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

Jul 9 - A Hyundai sedan’s left front slammed into a 13-year-old boy on 71st Street near 17th Avenue. The boy’s leg was crushed. He lay in shock as dusk fell. The street bore witness to another child’s pain.

A 13-year-old boy was struck and severely injured by a Hyundai sedan on 71st Street near 17th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the sedan’s left front quarter panel hit the boy, crushing his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report notes the boy was playing in the roadway when the collision occurred. The driver was traveling east and going straight ahead at the time of impact. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as 'Failure to Yield' or 'Distraction' were cited, but the impact location and narrative underscore the lethal risk posed by vehicles on neighborhood streets. The boy suffered crush injuries and was left in shock on the pavement, as detailed in the official account.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739429 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 26 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 8 - A 69-year-old man pedaled north, struck a parked SUV’s door mid-block, and flew. His chest crushed, he lay conscious on the pavement. The door bent, a bus rolled past untouched. Failure to yield shattered the quiet street.

A 69-year-old bicyclist was injured mid-block on 21st Avenue after colliding with the door of a parked SUV, according to the police report. The cyclist, traveling north, struck the left side doors of a 2023 Ford SUV. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor in the crash. The impact ejected the cyclist, who suffered chest injuries described as 'crush injuries' and remained conscious on the pavement. The SUV’s door bore visible damage. A bus passed by the scene but was not involved, as noted in the narrative. The police report also states the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this detail is mentioned only after the driver’s failure to yield. The crash highlights the danger posed when drivers open doors into the path of vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722990 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 10 - An 87-year-old woman lost consciousness while reversing her Toyota on West 10th Street. Ejected from the car, her chest crushed, she died alone in the driver’s seat. The vehicle showed no damage. Only silence remained.

According to the police report, an 87-year-old woman was backing her 2013 Toyota sedan on West 10th Street at 14:57 when she lost consciousness. The report states she was not using any safety equipment and was ejected from the vehicle, suffering fatal chest injuries. The narrative notes, 'She died alone in the driver’s seat.' The sedan bore 'no scars,' indicating no reported vehicle damage. The police report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as the primary contributing factor. No other vehicles or people were involved, and no victim behavior is cited as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the systemic dangers when drivers lose control of vehicles, even at low speeds and in routine maneuvers like backing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716250 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 19 - Council wants bold signs at every school entrance. Paint on pavement. Metal overhead. The aim: warn drivers, shield kids. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait. Danger does not.

Bill Int 0714-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 19, 2024. The bill reads: 'installing safety signs near schools.' Council Member Susan Zhuang leads, joined by Rivera, Gennaro, Won, Hanif, Gutiérrez, Louis, Cabán, Restler, Farías, Banks, Riley, and Feliz. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to paint and hang school safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The goal: alert drivers to children and pedestrians. The bill awaits further action. No safety analyst note was provided.

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

Mar 7 - Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

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

Nov 22 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - A GMC pickup turned left at 11th Avenue and 64th Street. The truck struck a 71-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She fell. Blood pooled on the street. She died there. The crash left the intersection scarred and silent.

A 71-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 11th Avenue and 64th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was crossing in the crosswalk with the signal when a GMC pickup truck made a left turn and struck her head-on. The impact caused severe head injuries and she died at the scene. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The truck’s point of impact was the center front end. The victim was following the signal. No driver errors were specified in the report, but the narrative details a left-turn collision with a pedestrian who had the right of way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678892 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 17 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 6 - Advocates pressed DOT to ban all parking at T intersections. They called the current proposal weak. Parked cars block sightlines. Pedestrians, disabled people, and children pay the price. Speakers demanded daylighting at every intersection. DOT offered no timeline. The danger remains.

On September 6, 2023, advocates confronted the Department of Transportation (DOT) at a rules hearing over a city proposal to ban parking at curb cuts in T-shaped intersections. The proposal aims to close a 2009 loophole that lets drivers park in crosswalks at three-way junctions if unmarked or lacking signals. The matter summary reads: 'A city proposal to ban parking at curbs cuts in "T" intersections must go further by banning all parking at the edges of such intersections, advocates demanded.' Christine Serdjenian Yearwood, Jean Ryan, Rosamond Gianutsos, and Jackson Chabot spoke out, demanding a total ban and daylighting at all intersections. Advocates argue that parking at T intersections blocks visibility and endangers pedestrians, especially the disabled and children. DOT supports the rule change but gave no timeline. The city still overrides state law requiring 20 feet of clear space at crosswalks. The fight for safety continues.

