Survived Everything—Except NYC Streets: Hold Drivers, Not Victims, Accountable

A cyclist suffered face injuries after an SUV struck him on 20th Avenue in Brooklyn. Police cite alcohol and traffic control disregard. The crash left the cyclist in shock. The road turned violent. The system failed to protect the vulnerable.

A 29-year-old cyclist was injured when a station wagon/SUV collided with his bike on 20th Avenue near 62nd Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, alcohol involvement and traffic control disregarded were contributing factors in the crash. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the face and was left in shock. The SUV driver, a 66-year-old man, was also listed with alcohol involvement and failure to obey traffic signals. The report makes clear that driver errors—alcohol and ignoring traffic control—led to the crash. The cyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment, as noted after the driver’s actions. The collision underscores the dangers faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813557, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A BMW SUV pulled from parking on West 6th. Distraction behind the wheel. A motorcycle struck steel, its rider left bleeding in the street. The helmet could not stop the cut. The city swallowed the sound.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV was 'pulling from parking' near 1770 West 6th Street when a motorcycle traveling south struck the SUV’s front. The 47-year-old motorcyclist suffered severe lacerations to his leg and was found conscious and bleeding. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, placing the focus on the actions of the SUV driver. The narrative notes, 'Distraction. Inexperience. The street held the silence.' The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, but the report makes clear that distraction behind the wheel set the crash in motion. No contributing factors are attributed to the motorcyclist. The impact and injury stemmed from the SUV driver’s failure to pay attention while entering traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805636, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A driver struck a family in Gravesend. A mother and two daughters died. Their young son fights for life. The driver faces manslaughter charges. The street became a site of sudden loss. The system failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the New York Post (April 6, 2025), Miriam Yarimi faces manslaughter charges after a March 29 crash in Gravesend, Brooklyn, that killed Natasha Saada, 35, and her daughters, Diana, 8, and Debra, 5. Their brother, Philip, 4, remains in critical condition. Court documents detail Yarimi's prior erratic behavior, including 'verbally abusing, cursing, threatening, yelling, and screaming' and 'banging [a] hammer against the door' of a neighbor's apartment days before the crash. Prosecutors noted Yarimi made 'bizarre statements' after the collision. The article highlights a pattern of dangerous conduct and raises questions about oversight and intervention before tragedy struck.

• Brooklyn Crash Kills Mother, Two Daughters, New York Post, Published 2025-04-06

A GMC SUV struck a moped turning on 80th Street near 20th Avenue. The rider, helmeted, was hurled to the pavement, bleeding and torn, left conscious under the harsh streetlight. Metal, flesh, and asphalt collided in Brooklyn’s night.

According to the police report, a GMC SUV collided with a moped at 80th Street near 20th Avenue in Brooklyn at 21:50. The moped rider, age 52, was ejected and suffered severe lacerations across the body but remained conscious at the scene. The narrative states, 'A GMC SUV struck a turning moped. The rider, 52, was thrown hard to the pavement. He lay conscious, helmeted, bleeding, torn across the body beneath the cold white glare of the streetlight.' Both vehicles were making left turns at the time of the crash. The police report lists 'Other Vehicular' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors, highlighting driver error as a key cause. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary focus remains on the unsafe actions that led to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798376, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A pickup truck turned right at 72nd Street and 21st Avenue, striking a 64-year-old woman in the crosswalk. She lay unconscious, head split, limbs crushed. The driver, distracted, failed to yield. Blood pooled on Brooklyn pavement.

According to the police report, a pickup truck made a right turn at the corner of 72nd Street and 21st Avenue in Brooklyn and struck a 64-year-old woman who was crossing with the signal. The report states she suffered severe head trauma and crush injuries to her limbs, and was found unconscious on the pavement. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver, licensed in New York, was operating a Pennsylvania-registered pickup and was reportedly looking elsewhere at the moment of impact. The pedestrian was crossing at the intersection with the signal, as noted in the report. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers fail to yield and pay attention at crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796531, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Council bill Int 1173-2025 would force all city cyclists to wear helmets or face a $50 fine. The measure, now in committee, targets riders not already covered by helmet laws. The city’s car carnage continues. Lawmakers focus on headgear, not street danger.

Int 1173-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on January 23, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear,' would require every cyclist not already mandated by other laws to wear a helmet. Violators face civil penalties up to $50. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The bill does not address the root causes of cyclist injuries: reckless drivers, speeding cars, and deadly streets. Instead, it shifts responsibility onto those most at risk, leaving the city’s dangerous roads unchanged.

