.

A few months before, a 47-year-old cyclist was killed on Maurice Avenue. An SUV and a truck. The man was ejected, died of crush injuries. No one else died. The road was cleared. The city moved on.

The System Fails the Vulnerable

Most of the dead are not behind the wheel. They walk, they ride, they cross. In three years, cars and SUVs caused 334 pedestrian injuries and deaths. Trucks and buses, 27. Motorcycles and mopeds, 12. Bikes, 9. The numbers are cold, but the pain is not.

A bus crash in Flushing left eight hurt. The driver, just 25, told investigators he “misjudged the curb.” Video showed he had fallen asleep. The MTA pulled him from service. “I was all the way in the back and all of a sudden the bus hit the curb, I guess, jumped the curb, I went this way and that way and banged into the side of the bus,” said a passenger.

Leadership: Progress and Delay

Local leaders have taken steps, but the pace is slow. Senator Gianaris and Assembly Member Hevesi both voted to extend school speed zones and co-sponsored bills to force repeat speeders to slow down. But the default speed limit remains above 20 mph. The most dangerous drivers still roam free. Each delay is a risk paid in blood.

What Comes Next

This is not fate. This is policy. Every crash is a choice made by those in power. Call your council member. Demand a 20 mph default. Demand action on repeat speeders. Do not wait for another name to be added to the list.

Act now. The next victim is only a day away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Queens CB5 sit politically?
It belongs to borough Queens, city council district District 30, assembly district AD 28 and state senate district SD 12.
Which areas are in Queens CB5?
It includes the Maspeth, Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village, Mount Olivet & All Faiths Cemeteries, Middle Village Cemetery, St. John Cemetery, and Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North) neighborhoods. It also overlaps parts of Council Districts District 30, District 32, and District 34, Assembly Districts AD 28, AD 30, AD 37, AD 38, and AD 39, and State Senate Districts SD 12, SD 15, and SD 18.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in Queens CB5?
In the last three years, cars and SUVs caused 334 pedestrian injuries and deaths, trucks and buses caused 27, motorcycles and mopeds caused 12, and bikes caused 9. The toll falls hardest on those outside the car, according to NYC Open Data.
Are these crashes just accidents, or are they preventable?
These are not random acts. Every crash is shaped by street design, speed limits, and enforcement. Policies can prevent deaths. Delay costs lives.
What can local politicians do to stop traffic violence?
They can lower speed limits, redesign dangerous streets, and pass laws to stop repeat speeders. They can act now or answer for the next death.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.
How many people were killed or seriously injured in Queens CB5 in the last year?
In the last 12 months, 5 people were killed and 12 suffered serious injuries in traffic crashes in Queens CB5. Hundreds more were hurt, according to NYC Open Data.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Andrew Hevesi
Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi
District 28
District Office:
70-50 Austin St. Suite 114, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Legislative Office:
Room 626, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Robert F. Holden
Council Member Robert F. Holden
District 30
District Office:
64-69 Dry Harbor Road, Middle Village, NY 11379
718-366-3900
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1558, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7381
Twitter: BobHoldenNYC
Michael Gianaris
State Senator Michael Gianaris
District 12
District Office:
22-07 45th St. Suite 1008, Astoria, NY 11105
Legislative Office:
Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Queens CB5 Queens Community Board 5 sits in Queens, Precinct 104, District 30, AD 28, SD 12.

It contains Maspeth, Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village, Mount Olivet & All Faiths Cemeteries, Middle Village Cemetery, St. John Cemetery, Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North).

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Queens Community Board 5

Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash

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.


Rajkumar Backs Misguided E-Bike Registration and License Plates

Dozens gathered in Midtown. They demanded e-bike registration and license plates. Priscilla’s Law, named for a pedestrian killed by an e-bike, drove the call. Council Member Holden and Assembly Member Rajkumar led. Advocates want accountability. They say e-bike chaos endangers walkers and cyclists.

On March 12, 2025, Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30) joined Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar and advocates in Midtown to rally for Priscilla’s Law (A339). The bill would require all e-bikes to have license plates and be registered with the DMV or DOT. The rally, held near Governor Hochul’s office, drew support from the NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance. The matter title: 'New Yorkers rally in Midtown to combat “lawless” e-bike riding in NYC.' Holden supports both city and state versions, stating, 'We need the state DMV to issue license plates for e-bikes.' Rajkumar declared, 'We will usher in a new era free of e-bikes blasting through red lights.' The bill is named for Priscilla Loke, killed by an e-bike in 2023. Advocates say e-bike collisions often end in hit-and-runs. They demand rules and consequences to protect pedestrians and cyclists.


