Crash Count for Queens CB8
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 4,384
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 2,601
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 576
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 31
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 12
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 30, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Queens CB8?

Blood on the Asphalt: Demand Action Before Another Life is Lost

Queens CB8: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 4, 2025

The Toll on Our Streets

A cyclist, age 20, killed on 164th Street. A 21-year-old passenger, dead on 73rd Avenue. A 73-year-old driver, gone on the Long Island Expressway. Three deaths in the last year. Eight more left with serious injuries. In the same twelve months, 793 people hurt in 1,204 crashes. The numbers do not bleed, but the families do. NYC Open Data

The Pattern That Won’t Break

Cars, SUVs, and trucks do most of the damage. In three years, they killed two, left nine with serious injuries, and caused more than a hundred moderate injuries. Motorcycles, mopeds, and bikes are not blameless, but their toll is a fraction. The street is a machine, and the machine is hungry.

Pedestrians and cyclists are not safe. A bus hit a cyclist on Union Turnpike this May. A sedan crushed a moped rider on Hillside Avenue in March. A distracted driver struck an infant in February. The details change. The outcome does not.

Leadership: Promises and Pauses

Local leaders talk of Vision Zero. They point to new speed limits, intersection redesigns, and more cameras. But the pace is slow. The city has the power to lower speed limits to 20 mph. It has not used it. Cameras catch speeders, but Albany lets the law expire and renew, expire and renew. Each delay is a risk. Each risk is a life.

What Comes Next

This is not fate. Every crash is a choice made possible by policy. Residents can call their council member. They can demand a 20 mph limit. They can push for more cameras, more street redesigns, more urgency. The machine does not stop itself. Someone must pull the brake.

Act now. Call your local leaders. Demand safer speeds, more cameras, and streets built for people, not cars. Do not wait for another name to join the list. Take action now.

Citations

Citations
  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-04

Other Representatives

Nily Rozic
Assembly Member Nily Rozic
District 25
District Office:
159-16 Union Turnpike, Flushing, NY 11366
Legislative Office:
Room 941, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
James F. Gennaro
Council Member James F. Gennaro
District 24
District Office:
185-10 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
718-217-4969
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1833, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6956
Twitter: JamesGennaro
John Liu
State Senator John Liu
District 16
District Office:
38-50 Bell Blvd. Suite C, Bayside, NY 11361
Legislative Office:
Room 915, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Queens CB8 Queens Community Board 8 sits in Queens, Precinct 107, District 24, AD 25, SD 16.

It contains Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok-Electchester-Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows-Utopia, Jamaica Estates-Holliswood, Jamaica Hills-Briarwood, Mount Hebron & Cedar Grove Cemeteries, Cunningham Park.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Queens Community Board 8

Sedan Rear-Ends Driver on Van Wyck Expressway

A 44-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his vehicle was struck from behind on the Van Wyck Expressway. The crash occurred at 8 p.m. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male driver was injured in a rear-end collision on the Van Wyck Expressway at 8 p.m. The driver, who was restrained by a lap belt and harness, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash. The collision involved a 2025 Lincoln sedan traveling north, which impacted the center back end of the driver's vehicle. The report does not list any contributing factors such as failure to yield or driver error, nor does it indicate any victim behaviors contributing to the crash. The driver was not ejected and remained conscious throughout the incident.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798912 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Unconscious Driver Injured in Queens SUV Crash

A 30-year-old male driver was found unconscious after a collision involving two SUVs in Queens. The impact damaged the left front quarter panel of one vehicle. The driver held a permit license. No other injuries or contributing factors were reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Queens near 152-11 85 Ave at 8:16 AM. Two station wagons/SUVs traveling east were involved. One vehicle was parked before the crash and sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. The injured party was a 30-year-old male driver who was unconscious at the scene. The driver held a New York permit license. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. There were no reported injuries to other occupants or pedestrians. Vehicle two showed no damage and no driver information was provided. The report does not indicate any victim behaviors or helmet use, focusing solely on the collision impact and driver status.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Driver Injured

