Queens Streets Run Red—Who’s Next?

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

A driver killed 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun at a Queens intersection. City workers made minor fixes. Council members demanded daylighting and real barriers. DOT resisted, citing flexibility. Advocates want curb extensions. The city’s slow action leaves streets deadly.

On February 24, 2023, Council Members Julie Won, Tiffany Cabán, and Selvena Brooks-Powers sent a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) after a driver killed Dolma Naadhun. They demanded daylighting, neckdowns, speed bumps, stop signs, and reflective markings at Newtown Road intersections. The lawmakers wrote, “Nothing can bring back Dolma Naadhun, but we can prevent further loss of life so that no family must experience the loss of a loved one.” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez opposed a Council bill mandating 100 daylighted intersections per year, arguing for flexibility and physical infrastructure in daylit spaces. Advocates and experts agree: daylighting without barriers is flawed. They call for curb extensions to slow drivers and protect people. Residents remain frustrated by the city’s slow, limited response after repeated deaths and injuries.

• R.I.P. DOLMA: A Deep Dive on DOT’s Daylighting Dilemma, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-24

A Ford SUV struck a Pontiac sedan from behind on Cross Island Parkway. Both vehicles traveled north. The sedan driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a head abrasion. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a 2002 Ford SUV rear-ended a 2005 Pontiac sedan on Cross Island Parkway. Both vehicles were traveling north when the collision occurred. The sedan's driver, a 51-year-old man, sustained a head abrasion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV's right rear bumper and the sedan's left front quarter panel. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4608330 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 53-year-old woman driving a sedan eastbound on Merrick Boulevard was struck on the left front bumper by an SUV making a left turn northbound. She suffered a head injury and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both drivers were licensed.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Merrick Boulevard was hit on its left front bumper by an SUV making a left turn northbound. The sedan's 53-year-old female driver sustained a head injury and whiplash, remaining conscious and inside the vehicle. The SUV showed no damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any clear driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no safety equipment details were noted. The collision's impact point and vehicle movements suggest a conflict during the SUV's left turn maneuver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4607766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A BMW SUV tore east on Grand Central Parkway. The driver, alone, slammed hard. Chest crushed. Unsafe speed and road rage fueled the wreck. Metal twisted. No one else hurt.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old man driving a 2018 BMW SUV crashed while heading east on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The SUV was demolished at the left front quarter panel. The driver, the only occupant, suffered internal chest injuries but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The report notes the driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash underscores the lethal risk when speed and aggression combine behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606496 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A sedan slammed its front end on 85 Avenue. The driver, a 46-year-old woman, suffered full-body injuries. Police blamed improper turning. Shock gripped the scene. Metal twisted. No other errors listed.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old woman driving a 2017 GMC sedan was injured in a crash on 85 Avenue near Commonwealth Boulevard in Queens. The sedan, heading southeast, struck with its center front end. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor. The driver suffered injuries to her entire body and was in shock. No ejection occurred. The police report does not list any other contributing factors or victim errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

DOT missed safety targets. Council pressed for action. DOT balked, citing staff shortages. Council demanded more. Advocates called bills weak. Streets remain dangerous. No relief for pedestrians or cyclists. City government stalls. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

At a February 14, 2023 City Council oversight hearing, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted the agency failed to meet last year’s street safety benchmarks. The hearing, led by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, reviewed a slate of bills requiring reflective materials, school safety signs, daylighting, bollards, and more frequent fatality studies. Rodriguez said DOT supports the intent but opposes the bills, citing staffing shortages and a need for flexibility. Brooks-Powers expressed disappointment: 'It sounds, unfortunately, like DOT is not supporting any of the bills.' Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized city austerity and shrinking staff. Advocates, including Amy Cohen, said the bills 'don’t go nearly far enough.' The hearing exposed deep gaps between Council ambition, DOT capacity, and the urgent need for safer streets.

• DOT to Council: Don’t Ask Us To Do More After We Failed to What You Mandated Us To Do Last Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-14

City Council grilled DOT on street safety. Commissioner Rodriguez rejected new bollards, signs, and speed bumps. Advocates demanded action after 255 deaths. Council and DOT agreed only on a 5 mph limit for Open Streets. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain at risk.