E-Bike Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

An e-bike traveling north on Fresh Pond Rd hit a 40-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg contusions. The crash exposed a failure to yield right-of-way by the e-bike operator at the intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:41 on Fresh Pond Rd in Queens. A 40-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when she was struck by an e-bike traveling north, going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the e-bike operator. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident highlights the dangers posed when vehicle operators fail to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797993 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Distracted SUV Strikes Pedestrian on Myrtle Ave

A distracted SUV driver struck a 30-year-old man crossing Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian suffered back injuries and shock. The crash occurred at night, highlighting driver inattention as the critical factor in this intersection collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:54 PM on Myrtle Avenue in Queens. A 30-year-old male pedestrian was crossing the street at an intersection without a signal or crosswalk when he was struck by a westbound SUV. The vehicle, a 2004 Lexus SUV registered in New Jersey, impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained back injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No pedestrian errors or helmet use were noted as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. This collision underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in urban intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Strikes Parked Sedan in Queens Collision

A westbound SUV collided with a parked sedan on 62-45 80 Rd, Queens. The sedan’s 61-year-old female driver suffered a head injury. Police cite the SUV driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause. The victim was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at noon on 62-45 80 Rd in Queens. A 2022 SUV traveling west struck the left rear bumper of a parked 2013 sedan. The sedan’s 61-year-old female driver, wearing a lap belt, sustained a head injury classified as severity 3 but remained conscious. The report identifies the SUV driver’s contributing factor as "Passing Too Closely," indicating failure to maintain a safe distance from the parked vehicle. The sedan was stationary before impact, and the collision damaged its left rear quarter panel. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The report highlights driver error on the part of the SUV operator as the primary cause of the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797382 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Driver Distracted, Hits Pedestrian in Queens

SUV turned left on Grand Ave. Struck woman crossing with signal. Head injury. Driver distracted. Failed to yield. No vehicle damage. System failed to protect her.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old woman was crossing Grand Ave at Remsen Pl in Queens with the signal when a 2021 Mercedes SUV, making a left turn, struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The SUV showed no damage. The crash highlights driver distraction and failure to yield as the direct causes of the injury.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796599 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker

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.


S 5801
Addabbo co-sponsors e-scooter licensing bill, likely reducing overall street safety.

Senate bill S 5801 demands licenses and insurance for e-scooter riders. No license, no sale. Sponsors push manuals and safety lessons. The city’s streets stay risky for those outside cars.

Senate bill S 5801, sponsored by Luis R. Sepúlveda and co-sponsored by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., sits at the sponsorship stage. Filed March 3, 2025, it aims to 'establish a bicycle and electric scooter operator's safety manual' and require licenses and insurance for e-scooter riders in New York City. The bill bars sales to unlicensed, uninsured buyers. It also folds scooter safety into driver education. No safety analyst has weighed in on the impact for vulnerable road users. The measure’s focus is paperwork, not street design or driver accountability.


Distracted SUV Slams Sedan, Passenger Hurt

SUV driver distracted. Rear-ends sedan on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Young woman in back seat takes the hit. Head injury. Bleeding. Shock. Metal and glass. No warning. No escape.

According to the police report, a 2017 Jeep SUV rear-ended a 2022 Toyota sedan on Jackie Robinson Parkway at 14:20. Both vehicles were heading west. The SUV struck the sedan's center back end, crushing metal and sending force through the car. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the cause. A 23-year-old female passenger in the sedan suffered a head injury, minor bleeding, and shock. She wore a lap belt and was not ejected. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The record points to driver distraction as the sole factor behind the collision and the passenger's injuries.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795765 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash

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.


Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens

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 Run Kills Ramp Worker

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.


