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

BMW SUV Turns Left, Crushes Elderly Driver

BMW SUV turned left on Woodhaven. Slammed into a northbound Honda. Metal twisted. A 76-year-old man crushed. Another man, same age, hurt. An infant shaken. All survived. Streets stayed dangerous.

A BMW SUV turned left into the path of a northbound Honda on Woodhaven Blvd near Eliot Ave. According to the police report, 'A BMW SUV turned left into the path of a northbound Honda. Metal screamed. A 76-year-old man crushed behind the wheel. Another man, same age, injured. An infant among the shaken.' The crash left a 76-year-old man with crush injuries and another man, also 76, injured. An infant was also involved but survived. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors were cited.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809181 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard

A soul singer crossed Woodhaven at Myrtle. A Yamaha motorcycle struck her. She died at Jamaica Hospital. The rider kept going as the light changed. Police have not charged him. Dreams ended in the street. The city moves on.

NY Daily News reported on April 27, 2025, that Breanna Henderson, 23, was fatally struck by a Yamaha motorcycle while crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. in Queens. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. as the traffic light turned from yellow to red. The article notes, 'the motorcyclist hit her as the light turned from yellow to red.' Police have not charged the 34-year-old rider, and the investigation continues. Henderson was returning home from a performance. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians at major intersections and the risks posed by vehicles failing to yield during signal changes.


Int 1252-2025
Holden co-sponsors bill boosting plate enforcement, improving street safety for all.

Council bill orders NYPD to check temp plates and VINs. Cops must publish parking enforcement reports. Bill sits in Public Safety. Streets stay risky while data hides in shadows.

Int 1252-2025, now laid over in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced April 24, 2025. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to police department parking enforcement.' Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary), Oswald Feliz, Justin L. Brannan, Lincoln Restler, Robert F. Holden, and Chris Banks sponsor the measure. It forces NYPD to verify license plates and VINs on vehicles with temp tags or those ticketed for violations. NYPD must also publish quarterly parking enforcement reports. No safety analyst has assessed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users.


Driver Dies After Belt Parkway Crash

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.


SUV Turns, Moped Rider Injured on Cypress Hills

SUV turned right. Moped went straight. Impact struck moped’s left front. Rider hurt, leg bruised. Police cite improper lane use and blocked view. Streets in Queens stay dangerous.

A moped and an SUV collided at 83-45 Cypress Hills Street in Queens. The moped rider, a 34-year-old woman, suffered a knee and foot injury. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'View Obstructed/Limited.' The SUV was making a right turn while the moped traveled straight. The moped’s left front and the SUV’s right front took the impact. The injured rider wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens

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.


FDNY Truck Strikes Cyclist In Queens

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.


2
Box Truck Turns, Crushes Cyclist in Queens

A box truck turned right on Juniper Blvd North, crushing a cyclist. The rider, helmeted, died from crush injuries. Six truck occupants survived. The driver was injured. Traffic control was disregarded.

A box truck struck and killed a bicyclist while turning right at Juniper Blvd North and 80th Street in Queens. According to the police report, 'a box truck turned right and crushed a bicyclist. The bike was demolished. The rider, ejected and helmeted, died from crush injuries. Six truck occupants survived. One man, the driver, was injured.' The police listed 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor. The cyclist wore a helmet, but the primary cause was the truck driver's failure to obey traffic controls.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807280 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
FDNY Firetruck Kills Cyclist Near Park

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.


Distracted Drivers Collide on Jackie Robinson Parkway

Two cars crashed on Jackie Robinson Parkway. One driver suffered neck pain. Police cite driver inattention. Both vehicles damaged. Shock and injury followed. System failed to protect.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, collided on Jackie Robinson Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers were female and licensed. One driver, age 41, suffered a neck injury and shock. The other driver, age 27, was not physically injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The sedan struck the rear of the SUV. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes seat belt use but does not list it as a contributing factor. Systemic danger remains when distraction goes unchecked.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806421 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash

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.


Valdez Faces Backlash Over Safety Boosting Driver Fees

Claire Valdez drew fire for pushing driver fees and congestion pricing. Letters slammed her for targeting car owners. Critics called her proposals unfair to workers with no transit options. The debate rages as streets stay deadly for those outside a car.

On April 15, 2025, public reaction flared against proposals linked to Assemblywoman Claire Valdez of District 37. The discussion, reported by nydailynews.com, centered on Valdez's support for measures like a Vehicle-miles Traveled fee and charging for on-street parking. The article quotes, 'Her op-ed is filled with proposals/ideas for how to make drivers pay for subway improvements.' Letters from readers, including Thomas Murawski and Thomas Bower, accused Valdez of unfairly targeting drivers and ignoring the needs of workers without transit options. Valdez was mentioned, not directly quoted, in the backlash. No formal council bill or vote was involved. There is no available safety analyst assessment of the impact on vulnerable road users.


