Queens Bleeds While Leaders Stall: End Street Deaths Now

Two drivers collided on 129 St at Metropolitan Ave. Both men injured—one with a bruised arm, the other with whiplash. Police cite traffic control disregard. Metal twisted. Signals ignored. System failed.

According to the police report, a 2014 Honda sedan heading west and a 2014 Mercedes SUV heading north crashed at 18:14 on 129 St near Metropolitan Ave in Queens. Both drivers, men aged 58 and 64, suffered injuries—one to the upper arm, the other to the neck. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right front quarter panel. Both drivers were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the cause, pointing to driver error in obeying signals or signs. No victim actions contributed. The crash left both vehicles with heavy front-end damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798014 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old e-scooter rider suffered knee and leg injuries after a crash on 112 St near Jamaica Ave in Queens. The scooter’s right rear was struck. The rider stayed conscious. No other errors listed.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male riding an e-scooter northbound on 112 St near Jamaica Ave in Queens was injured in a collision at 12:10. The impact struck the scooter’s right rear quarter panel, causing contusions and bruises to the rider’s knee, lower leg, and foot. The rider remained conscious and was not ejected. The other vehicle involved sustained damage to its right front bumper. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors beyond the unlicensed operation of the e-scooter. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV swung left, struck firetruck head-on in Queens. Driver hurt, neck and whiplash. Firetruck front smashed. Improper turn triggered the crash. Streets stayed loud, dangerous.

According to the police report, an SUV making a left turn on Jamaica Avenue collided with a firetruck traveling straight. The 56-year-old male SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the main contributing factor. The SUV's left rear quarter panel hit the firetruck's center front end, damaging both vehicles. The SUV driver was conscious and restrained. The firetruck carried five licensed occupants. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted. The crash shows the risk when drivers turn improperly near large emergency vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796707 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

Senate bill S 5801 demands licenses and insurance for e-scooter riders. No license, no sale. Sponsors push manuals and safety lessons. The city’s streets stay risky for those outside cars.

Senate bill S 5801, sponsored by Luis R. Sepúlveda and co-sponsored by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., sits at the sponsorship stage. Filed March 3, 2025, it aims to 'establish a bicycle and electric scooter operator's safety manual' and require licenses and insurance for e-scooter riders in New York City. The bill bars sales to unlicensed, uninsured buyers. It also folds scooter safety into driver education. No safety analyst has weighed in on the impact for vulnerable road users. The measure’s focus is paperwork, not street design or driver accountability.

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

DOT will erase a car lane on Sixth Avenue. The bike lane grows from six to ten feet. Community Board 5 backs the plan. Critics shout about gridlock. Supporters call for safer streets. The city moves ahead. Cyclists and pedestrians wait.

""The anti-car insanity has gotten so extreme. The Department of Tyrants is not just trying to make it impossible for anyone to drive in this city, it is willing to jeopardize the safety of New Yorkers by creating conditions that will seriously impede emergency responders."" -- Joann Ariola

On March 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a plan to remove one of four vehicle lanes on Sixth Avenue, Manhattan, expanding the bike lane from six to ten feet between West 14th and West 35th Streets. The proposal, presented to Community Board 5's transportation committee, passed with a 10-2 vote. The matter summary reads: 'DOT plans to widen the Sixth Avenue bike lane... eliminating one of the four vehicle lanes.' Council Member Joann Ariola, mentioned in the debate, strongly opposed the move, warning it 'will seriously impede emergency responders.' Other council members and residents voiced sharp criticism, calling the redesign dangerous and disruptive. DOT officials insist the plan is rooted in community input and data. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.

• Car-hating NYC bureaucrats quietly making congestion worse with plan to cut vehicle lanes, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-01

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

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 Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

A 29-year-old woman was hit in Queens while crossing with the signal. The sedan, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way. Impact to the pedestrian’s face caused bruising. The driver’s error triggered the collision at Jamaica Avenue.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, making a left turn, impacted her in the center front end. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to her face and was conscious at the scene. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 2009 Honda sedan. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to yield, especially at intersections where pedestrians have the right-of-way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794787 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A southbound bus struck the right rear bumper of a box truck making a right turn on Woodhaven Blvd. The truck driver, a 38-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front and rear-end damage respectively.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:10 AM on Woodhaven Blvd in Queens. A 2013 Ford bus traveling south went straight ahead and impacted the center front end of a 2023 GMC box truck. The truck was making a right turn southwest when the collision occurred, striking its right rear bumper. The truck driver, a 38-year-old male occupant, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the truck driver but does not specify driver errors or victim behaviors. The bus had two occupants and sustained damage to its front center, while the truck's right rear bumper was damaged. The data highlights the dangers of vehicle interactions during turning maneuvers on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794711 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two vehicles collided head-on on Queens' 90 Avenue late at night. A 25-year-old male motorcyclist suffered a fractured knee and dislocation. Both drivers were distracted, causing the crash and severe injuries without ejection or loss of consciousness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:37 on 90 Avenue in Queens involving a 2007 SUV and a 2025 motorcycle. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead when their vehicles collided front to front. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The motorcyclist, a 25-year-old male wearing a helmet, was injured with a fractured and dislocated lower leg and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV driver, a licensed female, also contributed to the crash through distraction. The collision caused center front-end damage to both vehicles. The report focuses on driver errors, specifically inattention and distraction, as the cause of the crash and resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794529 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped traveling west on Atlantic Avenue struck a 19-year-old female pedestrian outside an intersection. The driver’s inattention caused a center-front collision, inflicting neck injuries and whiplash. The pedestrian remained conscious but seriously hurt.

According to the police report, a moped traveling westbound on Atlantic Avenue in Queens struck a 19-year-old female pedestrian who was not at an intersection. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and complained of whiplash, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No pedestrian actions or safety equipment were noted as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted vehicle operators, particularly mopeds, in areas where pedestrians may be present outside of crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793327 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A collision between an SUV and a sedan on 101 Avenue left a 25-year-old male passenger injured. The passenger suffered facial abrasions but was conscious and not ejected. The crash involved driver failure to obey traffic controls, causing the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:50 on 101 Avenue involving a northbound SUV and an eastbound sedan. The SUV had five occupants, and the sedan had one driver. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the right front bumper of the sedan. A 25-year-old male passenger in the SUV was injured, sustaining facial abrasions and classified with injury severity level 3. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' twice as contributing factors, indicating driver failure to obey traffic signals or signs. This driver error directly contributed to the collision and subsequent passenger injury. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793324 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.

On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.

• Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame, nypost.com, Published 2025-02-17

A 33-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered back injuries and whiplash after rear-ending a box truck in Queens. The crash occurred at 10:30 AM. According to police, driver inattention caused the collision, with no ejection or other vehicles damaged.

At 10:30 AM in Queens, a 33-year-old female driver operating a 2020 SUV rear-ended a box truck traveling northbound, according to the police report. The SUV struck the center back end of the truck, sustaining front-end damage, while the truck showed no damage. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness but suffered back injuries and whiplash. The police report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in multi-vehicle crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792540 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14

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.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

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.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

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.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13