Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Queens CB6?
Queens Streets Run Red—Your Silence Is Their License
Queens CB6: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 4, 2025
The Bodies Pile Up
In Queens CB6, the numbers do not tell the whole story. But they do not lie. Five people killed. Nine left with serious injuries. Over a thousand hurt. The dead do not get a second chance. The injured carry scars you cannot see.
A man on a motorcycle burns on Woodhaven Boulevard. The BMW that hit him keeps rolling. Flames eat the bike. Only the driver walks away. “Both vehicles caught on fire, with only the car driver surviving the collision,” police said. The rider’s name was William McField. He was 55. His son said he was “very beloved in the community and true to his friends and family” according to ABC7.
A cyclist, 23, is struck by two cars at Queens Boulevard and 63rd Drive. He dies six days later. No charges. No answers. The street stays the same.
The Machines That Kill
SUVs and sedans are the main weapons. They killed two. They injured 48 more. Trucks and buses left two with serious injuries. Bikes hurt two. The numbers are cold. The steel is colder.
What Leaders Have Done — and Not Done
The city talks about Vision Zero. They build some bike lanes. They lower speed limits in some places. But the blood keeps flowing. Local leaders have not done enough. No new laws. No bold votes. No public reckoning. The silence is loud.
What Comes Next
This is not fate. It is policy. Every delay is a choice. Every death is a failure. The families wait for action. The streets wait for change. The city has the power to lower speed limits. They have the power to build real protection. They have the power to enforce the law. They have the power to save lives. They must use it.
Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand real protection for people outside the car. Demand action before another family gets the call.
Citations
▸ Citations
- SUV Driver Charged After Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-25
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632739 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-04
- Motorcyclist Killed In Queens Collision, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-05
- SUV Driver Charged After Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-25
- BMW Driver Kills Motorcyclist In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-25
- E-Bike Rider Killed at Queens Intersection, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-03
Other Representatives
District 28
70-50 Austin St. Suite 114, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Room 626, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
District 29
71-19 80th Street, Suite 8-303, Glendale, NY 11385
718-544-8800
250 Broadway, Suite 1840, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6981
District 15
66-85 73rd Place, Middle Village, NY 11379
Room 811, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Queens CB6 Queens Community Board 6 sits in Queens, Precinct 112, District 29, AD 28, SD 15.
It contains Rego Park, Forest Hills.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Queens Community Board 6
Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Queens▸A 35-year-old man was struck by a northbound sedan on 77 Avenue in Queens. The impact fractured and dislocated his lower leg and foot. The driver showed inattention and distraction. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 77 Avenue in Queens struck a 35-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle's point of impact was the left rear bumper, and no vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and sustained serious injuries classified as severity level 3. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted in the report.
E-Bike Hits Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 64-year-old woman was struck by an e-bike while crossing Ascan Avenue at Burns Street. The rider disregarded traffic control and failed to yield. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The e-bike front end was damaged.
According to the police report, a 64-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Ascan Avenue at the intersection with Burns Street. She was crossing with the signal when an e-bike traveling southwest struck her at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the contributing factors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" by the e-bike operator. The e-bike, a 2018 Tailg model, was damaged at the front center. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time of impact. No safety equipment or other factors were noted.
2Sedan Hits Passenger Side on Queens Boulevard▸A sedan struck the right side doors of another vehicle on Queens Boulevard in Queens. Two front-seat passengers suffered back injuries and whiplash. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. Both victims were conscious and restrained.
According to the police report, a 2006 Toyota sedan traveling west on Queens Boulevard collided with the right side doors of another vehicle also traveling west. Two front-seat passengers, a 66-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report cites driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the sedan and the right side doors of the other vehicle. No ejections were reported. The injuries were classified as moderate.
Five SUVs Collide on Long Island Expressway▸Five SUVs crashed eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and following too closely fueled the chain reaction. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, five SUVs traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided in a chain reaction. One 30-year-old male driver was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists repeated driver inattention and distraction, as well as following too closely, as contributing factors. The crash caused damage to the center front and back ends of the vehicles. No other causes or victim errors were noted in the report.
