Queens CB5: Deadly Corners, Known Fixes, stalled urgency

Mar 29 - Three vehicles collided head-on and rear-end on the Long Island Expressway. Two occupants suffered whiplash and upper arm injuries. Unsafe speed by at least one driver was cited as a contributing factor. Both injured parties were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a collision involving a sedan and two SUVs occurred on the Long Island Expressway at 12:33 AM. The sedan, traveling east, struck the center front end of an SUV, which sustained damage to its left front bumper. Another SUV was impacted at its left rear bumper. Two occupants in the sedan—a 40-year-old male driver and a 41-year-old female front passenger—were injured, suffering whiplash and upper arm injuries. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report explicitly cites "Unsafe Speed" as a contributing factor for both injured occupants, indicating driver error as a key cause. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of excessive speed on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802613 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 28 - 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

Mar 25 - Two SUVs collided on Forest Avenue in Queens when one driver made a U-turn and failed to yield right-of-way. The female driver with a permit was injured, suffering pain and shock. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:40 AM on Forest Avenue in Queens. A male driver in a 2018 Toyota SUV was making a U-turn when he failed to yield right-of-way, colliding with a northbound 2019 Alfa SUV driven by a female with a learner's permit. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the Toyota and the right front bumper of the Alfa. The female driver was injured, reporting pain and nausea and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. Both vehicles had a single occupant and sustained front-end damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801217 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 24 - SUV driver blacked out on Forest Ave. His vehicle struck parked and moving cars. He was injured, found incoherent. Police cite loss of consciousness and other vehicular factors. System failed to protect all on the street.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old man driving a Chevrolet SUV north on Forest Ave lost consciousness and crashed. His SUV hit a parked Ford SUV and collided with a moving Audi SUV and a Mercedes sedan. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. Police list 'Lost Consciousness' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The crash damaged the left side doors of the parked SUV and the right front bumpers of the other vehicles. No victim actions contributed, per the report. The primary driver error was incapacitation behind the wheel, which triggered the multi-vehicle collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801218 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 24 - A 22-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured after a sedan rear-ended him on Cooper Avenue in Queens. The crash caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the cyclist in shock. Police cited following too closely and driver inexperience as key factors.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Cooper Avenue in Queens at 2:00 AM involving two sedans and a bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 22-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected from his e-bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors on the part of the sedan driver. The sedan struck the bicyclist from behind, impacting the left rear bumper of one vehicle and the left front bumper of another. The bicyclist was left in shock and complained of pain or nausea. The police report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, emphasizing the failure to maintain a safe distance and lack of experience behind the wheel. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801069 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - A sedan making a left turn struck an 18-year-old female pedestrian crossing Woodhaven Blvd with the signal. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:50 on Woodhaven Blvd in Queens. A 2022 sedan, driven by a licensed male driver traveling west and making a left turn, struck an 18-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle impacted her with its left front bumper, causing center front end damage to the sedan. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3, and remained conscious. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor by the driver. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The collision highlights driver error in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800174 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - An 18-year-old female pedestrian suffered upper arm injuries after an SUV struck her at a Queens intersection. The vehicle's front center hit the victim, who was conscious and bruised. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the collision.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Palmetto Street in Queens. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and upper arm injury but remained conscious. The collision involved a 2015 SUV traveling northeast, which struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian was located at the intersection at the time of impact. No helmet or crossing signal usage was noted as contributing factors. The driver’s errors in attention and yielding directly led to the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800135 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 17 - Two sedans collided on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered injuries to his entire body. Police cited following too closely and driver distraction as causes. The crash left one man injured but conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway near Maurice Avenue in Queens at 1:05 AM. Two sedans traveling eastbound collided when the rear vehicle struck the back center of the lead vehicle. The driver of the rear sedan, a 53-year-old man, was injured across his entire body but remained conscious. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the collision. The injured driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other occupants or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights driver error in maintaining safe distance and attention on a busy expressway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799178 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 16 - A driver failed to yield on Cypress Hills Street. A 25-year-old bicyclist took the hit. He suffered bruises to his knee, leg, and foot. The crash left the bike undamaged. The street stayed dangerous. The system failed.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Cypress Hills Street in Queens just after midnight. The crash happened when a driver making a right turn failed to yield right-of-way. The bicyclist, traveling north, suffered contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the main contributing factor. The bicyclist wore a helmet, but the critical error was the driver's failure to yield. No vehicle damage was reported. The report highlights driver error as the cause of this injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799141 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 13 - 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

Mar 12 - 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.

• New Yorkers rally in Midtown to combat “lawless” e-bike riding in NYC, amny.com, Published 2025-03-12

Mar 10 - 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 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - 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 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - 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 2025-09-19

Mar 5 - 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 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - 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

Mar 3 - 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.

• File S 5801, Open States, Published 2025-03-03

Feb 28 - 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 2025-09-19

Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.

NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'

• Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 22 - 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 2025-09-19