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

A woman died on a Brooklyn subway. Advocates gathered. They demanded action. Council Member Susan Zhuang honored a teen who alerted police. Outrage grew. Calls for better training, more patrols, and fire extinguishers echoed. The system failed. Riders remain exposed.

On January 14, 2025, Council Member Susan Zhuang (District 43) attended a memorial for Debrina Kawam, who was killed on a Brooklyn subway train. The event, held at the First Baptist Church of Sheepshead Bay, drew advocates and officials demanding 'increased subway safety measures' and 'better training for transit staff and police officers.' Zhuang recognized a local teen for alerting police to the suspect. Rev. Kevin McCall called for accountability and urged the MTA to equip subway cars with fire extinguishers. Curtis Sliwa and the Guardian Angels deployed 150 volunteers to patrol the system. The incident exposed deep failures in subway safety and spurred citywide outrage, with renewed calls to protect vulnerable riders.

• Subway victim remembered at Brooklyn memorial as advocates push for safer transit system, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2025-01-14

A driver hit a 47-year-old woman as she crossed Quentin Road with the signal. Her back was crushed. She lay conscious on the pavement while the traffic light blinked above, red then green. The street offered no protection. The car did not yield.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old woman was crossing at the intersection of Quentin Road and West 6th Street in Brooklyn when a vehicle struck her. The report states she was 'crossing with the signal.' The impact crushed her back, leaving her conscious but injured on the pavement as the traffic light cycled overhead. The police report does not list any contributing factors from the driver, but the narrative makes clear the driver failed to yield to a pedestrian who had the right of way. There is no mention of any pedestrian error or unsafe behavior; the victim was following the signal at the time of the crash. The incident underscores the persistent danger faced by people walking in city crosswalks, even when obeying traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777168, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Jaguar sedan blasted through the intersection at 59th Street and 10th Avenue. Its front end struck a four-year-old boy in the crosswalk. Blood pooled on the blacktop. The driver kept going, leaving the child semiconscious and bleeding.

According to the police report, a Jaguar sedan traveling west on 59th Street at 10th Avenue disregarded traffic control and ran a red light. The vehicle's center front end struck a four-year-old boy who was in the crosswalk at the intersection. The child suffered severe abdominal injuries and was found semiconscious, bleeding heavily on the roadway. The report states the driver continued straight after the impact. The primary contributing factor cited is 'Traffic Control Disregarded' by the driver. No victim behavior is listed as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers ignore traffic signals, as documented in the police narrative and data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4761901, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council bill Int 1069-2024 slashes legal parking time for tractor-trailers and similar trucks to 90 minutes. Commercial vehicles clogging curbs will face tighter limits. The measure targets streets where hulking rigs linger, blocking sightlines and endangering walkers and riders.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." It limits parking for tractor-trailer combinations, tractors, truck trailers, and semi-trailers to 90 minutes, down from three hours. Council Member Kevin C. Riley leads as primary sponsor, joined by Nantasha M. Williams, Darlene Mealy, Sandy Nurse, and others. The bill was referred to committee the day it was introduced. No safety analyst has yet assessed the direct impact on vulnerable road users, but the measure aims to keep large trucks from blocking curbs and crosswalks, where they threaten pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council passed a law letting pedestrians cross streets anywhere, at any time. Jaywalking is now legal. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks or against signals. The law shifts blame from walkers to drivers. Streets belong to people again.

Int 0346-2024, now Local Law 98 of 2024, was enacted by the City Council on October 26, 2024, after passing the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way," lets pedestrians cross roadways at any point, even against traffic signals. It erases penalties for so-called jaywalking. Sponsors include Tiffany Cabán (primary), Lincoln Restler, Crystal Hudson, Shahana K. Hanif, Julie Won, Mercedes Narcisse, Darlene Mealy, Erik D. Bottcher, and Farah N. Louis. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor. The law requires the Department of Transportation to educate all road users about these new rights. By ending jaywalking enforcement, the city removes a tool often used to blame victims and target the vulnerable. The law marks a shift: streets are for people, not just cars.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

A 28-year-old man crashed his motorcycle into a car’s left side near 65th Street and 15th Avenue. Blood pooled from his hip and leg. He remained conscious as the engine cooled. The street fell silent, holding the weight of impact.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old man was riding his motorcycle eastbound near 65th Street and 15th Avenue in Brooklyn when he collided with the left side doors of a car. The report states the motorcyclist suffered severe bleeding from his hip and leg but remained conscious at the scene. The narrative describes, 'Blood poured from his hip and leg. He stayed awake. The engine cooled. The street held its breath.' The point of impact and vehicle damage were both recorded as the car’s left side doors. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified' and does not cite any specific driver errors. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but no victim behavior is listed as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the violence of impact and the vulnerability of those outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747489, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man crossed 19th Avenue with the light. A Honda hit him. His leg tore open. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious, pain sharp and bright. The car showed no mark. The street bore the wound.

