Thirteen Dead. Thousands Hurt. Queens Streets Still Bleed.

A 44-year-old man suffered head injuries after being struck while crossing Lefferts Boulevard with the signal. The driver, making a right turn, disregarded traffic control and exhibited aggressive driving. The pedestrian was left incoherent at the scene.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Lefferts Boulevard and 109 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle traveling south made a right turn and struck him. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors by the driver. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was incoherent upon police arrival. There is no indication of pedestrian fault; the driver’s failure to obey traffic control and aggressive behavior directly contributed to the crash and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 66-year-old man driving a sedan in Queens suffered upper arm injuries after a crash caused by improper lane usage. The vehicle was damaged on its right rear quarter panel. The driver was restrained and experienced shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old male driver operating a 2011 Kia sedan was injured in a crash on Sutter Avenue near North Conduit Avenue in Queens at 10:30 AM. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating a driver error involving lane violation. The vehicle was making a right turn when the point of impact occurred on the right rear quarter panel, causing damage to that area. The driver, who was wearing a lap belt and not ejected, sustained a contusion and upper arm shoulder injury, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver was in shock following the collision. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728191 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A sedan slammed into an SUV on 107th Avenue. Metal twisted. Blood streaked a driver’s arm. The air reeked of alcohol. One man hurt, conscious, bleeding in the dark Queens night. Two cars, one crash, danger unchecked.

According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of a sport utility vehicle on 107th Avenue near 111th Street in Queens at 1:06 a.m. The report notes 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor in the crash. The sedan’s front end collided with the SUV’s rear, crumpling metal and causing severe bleeding to a 32-year-old male driver, who remained conscious. The narrative describes the scene: 'Metal crumpled. Blood ran down a 32-year-old man’s arm. He stayed conscious. The night smelled of alcohol.' Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The data does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the presence of alcohol and the violent impact that left one driver injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728519 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

A sedan traveling north on 157 Avenue struck the rear of another vehicle, causing neck injury to the female driver. The impact damaged the left rear bumper of the sedan and the front end of the other vehicle. The driver suffered whiplash.

According to the police report, at 8:50 AM on 157 Avenue in Queens, a 2005 Chevrolet sedan traveling north rear-ended another vehicle going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the other vehicle. The female driver of the sedan, age 58, was injured with neck trauma described as whiplash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The damage was concentrated on the left rear bumper of the sedan and the front end of the other vehicle. The driver was not ejected and was using some form of safety equipment. No explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727928 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

SUV struck sedan on North Conduit Avenue. Unsafe speed and lane change by SUV driver. Rear passenger, 53, suffered serious head injury. Metal twisted. No victim fault listed.

According to the police report, a Volvo SUV and a Honda sedan collided while heading west on North Conduit Avenue in Queens. The SUV's right front quarter panel hit the sedan's left rear. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' by the SUV driver as causes. A 53-year-old man, riding in the sedan's right rear seat, suffered a serious head injury but remained conscious. The injury was classified as serious, with internal complaints. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The report focuses on driver errors that led to the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727646 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Two SUVs collided on North Conduit Avenue in Queens. The crash, caused by a driver disregarding traffic control, injured a 37-year-old male driver and a 45-year-old female passenger. Both suffered moderate injuries to neck and shoulder areas.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on North Conduit Avenue in Queens at 13:48. Two SUVs traveling west collided when one vehicle was merging and the other was going straight ahead. The point of impact was the left side doors of one SUV and the right front bumper of the other. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error. The 37-year-old male driver sustained a neck injury, and the 45-year-old female front passenger suffered an upper arm and shoulder injury. Both occupants were conscious and not ejected from their vehicles. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victims. The collision highlights the dangers of ignoring traffic controls in vehicle interactions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727640 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A sedan hit a northbound e-bike on Liberty Avenue. The rider, age 30, suffered leg injuries. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control disregard. The crash left the cyclist in shock.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Liberty Avenue in Queens struck a northbound e-bike at 17:28. The 30-year-old e-bike rider was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot, and experienced shock and minor bleeding. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors by the sedan driver. The e-bike’s left front bumper was hit by the sedan’s center front end. The rider wore a helmet. The crash shows the danger when drivers ignore signals and lose focus, leading to harm for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727089 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Two sedans collided on Belt Parkway when one driver followed too closely and drove at unsafe speed. The rear vehicle struck the front vehicle’s left rear bumper. A 64-year-old female driver suffered internal injuries to her entire body, conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway involving two sedans traveling westbound. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 64-year-old female, was injured with internal injuries affecting her entire body. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors attributed to this driver. The rear vehicle impacted the left rear bumper of the front sedan, which sustained damage to its left front bumper. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt at the time of the collision. The report does not list any pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim behaviors contributing to the crash. The collision highlights driver errors in maintaining safe following distance and speed on a busy highway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729934 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A southbound SUV turned wrong at 109th and 103rd. Its front bumper struck a baby girl crossing with the light. Her body was crushed. She lay in shock on the pavement, beneath the afternoon sun. The driver failed to yield.