A collision between two sedans traveling south on 150th Street in Queens caused a driver to suffer back injuries and whiplash. The crash, marked by rear-end impact, was linked to driver inattention. Both drivers were licensed men, one injured.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 86-04 150th Street in Queens around 12:10 PM. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead southbound when the crash occurred. The point of impact was the center back end of the lead vehicle and the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. One driver, a 47-year-old man wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end crashes, with no contributing factors attributed to the injured occupant.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797005 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
SUV Merging Strikes Sedan’s Left Side Doors

An SUV merging eastbound on Horace Harding Expressway collided with a sedan traveling straight ahead. The sedan’s driver, a 26-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The impact struck the sedan’s left side doors, causing serious injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Horace Harding Expressway in Queens at 3:20 PM. A Nissan SUV was merging eastbound when it struck the left side doors of a BMW sedan traveling straight ahead. The sedan’s driver, a 26-year-old female occupant, was injured with back trauma and whiplash, classified as injury severity level 3. The report notes the SUV’s pre-crash action as 'Merging' and the point of impact as the sedan’s left side doors, indicating a failure to yield or improper merging maneuver by the SUV driver. No contributing factors were listed for the sedan driver. The collision caused damage to the left side doors of the sedan and the right front bumper of the SUV. The report does not assign fault to the injured driver but highlights the merging action as the critical factor.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797003 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Elderly Pedestrian Struck by Backing Sedan

A 77-year-old woman suffered head injuries and shock after a sedan backed into her near Jewel Avenue in Queens. The vehicle showed no damage, but the driver’s unsafe backing caused the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:45 near 140-04 Jewel Avenue in Queens. A 77-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2020 Nissan sedan, traveling north, backed unsafely and struck her. The report cites "Backing Unsafely" as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian was located off the roadway and suffered head injuries with minor bleeding and shock. The sedan showed no damage at the center back end, indicating the impact was likely low speed but significant enough to cause injury. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. No other contributing factors from the pedestrian were noted. This incident highlights the dangers of unsafe vehicle backing maneuvers in areas where pedestrians may be present.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Distracted Driver Hits Pedestrian Crossing Main

A driver turned right on Main Street and struck a 31-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered neck injuries and bruises. Police cite distraction and improper turning as causes.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old woman was crossing Main Street at Jewel Avenue in Queens with the signal when a vehicle making a right turn hit her. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and contusions, and was in shock. The vehicle struck her with its center front end but was undamaged. No fault is attributed to the pedestrian.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker

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

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


Sedan Crushes Moped Rider on Hillside Avenue

A sedan slammed into a moped on Hillside Avenue, metal grinding metal. A 20-year-old man, helmeted, was crushed, pain radiating through his body. He stayed conscious. The street bore witness to the violence of careless force.

A violent collision unfolded on Hillside Avenue near 185th Street in Queens when a sedan struck a moped, according to the police report. The impact left a 20-year-old male moped passenger with severe crush injuries to his entire body. The report states he wore a helmet and did not lose consciousness, but the pain was overwhelming. Both vehicles were reported as going straight ahead before the crash. The police report does not specify contributing factors or assign blame, listing them as 'Unspecified.' However, the narrative details the sedan striking the moped, with the moped absorbing the force at its center back end and the sedan’s left front bumper taking the hit. The violence of the impact underscores the ever-present danger vulnerable road users face when sharing streets with heavier vehicles.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795796 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
2
Pickup Truck Hits Turning Sedan, Crushes Parked SUV

A pickup truck barreled down Grand Central Parkway, smashing a sedan mid-turn and crushing a parked SUV. Blood pooled on the asphalt. A 56-year-old man, semiconscious, bled from his head as sirens screamed through Queens’ night.

According to the police report, a pickup truck traveling straight on Grand Central Parkway near 150th Street collided forcefully with a sedan that was making a right turn. The impact pushed the pickup into a parked SUV, crushing its rear. The report details that a 56-year-old male driver of the sedan was left semiconscious, suffering severe head bleeding. The narrative states: 'A pickup slammed into a turning sedan, then crushed a parked SUV. A 56-year-old man lay semiconscious, blood leaking from his head.' Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash data lists no victim behaviors as contributing factors. This collision highlights the deadly consequences of driver inattention and improper turning maneuvers on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens

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

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


Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver

A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.