Two-Vehicle Collision on Eliot Avenue Injures Driver▸A sedan and an SUV collided head-on on Eliot Avenue in Queens. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck each other’s front bumpers. Driver distraction caused the crash.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling west and an SUV traveling east on Eliot Avenue collided frontally. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to collisions between vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
2Sedan Rear-Ended on Long Island Expressway▸A 29-year-old woman driver and her 28-year-old front passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash in a rear-end collision on the Long Island Expressway. The driver was partially ejected but conscious. Both wore restraints. No driver errors were listed.
According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway was struck in the center back end. The driver, a 29-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, also suffered head injuries and whiplash and was restrained by a child restraint only. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The collision caused center back end damage to the sedan. Both occupants were injured but conscious at the scene.
Pedestrian Hit by Left-Turning Sedan in Queens▸A 46-year-old man was struck at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street. The sedan made a left turn and hit the pedestrian in the head. The driver was inattentive. The victim suffered a contusion and remained conscious.
According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Honda sedan at the time of the crash.
SUV Slams Parked Truck on Booth Street▸A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A 35-year-old man was struck by a northbound sedan on 77 Avenue in Queens. The impact fractured and dislocated his lower leg and foot. The driver showed inattention and distraction. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 77 Avenue in Queens struck a 35-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle's point of impact was the left rear bumper, and no vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and sustained serious injuries classified as severity level 3. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted in the report.
E-Bike Hits Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 64-year-old woman was struck by an e-bike while crossing Ascan Avenue at Burns Street. The rider disregarded traffic control and failed to yield. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The e-bike front end was damaged.
According to the police report, a 64-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Ascan Avenue at the intersection with Burns Street. She was crossing with the signal when an e-bike traveling southwest struck her at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the contributing factors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" by the e-bike operator. The e-bike, a 2018 Tailg model, was damaged at the front center. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time of impact. No safety equipment or other factors were noted.
2Sedan Hits Passenger Side on Queens Boulevard▸A sedan struck the right side doors of another vehicle on Queens Boulevard in Queens. Two front-seat passengers suffered back injuries and whiplash. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. Both victims were conscious and restrained.
According to the police report, a 2006 Toyota sedan traveling west on Queens Boulevard collided with the right side doors of another vehicle also traveling west. Two front-seat passengers, a 66-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report cites driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the sedan and the right side doors of the other vehicle. No ejections were reported. The injuries were classified as moderate.
Five SUVs Collide on Long Island Expressway▸Five SUVs crashed eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and following too closely fueled the chain reaction. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, five SUVs traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided in a chain reaction. One 30-year-old male driver was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists repeated driver inattention and distraction, as well as following too closely, as contributing factors. The crash caused damage to the center front and back ends of the vehicles. No other causes or victim errors were noted in the report.
Two-Vehicle Collision on Eliot Avenue Injures Driver▸A sedan and an SUV collided head-on on Eliot Avenue in Queens. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck each other’s front bumpers. Driver distraction caused the crash.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling west and an SUV traveling east on Eliot Avenue collided frontally. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to collisions between vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
2Sedan Rear-Ended on Long Island Expressway▸A 29-year-old woman driver and her 28-year-old front passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash in a rear-end collision on the Long Island Expressway. The driver was partially ejected but conscious. Both wore restraints. No driver errors were listed.
According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway was struck in the center back end. The driver, a 29-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, also suffered head injuries and whiplash and was restrained by a child restraint only. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The collision caused center back end damage to the sedan. Both occupants were injured but conscious at the scene.
Pedestrian Hit by Left-Turning Sedan in Queens▸A 46-year-old man was struck at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street. The sedan made a left turn and hit the pedestrian in the head. The driver was inattentive. The victim suffered a contusion and remained conscious.
According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Honda sedan at the time of the crash.
SUV Slams Parked Truck on Booth Street▸A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A 64-year-old woman was struck by an e-bike while crossing Ascan Avenue at Burns Street. The rider disregarded traffic control and failed to yield. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The e-bike front end was damaged.
