Crash Count for District 27
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 5,977
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 3,641
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 641
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 30
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 13
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in District 27?

Blood on the Boulevard: Politicians Stall, Neighbors Fall

Blood on the Boulevard: Politicians Stall, Neighbors Fall

District 27: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 18, 2025

Broken Streets, Broken Lives

In District 27, violence does not come with a gun. It comes with a car, a truck, a bus. In the last year alone, 653 people were injured and 2 killed on these streets (NYC Open Data). Children, elders, workers—no one is spared. A four-year-old girl, strapped in the back seat, left with whiplash after a crash on Francis Lewis Boulevard (NYC Open Data). A 76-year-old woman, dead in the back of a sedan on the Cross Island Parkway (NYC Open Data). These numbers are not just statistics. They are families changed forever.

The Latest Wounds

Just weeks ago, a 39-year-old man was killed on Nashville Boulevard, ejected from his motorized scooter after an SUV turned left in front of him (NYC Open Data). The cause: driver inattention. On Hillside Avenue, a 16-year-old boy riding a moped was left with severe cuts to his face after a collision with a taxi (NYC Open Data). These are not isolated incidents. They are the drumbeat of daily life here.

“It must be very devastating for the people that were on the bus.”

On July 11, an MTA bus in Queens jumped the curb and smashed into a pole, injuring seven (CBS New York). “It must be very devastating for the people that were on the bus,” said Jacqueline Cox. The driver, just 25, told investigators he “misjudged the curb.” But after reviewing the video, officials now believe he “had fallen asleep at the wheel” (ABC7). The MTA pulled him from service. The crash could have been worse. Two people at the stop nearly died. “I have a baby with me. That would be scary. I’ll be more cautious of my surroundings,” said Samantha Hart.

Leadership: Progress and Gaps

Council Member Nantasha Williams has voted for bills to remove abandoned vehicles within 72 hours, to require warning decals on taxi doors, and to boost transparency and accountability for street safety projects (NYC Council – Legistar). She co-sponsored a bill to curb repeat speeders and another to improve pedestrian lighting (NYC Council – Legistar). But the carnage continues. No law yet slows the cars that kill. No bill yet redesigns the streets that wound.

The Next Step Is Ours

This is not fate. It is policy. Call Council Member Williams. Demand a citywide 20 mph speed limit. Demand streets that put people before cars. Every day you wait is another day someone does not come home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New York City Council and how does it work?
The New York City Council is the legislative branch of city government, responsible for passing local laws and overseeing city agencies. Council Members represent districts across the five boroughs and vote on policies that shape daily life.
Where does District 27 sit politically?
It belongs to borough Queens, assembly district AD 29 and state senate district SD 14.
Which areas are in District 27?
It includes the Jamaica, South Jamaica, St. Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Cambria Heights, and Queens CB12 neighborhoods. It also overlaps parts of Assembly Districts AD 29, AD 32, and AD 33, and State Senate District SD 14.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in District 27?
Most injuries to pedestrians in District 27 came from Cars and Trucks (104 cases, including 1 serious injury), followed by Trucks and Buses (12 cases, including 1 serious injury), Motorcycles and Mopeds (3 cases), and Bikes (2 cases).
Are these crashes just accidents, or are they preventable?
These crashes are not random accidents. They are the result of policy choices about speed limits, street design, and enforcement.
What can local politicians do to reduce traffic violence?
Local politicians can lower speed limits, redesign streets for safety, and pass laws that hold dangerous drivers accountable. They can also push for better enforcement and invest in infrastructure that protects people walking and biking.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Fix the Problem

Nantasha Williams
Council Member Nantasha Williams
District 27
District Office:
172-12 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans, NY 11434
718-527-4356
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1850, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6984
Twitter: CMBWilliams

Other Representatives

Alicia Hyndman
Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman
District 29
District Office:
232-06A Merrick Blvd., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
Legislative Office:
Room 717, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Leroy Comrie
State Senator Leroy Comrie
District 14
District Office:
113-43 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans, NY 11412
Legislative Office:
Room 913, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

District 27 Council District 27 sits in Queens, AD 29, SD 14.

It contains Jamaica, South Jamaica, St. Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Cambria Heights, Queens CB12.

See also
Boroughs
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Council District 27

Man Killed By Car In Queens Dispute

A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man in Ozone Park. The driver fled, then turned himself in. Police say the crash followed a heated confrontation. The victim died at Jamaica Hospital.