Driver Fails to Yield, Injures Elderly Pedestrian

A driver struck a 70-year-old woman in a marked Queens crosswalk. She suffered a head injury. Police cite failure to yield. The street remains dangerous for those on foot.

A 70-year-old woman was hit while crossing at 74-17 Grand Ave in Queens. She was in a marked crosswalk with no signal. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor. No vehicle damage was reported. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806426 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Strikes E-Scooter on Fairview Ave

A sedan hit an e-scooter on Fairview Ave in Queens. The scooter rider suffered a head injury. Police cited confusion as a factor. Metal met flesh. The street stayed hard.

A sedan traveling south on Fairview Ave collided with an eastbound e-scooter at Bleecker St in Queens. The 38-year-old woman riding the e-scooter was injured, sustaining a head contusion. According to the police report, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was listed as a contributing factor. No driver errors were cited for the sedan. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling as factors. The crash left the e-scooter rider hurt and the sedan damaged at the right front bumper.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806425 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Gianaris Backs Safety Boosting Fare Free Bus Funding

A new study finds fare-free buses would speed up rides by 12 percent and draw 169 million more riders yearly. Faster boarding slashes dwell times. Riders save time. Streets get safer, air gets cleaner. The city must weigh the cost—and the gains.

On April 14, 2025, a policy analysis by Charles Komanoff examined the impact of fare-free buses in New York City. The report, covered by Streetsblog NYC, found that eliminating fares would cut bus trip times by 12 percent and boost annual ridership by 169 million, a 23 percent jump. The study states: 'Each dollar of city government support would produce more than two dollars worth of benefits for residents, primarily by removing the burden of fare payments while providing faster and more reliable bus service.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris, both of Queens, have pushed the MTA to consider free buses. Komanoff’s analysis shows that faster buses mean less time waiting, cleaner air, fewer crashes, and a small but real drop in car trips. The report adds fuel to the debate over city funding for free bus service.


Michael Gianaris Backs Safety Boosting Fare Free Buses

A new study finds fare-free buses would cut trip times by 12 percent and boost ridership by 20 percent. Faster boarding slashes delays. Riders save time. Streets get safer. Senator Michael Gianaris supports the push. The city debates the next step.

On April 14, 2025, a policy analysis highlighted the impact of fare-free buses in New York City. The study, covered by Streetsblog, found that eliminating fares would speed up bus trips by 12 percent and increase annual ridership by 169 million—up 20 percent. The report states: "Fare-free buses would juice bus speeds and ridership while also bringing economic benefits to bus riders themselves." State Senator Michael Gianaris, representing District 12, is mentioned as a supporter. The analysis, led by Charles Komanoff, shows that removing fares slashes dwell times and makes service faster and more reliable. While the shift from cars to buses is modest, the benefits for bus riders are clear: less waiting, more access, and safer streets. The debate over funding and implementation continues in the council.


4
Sedan Collision on Flushing Ave Injures Three

A sedan struck on Flushing Ave. Three passengers suffered neck injuries. The crash left whiplash and pain. Police list no clear cause. Streets stay dangerous.

Three passengers were injured in a crash involving a sedan on Flushing Ave near Metropolitan Ave in Queens. According to the police report, the sedan was hit on its left side while going straight. Three men, aged 22, 30, and 35, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are identified in the data. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report. The crash highlights the ongoing risk for vehicle occupants on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805493 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Speeding on Cooper Avenue Injures Driver

SUV struck at unsafe speed on Cooper Avenue. Driver suffered leg fracture and dislocation. Impact hit left front bumper. Streets in Queens saw another injury under the weight of speed.

A station wagon/SUV traveling south on Cooper Avenue crashed while making a left turn. The driver, a 30-year-old woman, suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg, according to the police report. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicle's left front bumper took the impact, damaging the center front end. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of speed on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805341 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Gianaris Opposes Adams Delay of Safety Boosting Pedestrian Lane

Activists marched the Queensboro Bridge, demanding space for people on foot. The city ignored them. Nine lanes for cars, one cramped path for everyone else. The mayor delayed the fix. The danger remains. The lane went back to cars.

On April 12, 2025, activists and elected officials gathered on the Queensboro Bridge to protest the city’s failure to restore the South Outer Roadway for pedestrians. The Department of Transportation had planned a ribbon-cutting for March 16, but Mayor Adams canceled it. Council Member Julie Won and State Senator Michael Gianaris attended, both supporting the reconfiguration. Won said, 'I have received no new information since Mayor Adams canceled the March 16 ribbon-cutting.' The protest highlighted the ongoing crisis: nine lanes for cars, one narrow, shared lane for cyclists and pedestrians. Crashes and near-misses are common. City Hall claims the project will impact several communities, but offers no timeline. The lane reverted to car use after the protest, leaving vulnerable road users exposed.


Int 1105-2024
Holden votes yes, boosting street safety transparency and project accountability.

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.