According to the police report, a southbound SUV at the corner of 109th Street and 103rd Avenue turned improperly and struck a baby girl who was crossing with the signal. The report states, 'A southbound SUV turned wrong. The front bumper struck a baby girl crossing with the light. Her body was crushed.' The child suffered crush injuries to her entire body and was left in shock on the pavement. The police report explicitly cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The victim was a pedestrian at the intersection, crossing with the signal. The report does not list any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the lethal consequences of driver error and failure to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726458 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Senate bill S 9490 raises penalties for endangering highway workers. It pushes work zone safety and funds more enforcement. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 9490 was introduced on May 16, 2024, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill aims to 'increase penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promote work zone safety awareness; establish a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement.' Senator Jeremy Cooney leads as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors. The bill targets drivers who threaten highway workers, seeking to make work zones less deadly. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9490, Open States, Published 2024-05-16

Council bill targets repeat pedal-assist bike violators. Three strikes trigger a mandatory safety course. Ignore the course, lose your bike. DOT will track results. Three-year pilot. Enforcement, not education, leads.

Int 0874-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, by Council Members Ariola (primary), Hanks, Hudson, Louis, Mealy, and Banks, the bill orders DOT to launch a pilot abatement program for unsafe pedal-assist bicycle operators. The bill summary states: 'Pedal-assist bicycle operators who accrue 3 or more moving violations under city law would be required to take a safe pedal-assist bicycle operation course offered by DOT.' Noncompliance means bike impoundment. DOT must report on course completions, impounds, and program effectiveness. The pilot sunsets after three years. The bill aims to curb reckless riding through strict enforcement.

• File Int 0874-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Council bill redefines major transit projects. Bike lanes, busways, and bus lanes now trigger community board notice. DOT must present plans, boards get sixty days to respond. Progress reports go public. Holden and Ariola sponsor.

Int 0880-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, by Council Members Joann Ariola and Robert F. Holden, it amends city code to require community notification for any bus lane, busway, or bike lane project, no matter the size. The bill states: 'construction or removal of a bus lane, busway, or bike lane' counts as a major project. DOT must present plans to affected boards, who get sixty days to comment. DOT must post quarterly updates online. Ariola is the primary sponsor; Holden co-sponsors. The bill aims to increase transparency and community input on street changes that shape safety for all.

• File Int 0880-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

Two sedans slammed together on Foch Boulevard. Metal twisted. A 62-year-old driver took the brunt, back bruised, still conscious. Police cite traffic control ignored. Streets in Queens bear the scars.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 16:10 on Foch Boulevard and 135 Street in Queens. The westbound sedan struck the right side doors of the northbound sedan. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, pointing to a driver failing to obey signals or signs. A 62-year-old male driver suffered back contusions and bruises but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left heavy damage on the vehicles’ front and side.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724671 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A female SUV driver suffered upper arm injuries in a Queens crash. The vehicle struck an object or another vehicle on its left front quarter panel while traveling westbound. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver operating a 2014 Chevrolet SUV was injured in a collision on North Conduit Avenue in Queens at 5:35 p.m. The vehicle was traveling westbound, going straight ahead, when the left front quarter panel sustained damage. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was not ejected and remained conscious. She reported internal complaints and sustained injuries to her shoulder and upper arm. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors or victim behaviors as causes. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured or involved with clear contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724083 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A multi-vehicle collision on Van Wyck Expressway left an SUV driver injured with neck pain and shock. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe lane changing as key factors. The crash involved two SUVs and a sedan, all traveling southbound.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Van Wyck Expressway around 4:00 AM involving three vehicles: two SUVs and one sedan, all traveling southbound. The driver of a 2019 SUV suffered neck injuries and was in shock, restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors for this driver. The sedan driver was unlicensed, and the vehicles collided with impacts to the left rear bumper of the SUV, right front bumper of the sedan, and right side doors of the other SUV. The police report highlights driver errors—specifically inattention and unsafe lane changes—as central to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behavior was listed as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722105 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13