According to the police report, a 64-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Ascan Avenue at the intersection with Burns Street. She was crossing with the signal when an e-bike traveling southwest struck her at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the contributing factors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" by the e-bike operator. The e-bike, a 2018 Tailg model, was damaged at the front center. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time of impact. No safety equipment or other factors were noted.
2Sedan Hits Passenger Side on Queens Boulevard▸A sedan struck the right side doors of another vehicle on Queens Boulevard in Queens. Two front-seat passengers suffered back injuries and whiplash. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. Both victims were conscious and restrained.
According to the police report, a 2006 Toyota sedan traveling west on Queens Boulevard collided with the right side doors of another vehicle also traveling west. Two front-seat passengers, a 66-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report cites driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the sedan and the right side doors of the other vehicle. No ejections were reported. The injuries were classified as moderate.
Five SUVs Collide on Long Island Expressway▸Five SUVs crashed eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and following too closely fueled the chain reaction. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, five SUVs traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided in a chain reaction. One 30-year-old male driver was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists repeated driver inattention and distraction, as well as following too closely, as contributing factors. The crash caused damage to the center front and back ends of the vehicles. No other causes or victim errors were noted in the report.
Two-Vehicle Collision on Eliot Avenue Injures Driver▸A sedan and an SUV collided head-on on Eliot Avenue in Queens. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck each other’s front bumpers. Driver distraction caused the crash.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling west and an SUV traveling east on Eliot Avenue collided frontally. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to collisions between vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
2Sedan Rear-Ended on Long Island Expressway▸A 29-year-old woman driver and her 28-year-old front passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash in a rear-end collision on the Long Island Expressway. The driver was partially ejected but conscious. Both wore restraints. No driver errors were listed.
According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway was struck in the center back end. The driver, a 29-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, also suffered head injuries and whiplash and was restrained by a child restraint only. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The collision caused center back end damage to the sedan. Both occupants were injured but conscious at the scene.
Pedestrian Hit by Left-Turning Sedan in Queens▸A 46-year-old man was struck at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street. The sedan made a left turn and hit the pedestrian in the head. The driver was inattentive. The victim suffered a contusion and remained conscious.
According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Honda sedan at the time of the crash.
SUV Slams Parked Truck on Booth Street▸A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A sedan struck the right side doors of another vehicle on Queens Boulevard in Queens. Two front-seat passengers suffered back injuries and whiplash. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. Both victims were conscious and restrained.
According to the police report, a 2006 Toyota sedan traveling west on Queens Boulevard collided with the right side doors of another vehicle also traveling west. Two front-seat passengers, a 66-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report cites driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the sedan and the right side doors of the other vehicle. No ejections were reported. The injuries were classified as moderate.
Five SUVs Collide on Long Island Expressway▸Five SUVs crashed eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and following too closely fueled the chain reaction. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, five SUVs traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided in a chain reaction. One 30-year-old male driver was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists repeated driver inattention and distraction, as well as following too closely, as contributing factors. The crash caused damage to the center front and back ends of the vehicles. No other causes or victim errors were noted in the report.
Two-Vehicle Collision on Eliot Avenue Injures Driver▸A sedan and an SUV collided head-on on Eliot Avenue in Queens. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck each other’s front bumpers. Driver distraction caused the crash.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling west and an SUV traveling east on Eliot Avenue collided frontally. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to collisions between vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
2Sedan Rear-Ended on Long Island Expressway▸A 29-year-old woman driver and her 28-year-old front passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash in a rear-end collision on the Long Island Expressway. The driver was partially ejected but conscious. Both wore restraints. No driver errors were listed.
According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway was struck in the center back end. The driver, a 29-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, also suffered head injuries and whiplash and was restrained by a child restraint only. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The collision caused center back end damage to the sedan. Both occupants were injured but conscious at the scene.
Pedestrian Hit by Left-Turning Sedan in Queens▸A 46-year-old man was struck at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street. The sedan made a left turn and hit the pedestrian in the head. The driver was inattentive. The victim suffered a contusion and remained conscious.
According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Honda sedan at the time of the crash.
