Crash Count for Queens CB8
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 4,366
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 2,585
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 574
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 31
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 12
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 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

Sedans Collide on Long Island Expressway, Driver Injured

Two sedans struck on the expressway. One driver suffered back injuries. Police cite passing too closely. Metal, glass, pain. The road did not forgive.

A crash involving two sedans on the Long Island Expressway at Oceania Street left a 39-year-old woman driver injured, suffering back trauma and shock. According to the police report, the collision was caused by 'Passing Too Closely.' Multiple occupants, including a 16-year-old passenger, were involved but reported unspecified or no injuries. The report lists no contributing factors for the victims. The impact was severe enough to cause internal complaints and required attention to the injured driver. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810527 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUVs Collide on Main Street, Three Hurt

Two SUVs slammed together on Main Street in Queens. Three people injured. Failure to yield listed as cause. Metal twisted. Pain spread. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two station wagons collided at 79-07 Main Street in Queens. Three occupants were injured: a 57-year-old woman, an 80-year-old man, and a 53-year-old woman. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead when they struck. The injured included passengers and a driver, all wearing lap belts and harnesses. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810145 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash

A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.


Int 0193-2024
Gennaro absent as Council passes neutral-impact taxi dooring warning decal bill.

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.


Int 0193-2024
Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.


E-Scooter Rider Ejected, Injured on Kissena Blvd

A young e-scooter rider was ejected and bruised after a crash with a Nissan car on Kissena Boulevard. The rider suffered a hip injury. No driver errors were specified in the police report.

An 18-year-old male e-scooter rider was ejected and injured in a collision with a Nissan car on Kissena Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, the rider suffered a hip contusion and was conscious at the scene. The e-scooter was struck at the center back end, while the Nissan sustained damage to the center front end. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors or contributing factors were detailed. The rider was not using any safety equipment, as noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.


Pick-up Truck Strikes Pedestrian on Francis Lewis Blvd

A pick-up truck hit a 59-year-old man off the roadway on Francis Lewis Blvd. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body. The truck showed no damage. Police list all factors as unspecified.

A pick-up truck traveling south on Francis Lewis Blvd struck a 59-year-old pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his entire body and reported whiplash. According to the police report, all contributing factors are listed as 'Unspecified.' The driver, a 30-year-old man, was licensed and uninjured. The truck's right front bumper was the point of impact, but the vehicle showed no damage. No driver errors or other contributing factors are specified in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808858 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
3
Unsafe Lane Change Injures Three in Queens Crash

Two sedans collided on 199th Street. Three people hurt. Police cite unsafe lane change and improper turn. Whiplash, neck, and abdominal injuries reported. Metal twisted. Streets unforgiving.

Two sedans crashed at 67-12 199th Street in Queens. Three people were injured: a 56-year-old male passenger, a 36-year-old female driver, and a 49-year-old female driver. According to the police report, the collision was caused by 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Turning Improperly.' All injured parties were conscious, with whiplash, neck, and abdominal injuries noted. Both vehicles sustained damage. The report lists no other contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808803 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard

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

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


Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

A sedan hit a man crossing Jewel Avenue with the signal. The impact bruised his hip and leg. Police cite failure to yield. The street stayed open. The system failed to protect him.

A 49-year-old man was crossing Jewel Avenue at Kissena Boulevard with the signal when a sedan struck him. He suffered a contusion to his hip and upper leg. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor. The driver was licensed and making a left turn at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported for the vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the danger pedestrians face even when following signals.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808211 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
3
Speeding Sedans Collide on Grand Central Parkway

Two sedans slammed together at unsafe speed. Three people hurt. Whiplash and shock. Metal twisted. The road did not forgive.

Two sedans crashed on Grand Central Parkway near 168 Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including whiplash and trauma to the entire body. According to the police report, the contributing factor was 'Unsafe Speed.' No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The impact left metal bent and people shaken. The report lists no other contributing factors before speed. Helmet use or signals are not mentioned as causes.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808055 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Driver Dies After Belt Parkway Crash

A Brooklyn man lost control on Belt Parkway. His SUV struck a tree near JFK. Emergency crews arrived but could not save him. The road stayed quiet. Police kept watch. The investigation continues.

