Hit-And-Run Nation: Brooklyn Bleeds While City Hall Stalls

A sedan struck a halted taxi on Bradford Street, folding metal violently. A 25-year-old woman in the back seat, belted, suffered crushing injuries. Shock held her still as the street fell silent, the impact brutal and unforgiving.

According to the police report, at 2:06 p.m. on Bradford Street near Fulton Street in Brooklyn, a sedan traveling east struck a halted taxi from behind. The impact occurred at the center back end of the taxi and the center front end of the sedan, crumpling metal severely. A 25-year-old woman, seated in the left rear passenger seat of the taxi and wearing a lap belt, sustained crushing injuries to her entire body and remained still, held by shock. The report lists no specific driver errors but the collision’s nature—a sedan hitting a stopped vehicle from behind—indicates a failure to prevent rear-end collisions. Both vehicles were traveling east, with the taxi stopped and the sedan moving straight ahead. No contributing factors were specified for either driver. The focus is on the violent impact and the severe harm inflicted on the passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An SUV turned left on Gates Avenue and struck a 26-year-old woman riding an e-scooter. She flew headfirst, hit the ground, and bled in the street. The SUV’s bumper cracked. She was conscious, badly hurt, and wore no helmet.

According to the police report, an SUV made a left turn on Gates Avenue and collided with a 26-year-old woman operating an e-scooter. The report states the SUV struck the e-scooter, causing the rider to be ejected, land headfirst, and suffer severe bleeding. She was conscious at the scene but sustained a significant head injury. The SUV’s right front bumper was damaged in the impact. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor in the crash, pointing to driver error as a primary cause. The report also notes the e-scooter rider was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s failure to yield. The crash underscores the lethal risks faced by vulnerable road users when drivers fail to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Buick SUV slammed into a 37-year-old man crossing Fulton Street in Brooklyn. The front end struck his head. Blood pooled on the pavement. The driver, holding only a learner’s permit, continued west. The man lay conscious, wounded, under city lights.

According to the police report, a Buick SUV traveling west near 2440 Fulton Street in Brooklyn struck a 37-year-old man who was crossing the roadway outside a crosswalk just after midnight. The report states the vehicle's center front end hit the pedestrian's head, causing severe lacerations and leaving him bleeding but conscious on the pavement. The driver of the SUV held only a learner’s permit at the time of the crash, as documented in the police report. The report does not specify any additional driver errors or contributing factors beyond the driver’s license status. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but the police report does not list these as contributing factors—only as the location and action. The collision underscores the dangers faced by pedestrians on city streets, especially when drivers lack full licensure.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736534 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi slammed into an eastbound e-scooter at Greene and Wilson. Metal shrieked. The rider, helmeted, was thrown and crushed. The cab’s front quarter buckled. Traffic control was disregarded. Flesh and steel collided in Brooklyn’s morning heat.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on Wilson Avenue struck an eastbound e-scooter at the corner of Greene and Wilson in Brooklyn at 11:02 a.m. The report states, 'A taxi struck an eastbound e-scooter. The rider, 42, helmeted, was thrown and crushed.' The e-scooter rider suffered crush injuries to the entire body and was ejected from the vehicle but remained conscious. The police report explicitly lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver failed to obey traffic signals. The narrative underscores that 'signals [were] ignored.' The e-scooter rider was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary cause cited is the taxi driver’s disregard for traffic control. The crash left the scooter folded and the cab’s front quarter crumpled, marking another instance where systemic driver error endangered a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735776 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan and SUV collided head-on at Central and Gates. A 29-year-old woman, riding in the back seat, was thrown from the wreck and died of crush injuries. Traffic control was ignored. The street fell silent. Lives changed. Metal ruled.

According to the police report, a sedan and an SUV crashed head-on at the corner of Central Avenue and Gates Avenue in Brooklyn at 6:28 a.m. The impact ejected a 29-year-old woman from the rear seat; she died from crush injuries affecting her entire body. The report states, 'Traffic control was ignored,' identifying 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the primary contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead when they collided. The police narrative makes clear that the drivers' failure to obey traffic controls directly led to the deadly collision. No information in the report attributes any contributing behavior to the victim. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard basic traffic rules, leaving passengers and bystanders exposed to catastrophic harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

A Mazda sedan, driven by an unlicensed man, hit a 71-year-old woman crossing Eldert Street. She died from crush injuries. Another woman, 44, suffered chest bruises. The driver ignored traffic control. Brooklyn pavement took another life.