Motorcycle Rear-Ends Sedan on Long Island Expressway

A motorcycle struck the rear of a sedan on the Long Island Expressway at 2:40 a.m. The motorcycle driver, a 43-year-old man, suffered full-body injuries and was partially ejected, sustaining whiplash and shock. Following too closely caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway at 2:40 a.m. A 43-year-old male motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, was partially ejected after his motorcycle collided with the center back end of a sedan traveling eastbound. The sedan showed no damage, indicating the motorcycle struck it from behind. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error on the motorcycle operator's part. The motorcyclist suffered injuries to his entire body, including whiplash, and was in shock at the scene. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The sedan driver’s details and license status were not provided.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795020 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Turns Left, Strikes Sedan Driver Head-On

SUV driver ignored traffic control, turned left, slammed into sedan. Woman at the wheel took the hit, head bruised, stayed conscious. Police blamed driver inattention and disregard for rules.

According to the police report, a crash took place at Eliot Ave and Woodhaven Blvd at 12:30. An eastbound SUV making a left turn struck a southbound sedan going straight. The sedan's driver, a 33-year-old woman, suffered a head contusion but remained conscious and restrained. Police cited 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as key factors. The SUV driver failed to yield, leading to the collision. No actions by the injured driver contributed to the crash, as stated in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794343 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Valdez Supports Activism Against Federal Rollback of Congestion Pricing

Federal attack on congestion pricing draws fire in Queens. Rep. Velázquez vows court fight. Council Member Julie Won joins call for activism. Panel slams rollback of protections. The crowd demands action to defend New Yorkers from federal threats.

On February 20, 2025, Rep. Nydia Velázquez led a Queens town hall to rally opposition against Trump Administration policies, including the federal move to block New York City's congestion pricing plan. The event, held at Sunnyside Community Services, featured Council Member Julie Won (District 26) and other local officials. The panel condemned the rollback of protections for immigrants and the firing of NLRB board member Gwynne A. Wilcox. Velázquez declared, 'We’ll see him in court,' after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revoked federal approval for congestion pricing. She pledged to fight budget cuts targeting vulnerable communities and criticized tax breaks for the wealthy. Julie Won joined the call for grassroots activism. The town hall spotlighted the threat to New York’s sovereignty and the urgent need to defend city streets and programs from federal interference.


Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Queens Intersection

A 43-year-old woman suffered upper leg injuries after a sedan struck her at a marked crosswalk in Queens. The driver failed to yield while making a left turn on slippery pavement. The pedestrian was crossing without signal and went into shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:49 on 62 Street near 53 Drive in Queens. A 43-year-old female pedestrian was crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal when she was hit by a northwestern-bound 2017 Honda sedan making a left turn. The point of impact was the sedan's center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and was reported to be in shock. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor, compounded by slippery pavement conditions. The sedan showed no visible damage. The pedestrian's crossing without signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. This incident underscores the dangers posed by driver errors and road conditions at intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three

A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.


SUV Slams Sedan on Borden Avenue

An SUV hit a sedan’s side on Borden Avenue. The 73-year-old sedan driver suffered head and internal injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard as the cause. The driver was conscious and belted.

According to the police report, a southbound SUV struck a westbound sedan on Borden Avenue at 11:30. The SUV hit the sedan’s right side doors, injuring the sedan’s 73-year-old male driver. He suffered head injuries and internal complaints but stayed conscious and was restrained by a lap belt. Police listed 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the primary contributing factor. The sedan driver was unlicensed, but no other driver errors were noted. The crash’s force and the listed driver error underline the risks when traffic controls are ignored and the harm that follows for those inside vehicles.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793055 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Int 1160-2025
Holden votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.


2
SUV Collides With Parked Truck on Metropolitan Ave

A northbound SUV struck a parked pickup truck on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens. Two male occupants in the SUV suffered injuries including head and arm trauma. Both were restrained and experienced shock, reporting pain and nausea after the crash.

According to the police report, at 21:20 on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens, a northbound 2018 Honda SUV collided with a parked 2019 Chevrolet pickup truck. The point of impact was the SUV's center front end against the truck's left front quarter panel. The SUV carried two male occupants: a 23-year-old driver and a 32-year-old front passenger. Both were injured, with the driver sustaining head injuries and the passenger suffering injuries to the elbow, lower arm, and hand. Both occupants were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. They experienced shock and complained of pain or nausea. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the collision involved a moving vehicle striking a parked vehicle, indicating potential driver inattention or failure to maintain control. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792298 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04