ABC7 reported on August 1, 2025, that a 23-year-old man died after being hit by a car at 101st Avenue and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. Police said the incident followed a domestic dispute. The driver, who was the woman's current boyfriend, told police the victim approached his car "while flashing what appeared to be a gun" and was struck as the driver tried to leave. The driver later went to the police. No charges had been filed as of publication, with the district attorney still reviewing the case. The crash highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used during conflicts.


Flash Flood Traps Cars On Expressway

Water rose fast. Cars stranded. People climbed roofs to escape. Rescue teams pulled them out. Rain hammered Queens. The road drowned, then cleared. Danger came quick. Relief came late.

ABC7 reported on July 31, 2025, that flash flooding trapped drivers on the Clearview Expressway in Queens. Video showed people perched atop cars, waiting for rescue. A witness described, "10 feet deep, people sitting on top of cars, 6 or 7." Mayor Eric Adams declared a localized State of Emergency. The flooding left vehicles stranded and forced emergency response. The article highlights the risk of sudden, severe weather overwhelming city infrastructure, stranding vulnerable road users in harm’s way.


Sedan Strikes Teen E-Biker on Jamaica Ave

A sedan hit a 16-year-old e-bike rider on Jamaica Ave. The teen suffered severe leg cuts. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal met flesh. The street did not forgive.

A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Ave collided with a 16-year-old male riding an e-bike, who was merging at the time. The teen bicyclist suffered severe lacerations to his lower leg and foot. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Unsafe Speed.' The sedan struck the e-bike's center back end with its front. No injuries were reported for the sedan driver or other occupants. The data lists no other contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger faced by young cyclists on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830557 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Memorial Honors Fallen App-Based Workers

Candles flickered in Queens. Workers mourned the dead. Portraits lined the park. Grief and anger mixed. Demands for safety echoed. Fatigue and risk shadow every shift. The toll grows. The city listens.

amny reported on July 11, 2025, that rideshare and delivery workers gathered in Little Bay Park to honor colleagues killed on the job. The Justice for App Workers coalition demanded safety reforms, including panic buttons and limits on shift lengths. 'These deaths were not inevitable; they happened because billion-dollar companies chose profit over safety,' said Adaligisa Payero. Speakers highlighted long hours and fatigue as key dangers. The coalition called for tech companies and lawmakers to act, noting that app-based workers face higher injury and death rates than many traditional employees.


Unsafe Lane Change Kills Rear Passenger on Parkway

Sedans collided on Cross Island Parkway. Unsafe lane change. One rear passenger killed. Three others injured. Metal and glass. Sudden violence. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

Two sedans crashed on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, the cause was 'Unsafe Lane Changing.' One rear passenger, a 76-year-old woman, was killed. Three others, including a 44-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man, suffered injuries to the neck, chest, and arm. The crash left metal twisted and lives changed. Driver error—unsafe lane change—was the sole contributing factor listed in the report. The system failed to shield passengers from deadly risk.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825309 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
BMW Vaults Median, Six Injured In Queens

A BMW flew over a Belt Parkway barrier at dawn. Metal twisted. Six hurt. Two critical. Flames rose. Police say speed may have played a role. The crash left wreckage and questions in its wake.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), a BMW traveling east on the Belt Parkway in Queens struck a concrete median, vaulted over it, and hit two oncoming vehicles. The article states, "Six people were injured—two critically—in a fiery crash." Police noted, "speed may have been an issue." The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The incident highlights the dangers of high speeds and highway design where barriers failed to contain a vehicle, putting multiple road users at risk.


Int 0857-2024
Williams votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.


SUV and Scooter Crash Kills Rider in Queens

A scooter rider died on 116 Ave. SUV and scooter collided. Both drivers unlicensed. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe speed. Head trauma. Streets failed the vulnerable again.

A 39-year-old man driving a scooter was killed in a crash with an SUV on 116 Ave in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers were unlicensed. The scooter driver suffered fatal head injuries and was ejected. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The SUV was making a left turn; the scooter was going straight. No pedestrians were involved. The system allowed unlicensed drivers to operate heavy vehicles. The crash left one dead and others shaken.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Moped Slams Taxi on Hillside Avenue

A moped struck a taxi in Queens. Two riders hurt. One teen suffered severe face wounds. Police cite unsafe speed and lane changes.

A moped crashed into a taxi on Hillside Avenue at 170th Street in Queens. Two people on the moped were injured. A 16-year-old passenger suffered severe facial lacerations. The 21-year-old moped driver had head injuries and minor bleeding. According to the police report, the crash was caused by unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing. Both vehicles were traveling west. The taxi was starting from parking when struck. No pedestrians were involved. No helmet use was listed as a contributing factor. The report highlights driver errors as the main cause.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Cyclist Left Critical After Queens Hit-And-Run

A cyclist lay unconscious on 115th Avenue. The driver fled. Police searched the dark street for clues. The victim’s fate hung in the balance. Another night, another crash. The city’s danger pressed down, silent and heavy.