On February 14, 2023, the City Council’s Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), held a hearing on a slate of street safety bills. The matter, titled 'DOT chief pushes back on City Council’s latest street safety proposals,' saw Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez oppose mandatory installation of bollards, safety signs near schools, reflective curbs, and speed bumps near senior centers. Brooks-Powers opened the hearing noting, 'It sounds, unfortunately, like DOT doesn’t support any of the bills that we’re looking to discuss today.' Street safety advocates, including Priscilla Afokoba and Amy Cohen, spoke in favor of the proposals, citing the 255 people killed by motorists in the previous year. The only consensus: a resolution to urge Albany to reduce the speed limit to 5 mph on Open Streets, with Governor Hochul signaling support. The hearing highlighted deep divides between the Council and DOT on protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

• DOT chief pushes back on City Council’s latest street safety proposals, gothamist.com, Published 2023-02-14

Council pressed DOT on slow safety progress. Adams administration rejected bills for traffic calming, daylighting, and crash studies. Council vowed to push forward. DOT blamed staff cuts. Advocates demanded hard fixes. Streets stay deadly. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 14, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on a package of street safety bills. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers led the debate. The Adams administration, represented by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, opposed the bills, arguing, 'Streets are dynamic and conditions are constantly changing. We need to be nimble.' The bills would require DOT to install traffic calming near senior centers, daylight intersections, add school safety signs, study and install bollards, and increase crash reporting. Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized the mayor’s budget cuts, saying they undermine safety goals. Brooks-Powers pledged to advance the bills, stressing the need for hard infrastructure, especially in Black and Brown neighborhoods. DOT admitted it is behind on bus and bike lane targets. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided, but advocates insist better design saves lives.

• DOT honchos grilled on street safety progress as Adams admin announces opposition to Council bills, amny.com, Published 2023-02-14

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Two vehicles collided head-on on Cross Island Parkway. The SUV and sedan both struck with right front bumpers. The SUV driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered back injuries and shock. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor by police.

According to the police report, a 2017 Ford SUV and a 2013 Honda sedan collided on Cross Island Parkway. Both vehicles were traveling south and impacted at their right front quarter panels. The SUV driver, a 45-year-old man, was injured with back pain and shock but was not ejected. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The collision caused damage to the right front quarter panel of the SUV and the right side doors of the sedan. The report does not specify injuries to other occupants or drivers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 39-year-old front passenger suffered fractured pelvis injuries when an unlicensed driver made a right turn and crashed into a parked sedan on 177-34 145 Avenue. The impact damaged the front of the turning vehicle and the rear of the parked car.

According to the police report, a male driver without a valid license made a right turn while traveling east and collided with a parked sedan on 177-34 145 Avenue in Queens. The collision struck the center front end of the turning vehicle and the left rear bumper of the parked car. The front passenger in the turning vehicle, a 39-year-old man wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained fractured and dislocated injuries to his abdomen and pelvis. The report lists no specific contributing factors beyond the driver’s unlicensed status. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The driver’s failure to hold a valid license was a critical factor in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603967 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Senator Comrie backs bill to cut motorcycle congestion fees in half. Central business district. Motorcycles pay less. Cars still crowd streets. Danger for walkers and riders remains.

Senate bill S 4102, sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie (District 14), was introduced on February 3, 2023. The bill sits at the sponsorship stage. It authorizes the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority to impose congestion pricing for motorcycles in the central business district at half the rate of other vehicles. The bill summary states: 'Authorizes the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to impose tolls and fees for congestion pricing for motorcycles in the central business district in the amount of half of the charges for the tolls and fees of other vehicles.' No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The measure offers a break for motorcycles, but the threat to pedestrians and cyclists in crowded streets persists.

• File S 4102, Open States, Published 2023-02-03

A 31-year-old woman driving a sedan suffered head injuries and whiplash after an SUV struck her vehicle from behind. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound. The SUV driver was unlicensed and followed too closely, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Grand Central Parkway involving a sedan and an SUV, both traveling east. The SUV, driven by an unlicensed female driver, rear-ended the sedan at the center back end. The sedan driver, a 31-year-old woman, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The SUV driver’s unlicensed status and failure to maintain a safe distance led to the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4602259 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16