The Brooklyn Paper reported on April 23, 2025, that a 57-year-old Brooklyn man died after crashing his SUV on the Belt Parkway near JFK Airport. Police said the driver "failed to navigate the roadway and struck a tree." Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case, and no arrests have been made. The article highlights the crash location—westbound Belt Parkway, just west of 130th Street—and notes the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the dangers present on high-speed parkways and the unforgiving design of tree-lined medians.


Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens

Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.


Sedan Strikes Pedestrian at Union Turnpike

A sedan hit a 62-year-old woman in Queens. She suffered back injuries. The car’s front end took the blow. Police list no clear cause. The street stayed dangerous.

A sedan traveling east on Union Turnpike struck a 62-year-old woman at the intersection with 152nd Street in Queens. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered back injuries and was in shock. The sedan’s center front end was damaged. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are named. The driver, a 28-year-old man, was licensed and wore a seatbelt. The crash left a pedestrian hurt, with no clear cause cited by police.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806858 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
FDNY Truck Strikes Cyclist In Queens

A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. It hit a man on a bike. He died there, on the street. Police are investigating. The crash happened in Middle Village, Queens. Metal met flesh. The city keeps moving.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The collision happened as the truck was 'turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street.' The victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating the incident. The article notes the truck's turning movement but does not detail further driver actions. This fatal crash highlights the risks at intersections where large vehicles and cyclists cross paths. No information was provided about charges or policy changes.


Unsafe Speed on Van Wyck Expressway Injures Three

Three people hurt as sedans collide at speed on Van Wyck Expressway. Shoulders and necks take the blow. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twists. Pain follows.

Three people were injured when sedans crashed on the Van Wyck Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, the collision involved multiple vehicles traveling straight ahead. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. A 43-year-old front passenger suffered shoulder injuries, a 54-year-old driver reported neck pain, and a 26-year-old driver sustained abrasions to the shoulder. All were conscious after the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806645 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
FDNY Firetruck Kills Cyclist Near Park

A firetruck struck a cyclist on Juniper Boulevard. The truck turned with lights and sirens. The cyclist was crushed under the rear wheels. Sheets covered the scene. Firefighters stood by, shaken. The victim died instantly. The investigation continues.

According to the New York Post (April 19, 2025), an FDNY Rescue Company 4 firetruck fatally struck a cyclist near Juniper Valley Park in Queens while responding to a call. The article states, "The truck was making a turn onto Juniper Boulevard...when the fatal accident occurred." Police reported the truck had lights and sirens activated. The cyclist ended up beneath the rear wheels and was pronounced dead at the scene. Photos showed emergency sheets covering the area. Witness Miguel Vega described firefighters as "shaken, like shocked." The incident highlights the dangers at intersections, especially when emergency vehicles turn. The crash is under investigation, with no details yet on policy or procedural changes.


Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash

A former firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck Justin Diaz’s car at 83 mph. Diaz died a block from home. The driver was drunk, high, and unregistered. The court revoked his bail. Diaz’s family mourns.

ABC7 reported on April 17, 2025, that ex-FDNY firefighter Michael Peña faces manslaughter and DWI charges after a deadly crash in Queens. Prosecutors allege Peña was drunk, high, and speeding at 83 mph—three times the limit—when he ran a red light and T-boned 23-year-old Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance and body camera footage show Peña admitting to running the light. Five hours after the crash, tests confirmed intoxication by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Peña’s record includes prior arrests and 25 school zone speeding tickets. He also drove an unregistered vehicle with an obstructed plate and tinted windshield. The victim, Diaz, was headed to work and had just graduated college. The case highlights repeated driver violations and systemic failures in enforcement.


Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

A sedan hit a 24-year-old man crossing 164 St at 84 Ave. He had the signal. He was bruised, conscious, hurt across his body. Police cite driver inattention. The street failed him.

A 24-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a sedan struck him at the intersection of 164 St and 84 Ave in Queens. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the sedan, traveling north, hit him with its center front end. The man suffered bruises to his entire body but remained conscious. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The report does not mention any actions by the pedestrian that contributed to the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806493 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04