Sidewalks Are Not Safe—And Your Silence Kills

A distracted driver rear-ended a stopped SUV on Grand Central Parkway. The impact caused upper arm injuries and whiplash to the driver of the struck vehicle. Both vehicles were traveling west when the collision occurred in traffic.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:50 on Grand Central Parkway involving two SUVs traveling westbound. One SUV was stopped in traffic when it was struck in the center back end by another SUV traveling straight ahead. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 46-year-old woman, sustained upper arm injuries and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The driver of the striking vehicle failed to maintain attention, leading to the rear-end impact. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing factors from the injured driver. The collision highlights the danger of distracted driving in congested traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789125 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

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

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Two pick-up trucks collided on Van Wyck Expressway. An unlicensed driver changing lanes struck another truck. His vehicle overturned. He suffered full-body bruises. The other driver was not hurt.

According to the police report, two pick-up trucks crashed on Van Wyck Expressway. A 36-year-old unlicensed driver changed lanes and struck the left front bumper of another truck going straight. The impact flipped the unlicensed driver’s vehicle. He suffered contusions and bruises over his entire body but remained conscious and was not ejected. The licensed driver of the second truck was not injured. The report highlights the unlicensed driver’s lane change as the pre-crash action and primary cause. No contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776778 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted SUV driver veered south on Van Wyck Expressway, slamming head-on into a man standing near a parked flatbed. The impact crushed his body. He died there, under the cold morning sky, another life ended by driver inattention.

A 41-year-old man was killed on the Van Wyck Expressway when a southbound SUV struck him head-on as he stood near a parked flatbed, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 11:35 a.m. The report states the SUV driver was 'distracted' and that 'alcohol was involved.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was engaged in 'other actions in roadway,' but the police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The SUV's right front bumper delivered the fatal blow, crushing the man's body. The police narrative describes the victim's death as immediate, with his body 'crumpled beneath the wheels.' No contributing factors are attributed to the pedestrian. The data underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction and impairment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776236 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided head-to-tail on the Van Wyck Expressway at night. Three occupants suffered contusions and bruises, including back and shoulder injuries. Driver distraction was cited as the cause, with no ejections or fatalities reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Van Wyck Expressway around 12:30 a.m. Two station wagons/SUVs traveling south collided, with the point of impact at the center front end of one vehicle and the center back end of the other. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The second vehicle, a 2013 Ford SUV with three occupants, was driven by a licensed New York male driver. All three occupants, including the driver, sustained injuries classified as contusions and bruises to the back and shoulders. All were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. There were no ejections. The collision and resulting injuries highlight the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775909 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan lost control on Van Wyck Expressway after a tire failed. The driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered hip and leg bruises. Faulty equipment turned a routine drive into a crash.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured when his 2005 BMW sedan crashed on Van Wyck Expressway at 1:10 AM. The report cites 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' as the primary contributing factor. The sedan, traveling southeast, struck with its center front end. The driver, the only occupant, was properly restrained and suffered a contusion to his hip and upper leg. No other driver errors or victim actions were listed. This crash highlights the danger posed by vehicle maintenance failures on New York City roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773944 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Box truck hit sedan from behind on Jewel Avenue. Rear passenger in sedan suffered neck injury and whiplash. Driver inattention and unsafe lane change caused the crash.

According to the police report, a box truck rear-ended a sedan merging north on Jewel Avenue near Van Wyck Expressway in Queens at 6:40 AM. The sedan's left rear quarter panel was struck. Driver inattention and unsafe lane changing are listed as contributing factors. A 49-year-old male rear passenger in the sedan was injured, suffering neck trauma and whiplash. He was conscious, not ejected, and wore a lap belt. The box truck showed no damage. The crash underscores the risks posed by distracted driving and unsafe lane changes in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773392 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City data shows open streets thrive. Storefronts fill up. Pedestrians and cyclists bring life and cash. Cars do not. Vacancy rates drop where traffic is banned. Volunteers keep these corridors alive, but city support lags behind their success.

On November 18, 2024, the Department of City Planning released a report titled 'Storefront Activity in NYC Neighborhoods.' The analysis, covered by Streetsblog NYC, finds that open streets—car-free corridors—have about half the vacant storefronts of car-filled streets. The report states: 'vibrant public spaces are key to the success of local businesses.' City officials like Ya-Ting Liu, chief public realm officer, and volunteers such as Alex Morano and Brent Bovenzi, praised the program's impact. Bovenzi noted, 'the program is shrinking because too much of the burden falls upon volunteer labor.' The Open Streets program, now permanent, covers over 130 locations but relies heavily on volunteers. Advocates urge the city to invest more, as the data shows people-centric design drives economic recovery and safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.

• Car-Free Streets are Good For Business, Yet Another Report Shows, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-18

A motorcycle traveling west struck the right rear bumper of a sedan changing lanes eastbound on the G.C.P / L.I.E. The motorcycle driver, a 20-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles sustained front and rear bumper damage.