SUV Slams Parked Truck on Booth Street▸A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
Five SUVs crashed eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and following too closely fueled the chain reaction. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, five SUVs traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided in a chain reaction. One 30-year-old male driver was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists repeated driver inattention and distraction, as well as following too closely, as contributing factors. The crash caused damage to the center front and back ends of the vehicles. No other causes or victim errors were noted in the report.
Two-Vehicle Collision on Eliot Avenue Injures Driver▸A sedan and an SUV collided head-on on Eliot Avenue in Queens. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck each other’s front bumpers. Driver distraction caused the crash.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling west and an SUV traveling east on Eliot Avenue collided frontally. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to collisions between vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
2Sedan Rear-Ended on Long Island Expressway▸A 29-year-old woman driver and her 28-year-old front passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash in a rear-end collision on the Long Island Expressway. The driver was partially ejected but conscious. Both wore restraints. No driver errors were listed.
According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway was struck in the center back end. The driver, a 29-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, also suffered head injuries and whiplash and was restrained by a child restraint only. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The collision caused center back end damage to the sedan. Both occupants were injured but conscious at the scene.
Pedestrian Hit by Left-Turning Sedan in Queens▸A 46-year-old man was struck at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street. The sedan made a left turn and hit the pedestrian in the head. The driver was inattentive. The victim suffered a contusion and remained conscious.
According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Honda sedan at the time of the crash.
SUV Slams Parked Truck on Booth Street▸A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A sedan and an SUV collided head-on on Eliot Avenue in Queens. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck each other’s front bumpers. Driver distraction caused the crash.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling west and an SUV traveling east on Eliot Avenue collided frontally. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to collisions between vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
2Sedan Rear-Ended on Long Island Expressway▸A 29-year-old woman driver and her 28-year-old front passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash in a rear-end collision on the Long Island Expressway. The driver was partially ejected but conscious. Both wore restraints. No driver errors were listed.
According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway was struck in the center back end. The driver, a 29-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, also suffered head injuries and whiplash and was restrained by a child restraint only. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The collision caused center back end damage to the sedan. Both occupants were injured but conscious at the scene.
Pedestrian Hit by Left-Turning Sedan in Queens▸A 46-year-old man was struck at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street. The sedan made a left turn and hit the pedestrian in the head. The driver was inattentive. The victim suffered a contusion and remained conscious.
According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Honda sedan at the time of the crash.
SUV Slams Parked Truck on Booth Street▸A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A 29-year-old woman driver and her 28-year-old front passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash in a rear-end collision on the Long Island Expressway. The driver was partially ejected but conscious. Both wore restraints. No driver errors were listed.
According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway was struck in the center back end. The driver, a 29-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, also suffered head injuries and whiplash and was restrained by a child restraint only. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The collision caused center back end damage to the sedan. Both occupants were injured but conscious at the scene.
Pedestrian Hit by Left-Turning Sedan in Queens▸A 46-year-old man was struck at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street. The sedan made a left turn and hit the pedestrian in the head. The driver was inattentive. The victim suffered a contusion and remained conscious.
According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Honda sedan at the time of the crash.
SUV Slams Parked Truck on Booth Street▸A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A 46-year-old man was struck at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street. The sedan made a left turn and hit the pedestrian in the head. The driver was inattentive. The victim suffered a contusion and remained conscious.
According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Carlton Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling east, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Honda sedan at the time of the crash.
SUV Slams Parked Truck on Booth Street▸A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A Ford SUV crashed into a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street. The driver’s leg was crushed. He stayed conscious, belted in. The truck did not move. Night air held the sound. Metal met metal. The street did not forgive.
A Ford SUV struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer on Booth Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver’s leg was crushed in the crash. He remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The tractor-trailer was stationary and unoccupied at the time. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Other occupants in the SUV were not seriously hurt. The impact was severe, crushing the driver’s lower leg. The report makes clear: driver error and disregard for traffic control led to this violent collision.
S 3897Addabbo votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
- File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Addabbo votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
- File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02
S 3897Comrie votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.▸Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
-
File S 3897,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.
Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.
- File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-03-02
S 5130Comrie votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
-
File S 5130,
Open States,
Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.
Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.
