Blood on Linden: Queens Streets Are Killing Us—Who Will Stop It?

A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790442, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two sedans collided on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The female driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Police report alcohol involvement as a key factor. Both vehicles were traveling east when impact occurred at right front bumper and left side doors.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:16 AM. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound when the collision occurred. The impact points were the right front bumper of one sedan and the left side doors of the other. The female driver, age 46, was injured with neck trauma and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report explicitly cites 'Alcohol Involvement' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating driver impairment. There is no mention of pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim behaviors contributing to the crash. The collision highlights the systemic danger posed by impaired driving on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790005, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 68-year-old woman suffered serious hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a left turn. The impact occurred at an intersection where the pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The driver’s error caused a bruising contusion.

According to the police report, at 18:47 a 2021 Acura sedan traveling south on Bedell Street made a left turn and struck a 68-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and injuries to her hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites “Failure to Yield Right-of-Way” as the driver’s contributing factor. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The collision highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a lawful pedestrian, resulting in significant injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791503, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 65-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a vehicle making a left turn struck him at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver’s inattention caused the collision, resulting in bruising and trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Parsons Blvd near Jamaica Ave in Queens at 18:25. The vehicle, traveling south and making a left turn, struck a 65-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. This collision highlights the systemic danger posed by distracted driving during turning maneuvers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789975, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 54-year-old woman suffered severe leg injuries after a moped struck her at a Queens intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver, distracted and inattentive, failed to yield. The impact caused fractures and dislocations to her lower leg.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on 139 Street in Queens struck a 54-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, and despite the collision, the moped showed no damage. The driver’s failure to maintain attention and yield to the pedestrian created a hazardous situation resulting in significant harm. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789603, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan making a left turn struck a convertible traveling straight on Rockaway Blvd in Queens. The impact hit the sedan’s right side doors, injuring a 61-year-old female passenger with head trauma and whiplash. Police cite traffic control disregard.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Rockaway Blvd in Queens at 17:17. A 2021 Toyota sedan was making a left turn when it collided with a 2015 Infiniti convertible traveling straight eastbound. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan, which sustained damage to the right rear quarter panel. The convertible’s left front bumper was damaged. The sedan carried two occupants, including a 61-year-old female passenger seated in the right rear, who suffered head injuries and whiplash, classified as injury severity level 3. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report identifies the driver error as "Traffic Control Disregarded," indicating failure to obey traffic signals or signs. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers of left-turn maneuvers when traffic controls are ignored.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788742, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan traveling west on Hillside Ave struck a defect in the pavement, causing a crash that injured its two occupants. The 65-year-old driver suffered head abrasions; the 93-year-old passenger sustained whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2015 Nissan sedan traveling west on Hillside Ave collided due to a defective pavement and tire failure, which are cited as contributing factors. The driver, a 65-year-old man, was injured with head abrasions and remained conscious, secured by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 93-year-old woman, also conscious and restrained, suffered whiplash affecting her entire body. The vehicle's left front bumper was damaged at the point of impact. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The report highlights pavement defects and tire inadequacy as the primary causes, with no driver error or victim behavior noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788158, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A BMW slams into a 23-year-old crossing North Conduit Avenue. His head hits the hood. Blood stains the street. The convertible’s front end buckles. The man lies motionless, life ended in the rush of traffic.

According to the police report, a BMW convertible traveling west on North Conduit Avenue near Rockaway Boulevard struck a 23-year-old man at the intersection. The report states the pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the collision occurred. The impact was severe: the man’s head hit the hood, blood pooled on the asphalt, and the vehicle’s front end crumpled. The victim was found unconscious with fatal head injuries and severe bleeding. The police report lists the contributing factors for both driver and pedestrian as 'Unspecified.' The report describes the driver as licensed and proceeding straight ahead at the time of the crash. The narrative centers the devastating outcome for the pedestrian, who died at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788744, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two vehicles crashed on 116 Avenue in Queens, injuring a front-seat passenger. The SUV struck the sedan’s right front bumper with its left front. The passenger suffered back contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:30 on 116 Avenue in Queens involving a 2019 Ford SUV traveling west and a 2014 Nissan sedan traveling north. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV and the right front bumper of the sedan. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. A 37-year-old male front passenger in the sedan was injured, sustaining back contusions. He was conscious and properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing on driver disregard for traffic control as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788442, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

A 46-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan hit him at a Queens intersection late at night. The pedestrian was left in shock with complaints of pain and nausea. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at its center front end.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 138-60 Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:55 PM. The pedestrian was struck by a 2017 Nissan sedan traveling west, which was going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan, causing knee, lower leg, and foot injuries to the pedestrian, who was left in shock and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian fault or helmet use. The driver's actions leading to the collision are not detailed beyond the vehicle's travel direction and impact point, highlighting systemic dangers at this intersection for pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789258, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two sedans collided on 177 Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The driver of one vehicle suffered back injuries and shock. Police report cites aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained front and rear end damage.