According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.


Sedan Strikes Bicyclist Turning Improperly in Queens

A 26-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured after a sedan struck him on 140 St near Jewel Ave. According to the police report, driver inattention and improper turning caused the collision. The bicyclist suffered shoulder abrasions and shock.

According to the police report, at 8:40 AM on 140 St near Jewel Ave in Queens, a sedan entering a parked position struck a bicyclist traveling straight ahead. The bicyclist, a 26-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected from his bike and sustained upper arm and shoulder abrasions and shock. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors on the part of the sedan driver. The point of impact was the sedan's right side doors and the bike's left front bumper. The sedan showed no damage, indicating a significant impact on the bicyclist. The bicyclist was injured but not fatally harmed. The police report highlights driver errors without attributing fault to the bicyclist.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
2
Sedan Rear-Ends Bus on 150 St Injuring Occupants

A 2024 Jeep sedan struck the rear of a stationary or slow-moving bus on 150 Street. The sedan’s driver and a 13-year-old passenger suffered head injuries. Defective pavement and unspecified driver errors contributed to the crash, according to police.

According to the police report, a 2024 Jeep sedan traveling west on 150 Street collided with the center back end of a bus also traveling west. The bus sustained no damage, indicating it was likely stationary or moving slowly. The sedan’s driver, a 38-year-old male, and a 13-year-old female passenger were both injured, suffering head injuries with injury severity rated 3. Both occupants were not ejected and were conscious or in shock. The report lists 'Unspecified' driver errors and 'Pavement Defective' as contributing factors. No direct fault or error is assigned to the bus driver. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle without safety equipment. The collision highlights risks from road conditions and driver errors leading to rear-end crashes involving vulnerable vehicle occupants.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795256 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Sedan Strikes 14-Year-Old Pedestrian Crossing

A 14-year-old girl suffered a back contusion and shock after a sedan struck her at an intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive, hitting the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 84 Ave struck a 14-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with 164 St. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained a back contusion and was in shock, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle's point of impact was the right front bumper, yet no vehicle damage was reported. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead at the time of the crash. This incident highlights critical driver errors leading to injury of a vulnerable road user.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794670 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Pedestrian Struck Crossing With Signal on Jewel Ave

A 39-year-old man crossing Jewel Avenue with the signal was hit. He suffered knee and leg injuries. The vehicle type is unknown. No driver errors or contributing factors were listed by police.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Jewel Avenue at Park Drive East with the signal. He sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states the pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The crash involved an unspecified vehicle. No driver errors or contributing factors, such as failure to yield or distraction, were reported by police. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a cause. The focus remains on the pedestrian's injuries and the lack of documented driver fault.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793720 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
2
Two Sedans Collide on Queens Street Turning Improperly

Two sedans collided on 153 Street in Queens as both drivers made improper turns. Both drivers suffered whiplash and injuries to their entire bodies. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles and left both drivers conscious but injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:53 on 153 Street in Queens. Both involved vehicles were sedans traveling in opposite directions—one southbound making a left turn, the other northbound making a right turn. The report cites "Turning Improperly" as the primary contributing factor for both drivers. The female driver of the 2022 Toyota and the male driver of the 2013 Honda both sustained injuries described as affecting their entire bodies, including whiplash. Both drivers were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses at the time of the collision. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the Toyota and the left front bumper of the Honda, indicating a front-side collision during their improper turning maneuvers. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793652 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three

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

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


Int 1160-2025
Gennaro votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.

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

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


Int 1160-2025
Lee votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.

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

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


Distracted Driver Hits Pedestrian Crossing Marked Crosswalk

A 27-year-old man crossing a marked crosswalk on Kissena Blvd was struck by a sedan making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the victim injured and conscious.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Kissena Blvd and Jewel Ave in Queens at 11:23 PM. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver traveling southeast and making a left turn, struck him. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to his knee and lower leg but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving during turning maneuvers in marked crosswalk areas.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06