Nights are deadly. Corners blind. The clock keeps ticking.

Mar 18 - A pickup driver with a record killed an 8-year-old in Queens. He pleaded not guilty. The court let him keep his license. He still drives. The boy’s family mourns. Politicians and advocates demand action. Streets stay deadly. Children pay the price.

On March 18, 2024, Jose Barcia, a pickup truck owner with a long history of unlicensed driving, pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide after fatally striking 8-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo and injuring his brother in Queens. At arraignment, Barcia was released without surrendering his license. The Queens District Attorney’s office did not seek revocation. State Sen. Jessica Ramos led a rally, citing 'reckless drivers who refuse to yield to pedestrians' and called for stronger pedestrian safety, saying, 'driving is a privilege that can, and should be, taken away.' Adam White, a lawyer for crash victims, said the DA should have insisted Barcia not drive. The rally highlighted rising road deaths—48 killed citywide in early 2024—and called out the city’s failure to protect its most vulnerable. Vision Zero’s mission, Ramos argued, has been 'desecrated.'

• Driver Who Cops Say Killed Queens Boy is Still on the Road After Not Guilty Plea, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-18

Mar 14 - Jose Barcia killed Bayron Palomino Arroyo in East Elmhurst. Barcia had four prior arrests for unlicensed driving. His truck racked up eight speeding tickets and $350 in unpaid fines. The city failed to tow his vehicle. Now, a child is dead.

On March 14, 2024, Jose Barcia struck and killed 8-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo in East Elmhurst. Barcia had been arrested four times for unlicensed driving in 2009 and 2010, with two fines from guilty pleas. His North Carolina-plated pickup had eight camera-issued speeding tickets since June and over $350 in unpaid fines. Despite this, the Sheriff's department did not tow the vehicle. Barcia now faces criminally negligent homicide charges. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, "Driving carries with it a huge responsibility... The rules of the road exist to safeguard everyone." Advocacy groups and officials called for traffic calming and stronger enforcement. The system failed to keep a dangerous driver off the street. A child paid the price.

• Driver Who Killed 8-Year-Old Had Four Prior Arrests for Unlicensed Driving: Cops, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-14

Mar 12 - A Ford pickup turned left at 120th Street and 101st Avenue. Its bumper hit a man crossing with the signal. He collapsed, broken and unconscious. He died in the street before dawn. Driver inattention marked his final moments.

A 47-year-old man was killed at the intersection of 120th Street and 101st Avenue in Queens when a Ford pickup truck turned left and struck him. According to the police report, the pedestrian was 'crossing with the signal' when the vehicle's 'left front bumper' hit him. The report states the driver was making a left turn and lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The man collapsed, unconscious, suffering injuries to his entire body, and died at the scene. The police report makes no mention of any pedestrian error or unsafe behavior. The fatal impact occurred while the victim was lawfully in the crosswalk, underscoring the lethal consequences of driver inattention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709148 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 7 - Council bill forces DOT to act fast. Traffic study calls get answers in 60 days. No more endless waits. Streets stay dangerous while requests stall. Delay kills. Action saves.

Int 0542-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, laid over since March 7, 2024. The bill reads: 'requiring that traffic study determinations be issued no later than 60 days from the date a traffic control device is requested by a city council member or community board.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Brooks-Powers, Vernikov, and Morano. The bill cracks the whip on DOT, ending open-ended delays. Fast answers mean less time waiting for life-saving signals and signs. The city’s slow grind leaves people at risk. This bill demands speed.

• File Int 0542-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Feb 28 - Council moves to outlaw fake plates. Fraud hides reckless drivers. Bill targets sellers, sets fines. Streets need truth. Law aims to strip shields from danger.

Bill Int 0178-2024 sits with the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the sale or distribution of fraudulent license plates," makes it illegal to sell or distribute fake or temporary plates, with civil penalties for violators. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Brewer, Brannan, and Avilés. The bill was referred to committee the same day. Fraudulent plates let reckless drivers vanish. This measure aims to close that escape, exposing those who endanger lives.

• File Int 0178-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants 500 solar-lit crosswalks in five years. Bright signals cut through the dark. The bill demands action and a study. Safety for walkers, not drivers. No more hiding in the shadows.

Int 0301-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to install at least 100 illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks each year for five years. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law...in relation to the installation of solar-powered crosswalks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Menin, Brooks-Powers, Rivera, and others. The bill also requires a study comparing these devices to standard signs. The city must report findings within two years. The goal: more visible crossings, fewer deadly impacts.

