Crash Count for District 45
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 4,666
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 3,319
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 566
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 54
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 10
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 24, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in District 45?

Brooklyn Bleeds While Politicians Dither: Demand Real Safety Now

Brooklyn Bleeds While Politicians Dither: Demand Real Safety Now

District 45: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 17, 2025

Death and Injury on Brooklyn Streets

The numbers do not lie. In District 45, eight people have died and 3,145 have been injured in traffic crashes since 2022. Fifty-two were left with serious injuries. The dead include children, elders, cyclists, and pedestrians. The living carry scars you cannot see.

Just last year, a 74-year-old woman was killed crossing Avenue D with the signal. The driver turned left and struck her. She died at the intersection. The cause: “Failure to Yield Right-of-Way” according to crash data.

A 53-year-old woman on a bike was killed at Cortelyou Road and New York Avenue. The driver failed to yield. She was ejected and died at the scene. No helmet could save her. No law protected her. The street did not forgive.

Who Bears the Brunt

SUVs and cars did the most harm—three deaths, 494 injuries. Trucks and buses killed two, injured 38. Motorcycles and mopeds hurt ten. Bikes, too, left their mark, but the toll is not the same. The weight of steel, the speed, the blind turn—these are the killers.

What Has Been Done—And What Has Not

Council Member Farah N. Louis has voted for some safety bills. She backed laws to clear abandoned vehicles, restore pavement markings, and boost plate enforcement. She sponsored a bill to give seniors bike share discounts. These are steps, but small ones.

But Louis also sponsored a bill to lower e-bike speeds to 15 mph. This targets the vulnerable, not the reckless. It does not stop the cars that kill. It does not slow the SUVs that crush. It does not fix the street.

The Words That Remain

After a crash, the words are always the same. “He lost control when he was doing donuts with the vehicle,” said the driver. “It’s devastating. It’s affecting everyone in our family, especially (Ruiz’s) mom. Maddy was her only daughter,” said Ruiz’s sister-in-law.

What Now

This is not fate. This is policy.

Call Council Member Louis. Demand a citywide 20 mph speed limit. Demand real protection for those who walk and bike. Every day of delay is another life at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New York City Council and how does it work?
The New York City Council is the city’s legislative body. It passes laws, oversees city agencies, and represents local districts.
Where does District 45 sit politically?
It belongs to borough Brooklyn, assembly district AD 41 and state senate district SD 21.
Which areas are in District 45?
It includes the Flatbush, Flatbush (West)-Ditmas Park-Parkville, Midwood, East Flatbush-Erasmus, East Flatbush-Farragut, East Flatbush-Rugby, Holy Cross Cemetery, Flatlands, Brooklyn CB17, and Brooklyn CB14 neighborhoods. It also overlaps parts of Assembly Districts AD 41, AD 42, and AD 58, and State Senate District SD 21.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in District 45?
Cars and trucks caused the most harm: 3 deaths and 497 injuries. Motorcycles and mopeds hurt 10 people. Bikes were involved in 4 injuries, but the toll from cars and trucks is far greater.
Are these crashes just 'accidents'?
No. The data shows patterns—failure to yield, speeding, reckless turns. These are preventable with better laws, safer street design, and real enforcement.
What can local politicians do to stop traffic violence?
They can lower speed limits, redesign dangerous streets, and pass laws that hold reckless drivers accountable. They can focus on protecting people walking and biking, not just punishing the vulnerable.
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

Farah N. Louis
Council Member Farah N. Louis
District 45
District Office:
1434 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
718-629-2900
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1831, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6859
Twitter: FarahNLouis

Other Representatives

Kalman Yeger
Assembly Member Kalman Yeger
District 41
District Office:
3520 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229
Legislative Office:
Room 324, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Kevin Parker
State Senator Kevin Parker
District 21
District Office:
3021 Tilden Ave. 1st Floor & Basement, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Legislative Office:
Room 504, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

District 45 Council District 45 sits in Brooklyn, Precinct 67, AD 41, SD 21.