According to the police report, at 10:45 a.m. on the G.C.P / L.I.E., a motorcycle traveling westbound collided with the right rear bumper of a sedan that was changing lanes eastbound. The motorcycle driver, a 20-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The sedan driver was also male and licensed in New York. The point of impact was the motorcycle's left front bumper and the sedan's right rear bumper. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the sedan was changing lanes at the time of the crash, indicating a driver error related to lane change maneuvers. No victim behaviors or helmet use were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771613 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13

Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13

A van traveling west struck a sedan merging westbound on Northern Boulevard in Queens. Both drivers suffered injuries to limbs and experienced shock. The collision damaged the front quarter panels of both vehicles, highlighting risks in merging maneuvers.

According to the police report, at 16:50 on Northern Boulevard in Queens, a 2013 Chevrolet van traveling straight west collided with a 2017 Toyota sedan merging westbound. The van's right front bumper impacted the sedan's left front bumper, damaging both vehicles' front quarter panels. The sedan driver, a 61-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was in shock. A 41-year-old female passenger in the sedan also suffered injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand and was in shock. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and complained of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for both drivers but does not specify any pedestrian involvement or victim errors. The crash underscores the dangers inherent in merging maneuvers and driver errors related to vehicle positioning.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769107 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding sedan struck the rear of a southbound SUV on Van Wyck Expressway. Three vehicle occupants suffered neck injuries with whiplash. The crash unfolded at 6:20 p.m., highlighting the dangers of unsafe speed on city roadways.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Van Wyck Expressway at 18:20. A sedan, traveling southbound, rear-ended a southbound SUV at the center back end of the SUV. The contributing factor cited was 'Unsafe Speed.' The collision injured three occupants: the sedan driver, a front passenger, and a rear passenger. All three sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and were conscious at the scene. Each occupant wore lap belts and harnesses and was not ejected from their vehicles. The report explicitly notes the driver error of unsafe speed leading to the rear-end collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash underscores the systemic danger posed by speeding drivers on city expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769438 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a U-turn struck a box truck traveling east on Roosevelt Avenue. The sedan driver suffered upper arm injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles sustained damage at their center ends.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens around 1 p.m. A sedan, driven by a 48-year-old man, was making a U-turn when it collided with a box truck traveling straight ahead eastbound. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the truck. The sedan driver, who was not ejected and remained conscious, sustained internal complaints and an upper arm shoulder injury classified as severity level 3. The report explicitly identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the sedan driver, cited twice. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The crash caused damage to the center ends of both vehicles. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767870 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted driver changed lanes on Van Wyck Expressway. Four vehicles collided. Two people hurt: one with neck bruises, one with leg injuries. Both were conscious. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, four vehicles traveling southeast on Van Wyck Expressway collided when a sedan changed lanes and struck another car's rear quarter panel. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. Two occupants were injured: a 27-year-old front passenger suffered neck contusions, and a 60-year-old driver sustained knee and lower leg bruises. Both were conscious and restrained. The police report attributes the crash to driver distraction and failure to yield, with no contributing factors assigned to the injured. The impact highlights the dangers of inattentive lane changes on high-speed roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766783 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway, injuring six occupants. Drivers and passengers suffered shoulder, neck, and leg injuries. The crash involved driver inexperience and distraction, causing shock and pain among those inside the vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Grand Central Parkway at 11:00. Two sedans traveling straight ahead collided, both sustaining center back end damage. The report cites driver inexperience and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors for all involved drivers. Six occupants were injured, including drivers and passengers aged 22 to 67. Injuries included upper arm, neck, and lower leg trauma, with several victims experiencing shock and complaints of pain. All occupants were restrained with lap belts and none were ejected. The report highlights driver errors—specifically inexperience and distraction—as the cause of the collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764461 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 22-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured on Grand Central Parkway. The crash caused abrasions and lower leg injuries. The rider was wearing a helmet but suffered shock and trauma after impact to the motorcycle’s front center.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured and ejected from his vehicle on Grand Central Parkway at 6:15 a.m. The motorcycle, a 2023 KAWK-MCL, was traveling west when the driver attempted to avoid an object in the roadway. This evasive action led to a collision impacting the center front end of the motorcycle, causing damage and ejecting the rider. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Injuries included abrasions and trauma to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with the rider experiencing shock. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified, but the pre-crash maneuver to avoid an object suggests a hazardous roadway condition. No other vehicle driver errors or victim behaviors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763790 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on the Long Island Expressway. The rear driver, distracted, failed to stop in time. The front driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash but was conscious and restrained. Impact damaged center rear and front ends of the vehicles.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on the Long Island Expressway collided at 8:00 a.m. The rear vehicle, a 2008 Toyota driven by a licensed male from New Jersey, was slowing or stopping when it struck the center back end of the front vehicle, a 2018 BMW driven by a licensed female from New York. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating the rear driver failed to maintain attention. The front driver, a 32-year-old male occupant, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the center back end of the rear vehicle and the center front end of the front vehicle, confirming a rear-end collision caused by driver distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760026 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04