- File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Austin Street▸A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A 45-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver made a right turn without yielding.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Austin Street and 71 Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but still caused significant injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.
Melinda R Katz Supports Hit-and-Run Enforcement Opposes NYPD Ineffectiveness▸Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
-
Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
Police finally charged Christian Soriano for killing Darwin Durazno, a teen cyclist, in College Point. Soriano, unlicensed, fled after swerving into oncoming traffic and striking Durazno. The arrest came months later. Most hit-and-run drivers in New York escape justice.
On February 9, 2022, NYPD arrested Christian Soriano, 27, for the June 4, 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old cyclist Darwin Durazno in College Point, Queens. Soriano faces manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene charges. The crash happened when Soriano, driving a Toyota Camry, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Durazno, who later died from severe head trauma. The car, a rental, was found nearby. Witnesses described Soriano as he fled on foot. Despite these leads, it took eight months to make an arrest. The matter highlights systemic failure: in 2020, NYPD made arrests in only 0.8 percent of hit-and-run cases involving injuries or property damage. Even in serious injury cases, arrests are rare. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while most drivers evade consequences.
- Cops Charge Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Queens Cyclist Last Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-15
2Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Slams SUV on Parkway▸A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A sedan rear-ended an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Alcohol and tailgating drove the crash. Two inside the sedan were hurt. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. No one walked away clean.
According to the police report, a sedan struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The sedan's driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Her passenger, a 26-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement and following too closely as contributing factors. The sedan hit the SUV's rear center, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people injured and exposed the danger of impaired, reckless driving.
2SUV Rear-Ends Box Truck on Expressway▸Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
Two vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. An SUV struck a box truck from behind. Two passengers in the SUV suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.
According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a box truck also traveling east. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the truck. Two passengers in the SUV, a 37-year-old female and a 60-year-old male, were injured with back injuries and experienced shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the truck. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.
Comrie Calls for No Exemptions in Congestion Pricing▸Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
-
Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders,
gothamist.com,
Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.
Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.
- Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders, gothamist.com, Published 2022-01-20
Comrie Opposes Exemptions to Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing▸State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
-
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
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Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
State Sen. Leroy Comrie slammed calls for more congestion pricing exemptions. He warned that carving out special breaks guts the plan’s purpose. Comrie said every exemption means less money for transit. He wants the city to hold the line. No more carve-outs.
On January 19, 2022, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, chair of the MTA committee, spoke at a legislative hearing on congestion pricing exemptions. The hearing addressed whether to grant more carve-outs to Manhattan’s congestion tolls. Comrie declared, 'I don't think there should be any exemptions, and I'm going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' He pushed back against senators seeking discounts for suburban drivers and city workers. Comrie warned that opening the door to more exemptions would undermine the law’s intent and threaten revenue for transit. He said, 'Once you open up that can of worms, you create major problems, because everybody wants to be exempted for something.' Comrie’s stance: keep the plan strict, protect transit funding, and don’t weaken congestion pricing with special favors.
- State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who oversees MTA committee, wants no more exemptions for NYC congestion pricing, nypost.com, Published 2022-01-19
Melinda R Katz Opposes DA Decision Shielding Deadly Drivers▸A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
-
Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-01-13
A speeding Mercedes driver killed a delivery man in Queens. The DA declined charges. In deposition, the driver showed little remorse. She blamed her car, denied fault, and dodged questions. The victim’s family pursues civil justice. Systemic failures shield deadly drivers.
On April 29, 2021, Maro Andrianou, driving a Mercedes-Benz, struck and killed delivery worker Xing Long Lin on 35th Street near Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The case never reached criminal court. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz declined to prosecute, citing Andrianou’s claim that her car accelerated uncontrollably after a minor rear tap. Video evidence contradicted this, showing only a light bump. In a December 8, 2021, deposition for a civil suit, Andrianou showed little remorse, blaming her car and denying responsibility. Attorneys for Lin’s family called her defense 'fabricated.' Katz’s decision left the victim’s family with only civil recourse. The case underscores how drivers who kill often escape criminal accountability, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.
- Driver Who Killed Delivery Man Offered Little Remorse, Few Answers During Deposition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-13