According to the police report, a man was crossing 19th Avenue at the intersection, moving with the signal, when a Honda struck him. The impact tore open his leg, causing severe bleeding. The report states the pedestrian remained conscious at the scene. The police narrative notes, 'A Honda hit him. His leg tore open. Blood spread on the street. He stayed awake. The car bore no mark.' The vehicle, a Honda car or SUV, showed no visible damage. The report does not list any contributing factors for the driver, but it explicitly states the pedestrian was 'crossing with signal.' The collision left the pedestrian with significant injuries to his lower leg and foot. The focus remains on the driver’s actions and the systemic danger present at the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736270, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council wants signs at every school door. Paint on the street. Metal overhead. Drivers warned: children cross here. The bill sits in committee. Kids walk. Cars speed. The city waits.

Int 0714-2024 sits before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 19, 2024, the bill would require the Department of Transportation to paint and install overhead school safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing safety signs near schools.' Council Member Susan Zhuang leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Gennaro, Won, Hanif, Gutiérrez, Louis, Cabán, Restler, Farías, Banks, and Riley as co-sponsors. The bill aims to alert drivers to the presence of school-aged children and pedestrians. It remains in committee, with no vote or enactment date set. The measure targets a simple truth: children cross streets, drivers often do not see them. Signs alone will not stop cars, but they mark danger.

• File Int 0714-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

A Subaru turned right at Bay Parkway and 79th. The bumper hit a man’s head as he crossed. Blood pooled on the cold street. He died before sunrise. The street was empty. The city kept moving.

A 56-year-old man was killed at the corner of Bay Parkway and 79th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a Subaru SUV turned right at 6:03 a.m. and struck the pedestrian in the head with its bumper. The man was crossing against the signal. He died at the scene. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are noted in the data. The impact was to the right front bumper of the vehicle. The crash left blood on the pavement before dawn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681712, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

An e-bike hit a woman standing off 79th Street. The front wheel crushed her head. She stayed conscious. Blood pooled. The rider failed to yield. The crash left her injured and shaken. Brooklyn pavement bore the mark.

A 27-year-old woman was struck by an e-bike near 79th Street and 20th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the e-bike 'slammed into a 27-year-old woman standing off the road.' The front wheel hit her head, causing crush injuries. She remained conscious but bled from the wound. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The woman was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The e-bike was traveling west and struck her with its center front end. No helmet or signal use is mentioned as a factor. The crash left the pedestrian injured, underscoring the danger faced by those outside vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664304, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man on an e-scooter struck a sedan’s open door on 18th Avenue. He flew shoulder-first into steel. Flesh crushed. He lay conscious on the pavement. The woman in the car was unhurt. Driver inattention marked the crash.

A 42-year-old man riding an e-scooter was injured after colliding with the open door of a parked sedan near 6820 18th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A man on an e-scooter hit a sedan’s open door. No helmet. He flew, shoulder first, into steel. Flesh crushed. He lay conscious on the pavement. The woman in the car was unhurt.' The crash data lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The e-scooter rider suffered crush injuries to his upper arm and shoulder and was ejected from his vehicle. No helmet was noted, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. The sedan driver was not injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640453, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Mercedes SUV hit a 20-year-old cyclist head-on at Avenue P and West 8th Street. The crash crushed his leg and burned his skin. Blood stained the street. Sirens cut the night. The driver failed to yield. The cyclist lay broken.

A 20-year-old cyclist was struck head-on by a southbound Mercedes SUV at Avenue P and West 8th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the cyclist suffered a crushed leg and severe burns. The report states, "The driver failed to yield." Driver errors listed include 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s errors. The cyclist was left in shock and bleeding on the pavement. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628819, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 33-year-old e-bike rider hit a parked SUV on 65th Street. Blood streaked his face. He lay semiconscious under the streetlight. Flesh torn, metal bent. The street fell silent after the crash.

A 33-year-old man riding an e-bike crashed into the rear of a parked SUV near 65th Street and 14th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the rider was found semiconscious with severe facial lacerations. The e-bike’s front end was mangled from the impact. The SUV was unoccupied and parked at the time of the crash. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other injuries were reported. The scene was marked by blood, torn flesh, and silence after the collision. The police report notes the rider was not wearing a helmet.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597373, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14