Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 9 - Metal twisted on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck a stopped sedan from behind. Two drivers hurt, arms and head. A baby among the shaken. Police cite tailgating and bad lane use.

On Belt Parkway in Queens, an SUV crashed into a stopped sedan, pushing metal and bodies. According to the police report, 'A flatbed parked. A sedan stopped in traffic. An SUV struck from behind. Metal crumpled. Two drivers, a woman and a man, hurt in the arms and head. A baby listed among the occupants.' Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. Both drivers suffered injuries. The impact left a baby and other occupants at risk. Systemic danger persists on city highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804987 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Apr 8 - A distracted SUV driver struck a man crossing 249th Street. The pedestrian suffered a head injury. Police cite driver inattention and obstructed view as causes.

A 57-year-old man was hit by a Honda SUV while crossing 141-38 249th Street in Queens. He suffered a head contusion. According to the police report, the driver was inattentive and had a limited view. The driver, a 21-year-old woman, was going straight when the crash occurred. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection or marked crosswalk. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804397 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Apr 6 - SUV and sedan collided on slippery Queens street. An 86-year-old woman in the front seat suffered arm and shoulder injuries. Pavement conditions played a role. Impact was hard and sudden.

An SUV and a sedan crashed at 79-19 259 St in Queens. According to the police report, pavement was slippery at the time of the collision. Five people were involved. An 86-year-old female passenger in the front seat was injured, suffering whiplash and upper arm trauma. The sedan was making a right turn when it struck the parked SUV. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor. No driver errors were specified in the data. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803684 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Apr 4 - A woman without a license lost control near a Queens school. Her car hit two girls and a man on the sidewalk. The crash broke bones and sent all three to the hospital. Police charged her. Residents demand safer streets.

CBS New York reported on April 4, 2025, that Salmata Bah, driving without a license, struck two girls and a man outside an Astoria elementary school. Police said Bah 'lost control of her Nissan Versa and drove onto the sidewalk,' injuring the pedestrians. The younger girl suffered a broken leg and head injury; the older girl and a 58-year-old man had leg injuries. Bah was charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and driving without a license. She has never held a valid New York driver's license. The Highway Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing how control was lost. Residents called for 'increased safety measures, like speed bumps.' The case highlights ongoing risks from unlicensed drivers and the need for stronger street protections.

• Unlicensed Driver Injures Three in Queens Crash, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-04

Apr 1 - Bus struck stopped SUV’s rear on North Conduit. One driver suffered neck injury. Police cite driver inattention. Metal, glass, pain. Streets hold the mark.

A bus crashed into the back of a stopped SUV at 241-09 North Conduit Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 21-year-old man, suffered a neck injury and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. The SUV was stopped in traffic when the bus, heading straight, hit its center back end. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left four others with unspecified injuries. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803338 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 31 - Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The lead driver suffered bruises to her abdomen and pelvis. Police cite driver distraction and faulty brakes. Systemic danger left one injured, both cars damaged.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The 2017 Honda sedan was rear-ended by a 2023 Subaru sedan. The driver of the Honda, a 49-year-old woman, sustained contusions and bruises to her abdomen and pelvis. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Brakes Defective' as contributing factors. The injured driver was not ejected and remained conscious. The report highlights driver error and mechanical failure as causes. No blame is placed on the injured occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803496 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 29 - Two sedans collided on 89 Avenue in Queens. The 75-year-old female driver making a left turn suffered chest injuries and shock. Police cite unsafe speed as a key factor. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 89 Avenue in Queens at 16:01. A 75-year-old female driver, traveling north and making a left turn in a 2023 Jeep sedan, collided with a southbound 2006 Honda sedan going straight ahead. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the Jeep and the left front bumper of the Honda. The female driver was injured, suffering chest injuries and shock, and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the crash. The male driver of the Honda was licensed and traveling straight. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801941 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 29 - A 25-year-old man crossing a marked crosswalk in Queens was struck by an SUV traveling north on 92 Ave. The pedestrian suffered a fractured hip and upper leg. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing serious injury without vehicle damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred shortly after midnight on 92 Ave in Queens. A 25-year-old male pedestrian was crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal when he was struck by a northbound SUV. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver, a licensed male operating a 2004 Toyota SUV, was slowing or stopping before the impact, but the vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801890 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 29 - A speeding firefighter ran a red light on Northern Boulevard. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. The driver was drunk, high, and off duty. He did not help. The city fired him. The family mourns and demands justice.

According to the New York Post (published March 29, 2025), probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after he drove drunk and high, ran a red light, and crashed into Justin Diaz’s car in Queens on February 26, 2025. Surveillance footage showed Pena’s Mercedes striking Diaz’s BMW at high speed, sending it skidding down the street. Diaz, 23, died. Pena admitted at the scene, 'I hit him. I ran the red light. And I'm a firefighter.' The FDNY cited conduct rules in his dismissal. The article highlights Pena’s failure to render aid and notes his attempt to invoke his firefighter status. The case raises questions about accountability for city employees and the dangers of impaired, reckless driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist, New York Post, Published 2025-03-29

Mar 28 - Three sedans struck on 234 Street in Queens. Metal crumpled. A woman in the front seat took the blow. Chest bruised. She stayed conscious. No driver errors named in the report.