According to the police report, a northbound Mazda sedan struck a 71-year-old woman as she crossed Eldert Street near Knickerbocker Avenue in a marked crosswalk. She suffered fatal crush wounds and never regained consciousness. A second pedestrian, age 44, was also hit and sustained chest contusions but remained conscious. The report states the Mazda driver was unlicensed and disregarded traffic control. 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' are listed as contributing factors. The victims were crossing without a signal but within a marked crosswalk, as documented in the report. The crash underscores the danger when drivers ignore basic rules and operate vehicles without a license.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723690 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Chevy SUV turned left on Logan Street. The bumper hit a 61-year-old man crossing in the marked crosswalk. He fell. Crush injuries. No warning. The street fell silent, the impact echoing in the late morning air.

According to the police report, a Chevy SUV was making a left turn on Logan Street near Atlantic Avenue when its left front quarter panel struck a 61-year-old man who was crossing in a marked crosswalk. The report states the pedestrian was hit in the chest by the bumper and suffered crush injuries. The incident occurred in late morning. Police data lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor on the part of the driver. The pedestrian was crossing with no signal present, as noted in the report, but the primary driver error cited is failure to yield. The narrative describes no warning, no sound, and a sudden, violent impact. The focus remains on the driver’s actions and the systemic danger present at the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723163 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped struck a stopped sedan on Eastern Parkway. The 24-year-old rider, helmeted, sat upright, bleeding from the head. Night air thick with shock, his silence echoed off Pacific Street. Brooklyn’s streets claimed another body, crushed and still.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on Eastern Parkway near Pacific Street collided with the right side doors of a sedan that was stopped in traffic. The 24-year-old moped rider, who was wearing a helmet, suffered head injuries described as 'crush injuries' and was found in shock, upright and bleeding. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors in the crash. The sedan sustained damage to its right side doors, while the moped’s center front end was crushed. The police narrative notes the rider did not fall from the moped but remained silent and injured at the scene. The systemic danger of inattentive driving and inexperience is underscored by the severe injury to the vulnerable moped operator.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716060 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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

Council wants 100 miles of protected bike lanes each year. Cyclists need steel and concrete, not paint. The bill sits in committee. Streets could change. Lives hang in the balance.

Int 0271-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of protected bicycle lanes.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Rivera, Louis, Hanif, Ossé, Brewer, Cabán, Nurse, Hudson, Salaam, Bottcher, Gutiérrez, Feliz, Won, and Joseph. The bill demands the Department of Transportation install 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year for six years. The aim: real protection for cyclists and a safer city grid.

• File Int 0271-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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

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

A Ford struck a parked Nissan on Sheffield Avenue. The driver, a 31-year-old woman, suffered crushing injuries. She remained conscious, battered and broken, in the dark. No contributing factors were cited in the police report.

According to the police report, a 2007 Ford traveling northeast on Sheffield Avenue near Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn collided with a parked 2014 Nissan. The report states, 'A 2007 Ford slammed into a parked Nissan. The woman driving wore no belt. Her body broke against the wheel. She stayed awake, crushed and hurting, held together only by the dark.' The driver, a 31-year-old woman, was the sole occupant and sustained injuries to her entire body, described as 'crush injuries.' She remained conscious after the crash. The police report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors beyond the impact itself. The parked Nissan was unoccupied at the time. The focus remains on the violent collision and the severe harm suffered by the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706593 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

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

A man pushes a stalled Tesla on Conduit Boulevard. An unlicensed Nissan SUV slams into him from behind. His leg is crushed and torn open, blood steaming on wet pavement. The impact leaves him semiconscious, mangled by steel and speed.

At 4:03 a.m. on Conduit Boulevard near Forbell Street, a man pushing a stalled Tesla was struck from behind by a Nissan SUV, according to the police report. The report identifies the SUV driver as unlicensed and cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the Tesla. The victim’s leg was crushed, resulting in severe injury and amputation. The man was not at an intersection and was engaged in pushing the vehicle when hit. The police report does not list any victim behavior as contributing to the crash. The incident highlights driver error and hazardous road conditions as the cause of this violent collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04