According to ABC7 (published June 15, 2025), a bicyclist was struck in a hit-and-run on 115th Avenue near 134th Street in South Ozone Park, Queens, just after 11:30 p.m. Friday. Police found the victim unconscious and in critical condition. The article states, 'They are now looking for evidence to help them track down the driver.' No details were given about the cyclist’s age or destination. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene highlights ongoing risks for vulnerable road users and underscores the persistent problem of hit-and-run crashes in New York City.


Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality

A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.

According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.


3
Defective Brakes Injure Three on Merrick Blvd

Brakes failed. Metal struck metal. Three people hurt. Neck injuries. Archer Avenue shook with the crash. System failed. Lives changed in seconds.

A crash on Merrick Blvd at Archer Ave in Queens left three people injured, including two women and a man, all suffering neck injuries. According to the police report, both vehicles—a box truck and an SUV—were traveling west when defective brakes caused the collision. The report lists 'Brakes Defective' as the main contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The impact left one passenger partially ejected. The system failed to protect those inside. No other contributing factors were cited.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812602 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
2
Driver Inexperience Hurts Child, Man on Francis Lewis

A sedan and flatbed collided at Francis Lewis and 115 Ave. A four-year-old girl and a man suffered injuries. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. The street bore the brunt. The system failed the vulnerable.

A crash on Francis Lewis Blvd at 115 Ave in Queens left a 27-year-old man with crush injuries to his shoulder and a four-year-old girl with head trauma. According to the police report, the collision involved a sedan and a flatbed truck. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The child, riding as a rear passenger, suffered whiplash. The adult driver was also hurt. No pedestrians were involved. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lack focus and experience.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810718 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash

A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.


Int 0193-2024
Williams votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.


Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard

A soul singer crossed Woodhaven at Myrtle. A Yamaha motorcycle struck her. She died at Jamaica Hospital. The rider kept going as the light changed. Police have not charged him. Dreams ended in the street. The city moves on.

NY Daily News reported on April 27, 2025, that Breanna Henderson, 23, was fatally struck by a Yamaha motorcycle while crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. in Queens. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. as the traffic light turned from yellow to red. The article notes, 'the motorcyclist hit her as the light turned from yellow to red.' Police have not charged the 34-year-old rider, and the investigation continues. Henderson was returning home from a performance. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians at major intersections and the risks posed by vehicles failing to yield during signal changes.


Mack Truck Strikes Woman on Liberty Avenue

A Mack truck slowed on Liberty Avenue. A woman stood outside the roadway. Steel tore her shoulder. Blood pooled. Sirens cut the air. The driver failed to yield. She was left injured.

A Mack truck hit a 56-year-old woman near 150-37 Liberty Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the woman was not in the roadway when the truck struck her, causing severe lacerations to her shoulder and leaving her semiconscious. The driver, also 56, was slowing or stopping at the time. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The truck’s right front bumper made contact. No other injuries were reported. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to yield, even outside intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808684 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Res 0854-2025
Williams co-sponsors bill boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.

Council pushes Albany to force speed limiters on chronic speeders. The move targets reckless drivers. Streets stay deadly while the bill sits in committee. Pedestrians and cyclists wait for action.

Resolution 0854-2025, now laid over in the Committee on Public Safety, urges passage of S.7621/A.7979. The measure calls for 'requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by nine co-sponsors including Yusef Salaam and Shahana Hanif. The bill landed in committee on April 24, 2025, with no vote yet. If passed at the state level, it would force repeat speeders to install devices that block speeding. The Council’s action highlights the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users as reckless drivers remain unchecked.


Driver Dies After Belt Parkway Crash

A Brooklyn man lost control on Belt Parkway. His SUV struck a tree near JFK. Emergency crews arrived but could not save him. The road stayed quiet. Police kept watch. The investigation continues.

The Brooklyn Paper reported on April 23, 2025, that a 57-year-old Brooklyn man died after crashing his SUV on the Belt Parkway near JFK Airport. Police said the driver "failed to navigate the roadway and struck a tree." Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case, and no arrests have been made. The article highlights the crash location—westbound Belt Parkway, just west of 130th Street—and notes the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the dangers present on high-speed parkways and the unforgiving design of tree-lined medians.


Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens

Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.