According to the police report, three sedans traveling east on 234 Street in Queens collided at 18:08. The crash hit the center front and back ends of the cars. A 43-year-old woman riding in the middle front seat was injured, suffering chest contusions. She was conscious and wore a lap belt. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. All drivers were licensed and moving straight ahead. The collision left the passenger hurt. No ejections or deaths were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801858 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 28 - A westbound SUV struck a southbound convertible at 263 St in Queens. The convertible driver, a 26-year-old woman, suffered whole-body injuries and shock. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left sides. Police report lists unspecified driver errors.

At 8:20 AM on 263 St in Queens, a collision occurred involving a westbound Honda SUV and a southbound BMW convertible, according to the police report. The SUV impacted the convertible's left rear quarter panel with its center front end, damaging both vehicles' left sides. The convertible driver, a 26-year-old female occupant, was injured with bodily trauma to her entire body and experienced shock. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed. The report cites unspecified contributing factors from both drivers, indicating driver errors without further detail. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801799 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.

• Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

Mar 26 - A 53-year-old male SUV driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his vehicle struck the rear of a sedan while making a right turn. Both vehicles sustained front and rear center-end damage in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:37 on 212 Street involving a 2024 SUV and a 2018 sedan. The SUV driver, a 53-year-old man, was making a right turn when his vehicle's center front end collided with the sedan's center back end. The SUV driver was injured, sustaining back pain and whiplash, and remained conscious. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not indicate any pedestrian involvement or victim fault. The collision highlights risks associated with turning maneuvers and rear-end impacts, with the SUV driver's actions preceding the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 25 - A northbound SUV struck the left front bumper of a sedan changing lanes on Cross Island Parkway. The impact injured a 70-year-old female passenger in the SUV, causing bruises and contusions to her arm. The crash stemmed from following too closely.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:40 on Cross Island Parkway. A 2020 GMC SUV traveling north rear-ended a 2007 Infiniti sedan that was changing lanes. The point of impact was the SUV's right rear bumper striking the sedan's left front bumper. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. The SUV carried three occupants; a 70-year-old female passenger seated in the left rear suffered contusions and bruises to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The sedan had one occupant, the male driver, who held a valid New York license. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers of insufficient following distance on high-speed parkways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801214 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 25 - Two SUVs collided on Francis Lewis Blvd. The rear vehicle struck the left rear bumper of the front vehicle. A front passenger suffered a head injury and concussion. Driver inattention caused the crash, highlighting dangers of distracted driving in traffic.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:10 on Francis Lewis Blvd involving two SUVs traveling south. The front vehicle was stopped in traffic when the rear vehicle, which was slowing or stopping, impacted the left rear bumper of the front SUV. The rear driver’s error was identified as driver inattention or distraction. A 27-year-old female front passenger in the rear vehicle sustained a head injury and concussion, wearing a lap belt and remaining conscious. The report explicitly cites driver inattention as the contributing factor, with no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behaviors. This collision underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in congested traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801867 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 24 - Three vehicles collided head-on and rear-end on Sunrise Highway. A 34-year-old male driver suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the primary cause. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash involved three vehicles traveling westbound on Sunrise Highway near Francis Lewis Boulevard. The collision included a sedan, a 2024 Toyota sedan, and a 2027 Jeep SUV. The point of impact was the center front end and center back end of the vehicles. The 34-year-old male driver, an occupant of one vehicle, was injured with upper arm and shoulder trauma and complained of whiplash. He was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, repeated twice for emphasis. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing victim behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction on busy roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800992 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 24 - Three vehicles collided eastbound on Belt Parkway. A front-seat passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. The impact involved center front and rear ends, with no ejections reported.

According to the police report, a chain-reaction collision occurred on Belt Parkway involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2020 SUV, a 2024 sedan, and a 2016 sedan. The crash happened around 3:00 PM. The point of impact was primarily center front and center rear ends of the vehicles. The front passenger in one vehicle, a 52-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. Police identified driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited. The collision caused damage to the center back ends and front ends of the involved vehicles, with no ejections reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801866 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05

Mar 24 - Council Transportation Chair Brooks-Powers wants the Beach 20th Street protected bike lane gone. She blames illegal parking, not enforcement. Cyclists lose space. The city risks more danger. DOT says it will look at hardening the lane and boosting enforcement.

On March 24, 2025, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, called for the removal of the protected bike lane on Beach 20th Street in Arverne, Queens. At a community meeting, Brooks-Powers said, "We’ve been trying to get [the bike lane] removed for three years. It wasn’t supported by the community. ... In effect it’s not a bike lane quite honestly; no one uses it, they [drivers] park there. We would like to see the hard infrastructure removed." Instead of demanding enforcement against illegal parking, she wants the lane ripped out, returning the street to a more dangerous state for cyclists and pedestrians. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez replied that building safe bike lanes requires support from local leaders. DOT spokesperson Will Livingston said the agency remains committed to safety and will explore hardening the lane and increasing enforcement.

• Council Transportation Chair Asks DOT To Rip Up a Bike Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-24