• Advocates to DOT: End All Parking at T-Shaped Intersections, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-06

Jul 27 - DOT moves to end a rule letting drivers park in unmarked crosswalks at T-intersections. Cars block ramps, endanger walkers, and hide danger. Advocates cheer. The city will hold a hearing. The change restores sight lines and puts people before parking.

On July 27, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed a rule change to close a 2009 loophole that allowed drivers to park in unmarked crosswalks at T-intersections. The proposal, not yet finalized, will be discussed at a virtual hearing in early September. The matter summary states: 'The city wants to reverse a 2009 policy that allows drivers to park in unmarked crosswalks at T-intersections, undoing a decade-and-a-half giveaway to drivers that blocked pedestrian access and made streets less safe.' Former Council Member Vincent Gentile pushed for the original exemption, arguing it would create parking and increase safety. DOT spokesperson Mona Bruno said, 'This proposed change will enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians.' Disability and street safety advocates, including Jean Ryan, praised the move, saying the loophole blocked access for people with disabilities and endangered all pedestrians. The change will restore visibility at intersections, known as daylighting, and aligns city rules with state law requiring clear sight lines at crosswalks.

• City To Close Loophole That Allows Drivers to Park in Certain Crosswalks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-27

Jun 22 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - A sedan ran the light on 18th Avenue. The driver, unlicensed, struck a 65-year-old woman crossing with the signal. Both died. Blood on the street. Traffic control disregarded. Daylight crash. System failed the vulnerable.

A 65-year-old woman was killed while crossing 18th Avenue at 64th Street in Brooklyn. She had the signal. A sedan, driven by an unlicensed 51-year-old man, ignored the traffic control and struck her. Both the pedestrian and the driver died from their injuries. According to the police report, 'A sedan tore through. The unlicensed driver, 51, struck her. Both died. Blood on pavement. Signal ignored.' The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the primary contributing factor. The driver’s lack of a valid license is also documented. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when drivers ignore signals and operate vehicles without proper licensing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614333 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 12 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 30 - A dump truck rolled down Kings Highway. A young cyclist, riding straight, was caught beneath its weight. His hip shattered. He lay half-ejected, conscious, pinned under steel. The street fell silent. The truck rolled on. The system failed him.

A 24-year-old cyclist was struck and crushed by a dump truck on Kings Highway near West 9th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the cyclist was riding straight when the truck rolled on, trapping him beneath. He suffered severe hip injuries and was found partially ejected but conscious under the truck. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were cited in the data. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the absence of any identified driver error. The truck showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. The crash left the cyclist with crush injuries and exposed the danger heavy vehicles pose to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4588018 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 7 - A Honda SUV turned left at 7th Avenue and 57th Street. The bumper struck an 8-year-old girl crossing with the signal. She suffered crush injuries. Two other pedestrians, including a 6-year-old, were also hit. All were conscious. The driver failed to yield.

At the corner of 7th Avenue and 57th Street in Brooklyn, a 2022 Honda SUV made a left turn and struck three pedestrians. According to the police report, the SUV's left front bumper hit an 8-year-old girl who was crossing with the signal. She suffered crush injuries to her entire body but remained conscious. A 6-year-old girl was also hit, sustaining facial fractures and dislocations. A 36-year-old woman suffered injuries to her shoulder and upper arm. All three pedestrians were crossing with the signal at the intersection. The police report states: 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The driver, a 41-year-old man, was licensed and remained uninjured. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4579863 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 2 - A Honda SUV turned left on 19th Avenue. Its view was blocked. The bumper caught a 23-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She fell. Blood pooled. She did not move again. The street held her stillness.

A 23-year-old woman was struck by a Honda SUV while crossing 19th Avenue with the signal. According to the police report, the SUV turned left with its view obstructed. The left front bumper hit her hip. She fell and suffered apparent death at the scene. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as the contributing factor for the driver. The woman was crossing legally at the intersection. No other contributing factors are listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4578412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 20 - A young man on a Hover-1 scooter crossed 18th Avenue. A Kia sedan struck him. He flew from the scooter. His head hit hard. He did not wake up. The view was blocked. The street claimed another life.

A 21-year-old man riding a Hover-1 e-scooter was killed at the intersection of 18th Avenue and 74th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the southbound Kia sedan hit the scooter rider, ejecting him and causing fatal head injuries. The report states, “The view was blocked.” All listed contributing factors are 'View Obstructed/Limited.' The data shows no other driver errors. The scooter rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the primary factor of obstructed view. No injuries were reported for the sedan occupants. The crash highlights the lethal risk when sightlines are blocked on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558100 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19