According to the police report, at 19:10 on 177 Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens, two sedans collided while both were traveling straight ahead. The driver of one sedan, a 47-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain and shock, reporting complaints of pain or nausea. The report explicitly lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The collision involved impact at the center front end of one vehicle and the center back end of the other, indicating a rear-end collision. Both vehicles were registered in New York and each had one occupant. The injured driver was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The police report does not mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash, focusing solely on the driver errors of aggressive driving and road rage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789256, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Before dawn on 90th Avenue, a speeding SUV tore into a parked sedan. Metal shrieked, the roof caved. A 63-year-old man, alone behind the wheel, died in the wreckage. The street fell silent, marked by violence and loss.

According to the police report, a Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicle traveling east on 90th Avenue near 143rd Street struck a parked sedan at 5:38 a.m. The report states the SUV was moving at 'Unsafe Speed' when it collided with the sedan, folding metal and collapsing the sedan's roof. The sole occupant of the SUV, a 63-year-old man, was killed in the crash. The sedan was unoccupied. The police narrative describes the scene: 'A speeding SUV slammed into a parked sedan. Metal folded. The roof collapsed.' The contributing factor listed is 'Unsafe Speed,' underscoring the role of excessive speed in this fatal collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors are cited in the report. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when speed overtakes control on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787451, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Queens collision on 170 St injured a 57-year-old SUV driver. The truck and SUV both made right turns when impact occurred. The SUV driver suffered head injuries and whiplash, left semiconscious. Police cite improper turning and following too closely as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 170 St near Douglas Ave in Queens at 12:31 PM. A tractor truck and a sport utility vehicle were both making right turns traveling northeast when the collision happened. The SUV driver, a 57-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and whiplash, left semiconscious but not ejected. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors by one or both vehicle operators. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper, while the truck showed no damage. The SUV driver was wearing a lap belt. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights dangers posed by improper turning maneuvers and close vehicle following in Queens traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787328, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 29-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries when an SUV backed into her off the roadway in Queens. The driver’s inattention and unsafe backing caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:20 in Queens near 112-55 Farmers Blvd. A 29-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a station wagon/SUV backed into her off the roadway. The report cites the driver’s errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely.' The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time, underscoring the driver’s failure to observe surroundings while backing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788455, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two northbound vehicles struck each other on 148th Street, injuring a 47-year-old male sedan driver. Impact occurred at the front quarters of both vehicles. The sedan driver suffered a back contusion but remained conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2007 SUV and a 2013 sedan, both traveling north on 148th Street, collided with impact at the right front quarter panel of the SUV and the left front bumper of the sedan. The sedan driver, a 47-year-old male occupant, was injured with a back contusion and remained conscious. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver, but no explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision caused damage primarily to the front quarters of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787023, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 64-year-old woman was injured crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. An SUV making a U-turn struck her with its left front bumper. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian with bruises and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing outside a crosswalk on Linden Boulevard in Queens at 6:30 PM. The collision involved a 2015 SUV traveling east that was making a U-turn. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. There was no damage reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but no contributing factors related to her actions were noted. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle in New York. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers making complex maneuvers in urban areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787186, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Multiple sedans collided head-to-tail on Belt Parkway, triggered by unsafe speeds. A 43-year-old female passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash, restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash unfolded in the early morning hours, spotlighting driver recklessness on a busy highway.

According to the police report, a chain-reaction collision occurred on Belt Parkway involving multiple sedans all traveling westbound. The contributing factors cited were "Unsafe Speed" for the vehicles involved. The crash happened around 2:00 a.m. A 43-year-old female occupant, seated in the middle rear seat and secured with a lap belt and harness, sustained head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The point of impact was the center back end of one sedan and the center front end of the following vehicle, indicating a rear-end collision sequence. The report highlights driver errors related to unsafe speeds as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the injured passenger. This incident underscores the dangers of excessive speed on high-speed urban roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788745, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two occupants suffered neck injuries in a rear-end crash on Van Wyck Expressway. Both were conscious and restrained. The driver’s inattention and following too closely caused the impact. No vehicle damage was reported despite the injuries.

According to the police report, at 17:40 on Van Wyck Expressway, two sedans traveling north collided in a rear-end crash. The driver of the striking vehicle was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely,' key factors leading to the collision. Both injured occupants, a 39-year-old male driver and a 35-year-old female front passenger, suffered neck injuries described as whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses at the time. The report notes no vehicle damage despite the bodily injuries. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and unsafe following distances on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786285, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

An 11-year-old boy playing in the roadway was struck by an SUV traveling west on 142 Street. The vehicle’s right front quarter panel made impact. Limited driver visibility contributed to the crash, leaving the child with abrasions and leg injuries.

According to the police report, an 11-year-old pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2020 Lexus SUV traveling westbound on 142 Street near Rockaway Boulevard. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The child, described as playing in the roadway at an intersection, suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating the driver’s impaired visibility played a critical role. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The pedestrian’s behavior was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. Vehicle damage was confined to the right front quarter panel, underscoring the point of collision. This incident highlights the dangers posed by limited driver sight lines in areas where children may be present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787085, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15