• File Int 0301-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Jan 22 - A driver killed Dolma Naadhun, age seven, in Astoria. The DA dropped felony charges. The driver got probation. The city changed the intersection. Activists called for daylighting. The system failed to protect the most vulnerable. The street remains dangerous.

On January 22, 2024, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office quietly downgraded charges against Claudia Mendez-Vasquez, who killed 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun in Astoria. Mendez-Vasquez, initially charged with criminally negligent homicide, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless driving and received probation. The DA’s office cited the family’s wishes, but advocates and family friends called the outcome a slap on the wrist. The crash sparked local activism: the community board passed a resolution for universal daylighting—removing parked cars from corners to improve visibility. Mayor Adams pledged to daylight 1,000 intersections a year, but the Department of Transportation has resisted full implementation, citing concerns about driver behavior. The city installed a traffic signal and banned parking at two corners, but systemic danger remains. The case highlights how lenient prosecution and slow policy change leave vulnerable road users at risk.

• Driver Who Killed 7-Year-Old Gets Probation After DA Katz Quietly Downgraded Charges, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-22

Dec 11 - A sedan hit a man head-on at 91st Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. Blood ran down his face. He stayed conscious but bled hard. The car’s front crumpled. The driver did not stop. The street stayed cold and raw.

A man was struck by a sedan at the corner of 91st Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, the sedan hit the pedestrian head-on. The man suffered severe bleeding to his face but remained conscious. The car’s front end crumpled from the impact. The driver did not stop. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were detailed in the data. The pedestrian was crossing at the intersection. No mention of helmet or signal was made in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 29 - A Toyota turned right at Queens Boulevard and 82nd Avenue. An e-bike rider, 21, went straight. He hit the pavement. His leg crushed. No helmet. The SUV showed no damage. The street stayed silent.

A crash at the corner of Queens Boulevard and 82nd Avenue left a 21-year-old e-bike rider with severe leg injuries. According to the police report, a Toyota SUV made a right turn while the e-bike continued straight. The rider hit the ground hard, suffering crush injuries to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No damage was reported to the SUV. The rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the official data. No other injuries were reported. The street remained quiet after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677772 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 16 - A pickup truck hit a 65-year-old woman in Queens. She crossed with the signal. The truck turned left, steel against flesh. Her leg split open. Blood pooled. She stayed conscious. The driver kept going. The street held her pain.

A 65-year-old woman was struck by a pickup truck at the corner of 99th Street and 65th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when the pickup, making a left turn, hit her. She suffered severe lacerations to her lower leg but remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The driver continued without stopping. The vehicle showed no damage. The woman was left injured in the intersection, her blood on the asphalt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 8 - A Mazda slammed parked cars on 95th Avenue. Two men, 28 and 34, were flung partway out. Blood soaked the seats. Both stayed conscious. The street fell silent. Metal and flesh met hard. No one walked away clean.

Two men were injured when a 1988 Mazda veered into parked cars on 95th Avenue near 113th Street in Queens. According to the police report, both the driver, 28, and the front passenger, 34, were partially ejected and suffered severe head bleeding but remained conscious. The crash involved a reaction to an uninvolved vehicle, as listed under contributing factors. The Mazda struck a parked SUV and a parked BMW, damaging both. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report states: 'A 1988 Mazda veered into parked cars. Two men, 28 and 34, were flung partway out. Blood soaked the seats. Both were awake.' The data lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as a driver error. Both injured men wore lap belts and harnesses.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4668951 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 11 - A Nissan sedan hit a 77-year-old man on Liberty Avenue. He crossed mid-block. The car’s right front bumper split his face. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious. The driver moved too fast. The car failed to stop in time.

A 77-year-old man was struck by a westbound Nissan sedan while crossing Liberty Avenue near 104th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the car’s right front bumper hit the pedestrian mid-block, causing severe facial lacerations and leaving blood on the pavement. The man remained conscious after the impact. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver did not stop in time to avoid the collision. The data does not mention any helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the danger posed by speeding vehicles to people crossing city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661486 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 28 - A teenager on an e-bike crashed into a parked garbage truck on Atlantic Avenue. His head split open. Blood pooled on the steel. He lay semiconscious, battered, helmetless. The truck did not move. The street stayed silent. The boy did not.

A 19-year-old riding an e-bike struck a parked garbage truck near Atlantic Avenue and 100th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the e-bike rider suffered severe head lacerations and was found semiconscious on the pavement. The report states the crash was caused by 'Passing Too Closely.' The garbage truck was parked and sustained no damage. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary contributing factor listed is 'Passing Too Closely.' No other injuries were reported. The truck remained stationary throughout the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657592 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18