It contains Flatbush, Flatbush (West)-Ditmas Park-Parkville, Midwood, East Flatbush-Erasmus, East Flatbush-Farragut, East Flatbush-Rugby, Holy Cross Cemetery, Flatlands, Brooklyn CB17, Brooklyn CB14.

See also
Boroughs
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Council District 45

Man Dies After Fall Onto Subway Tracks

A man fell onto Prospect Park subway tracks during a fight. The train struck him. He died at the scene. Police questioned the other person. The platform became a place of sudden death.

NY Daily News (2025-07-30) reports a man died after falling onto the tracks at Prospect Park station during a fight. Police said, "As the fight escalated, he landed on the train tracks and was struck by an oncoming train." The victim suffered fatal head trauma. The other person involved was taken into custody for questioning. No charges were filed at the time. The article does not specify if the man fell or was pushed. The incident highlights the dangers of open subway platforms and the risks faced by riders in moments of conflict.


Child Hit Near Sheepshead Bay Playground

A car struck an 11-year-old boy by a Brooklyn playground. He survived. Police search for answers. The street stays dangerous.

ABC7 reported on July 19, 2025, that an 11-year-old boy was hit by a car near a playground on Bedford Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. Friday. The boy is in stable condition. Police are investigating the circumstances. The article states, "There is no word yet on how the accident happened." No details on driver actions or charges have been released. The incident highlights the ongoing risk to children near city streets and playgrounds.


SUV Strikes Pedestrian on Church Avenue

A Ford SUV hit a man crossing Church Avenue. The pedestrian died from head injuries. Alcohol played a role. The crash left pain and loss on Brooklyn pavement.

A Ford SUV traveling east on Church Avenue struck a 36-year-old man crossing at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene. According to the police report, 'Alcohol Involvement' was a contributing factor in the crash. The driver and several occupants were uninjured. The report lists no other driver errors. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal, but the primary factor cited is alcohol involvement.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828979 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Driver Kills Girlfriend Doing Donuts

A driver spun out in a Brooklyn lot. The car struck a woman on the curb. She died at the hospital. Police charged the driver with negligent homicide. The lot was left scarred. The city mourns another loss.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-16), Zachary Cando, 24, was 'doing the dangerous spinning trick' known as donuts in a Gateway Center parking lot when he lost control and hit Madisyn Ruiz, 21, who was sitting nearby. Ruiz died after being rushed to the hospital. Police charged Cando with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving. The article notes the car was 'badly dented in the front.' The crash highlights the risks of reckless driving in public spaces and the need for stronger deterrents in parking lots.


Court Blocks Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Removal

A judge stopped the city from tearing out Bedford Avenue’s only protected bike lane. The fight over safety and street space continues. Cyclists and pedestrians wait as legal battles stall change.

Streetsblog NYC reported on July 15, 2025, that an appellate judge halted Mayor Adams’s plan to remove a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. Judge Ventura issued a restraining order after Transportation Alternatives and Baruch Herzfeld appealed the city’s move. The city had planned to start demolition after complaints from local leaders, but the court’s order blocks any changes until further review. Streetsblog quotes Ben Furnas: 'The Adams administration is going to have to spend their night preparing their legal case, not ripping out a critical safety project.' The article highlights weak enforcement of parking rules and the city’s reversal against its own DOT’s safety plan. The case underscores how political pressure and lax enforcement can threaten vulnerable road users.


Multi-Car Crash Injures Passenger on Baughman Place

Five sedans collided on Baughman Place. One passenger suffered neck and crush injuries. Fourteen others were involved. Police list no clear cause. Streets remain unforgiving.

A chain-reaction crash involving five sedans struck Baughman Place near Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, one female passenger, age 53, suffered neck and crush injuries. Fourteen other occupants, including drivers and passengers, were listed as involved but not injured. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were identified in the data. The crash left one person hurt and many shaken, but the underlying cause remains unaddressed in official records.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827537 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Hit-And-Run Kills Two In Sunset Park

A car sped down Third Avenue. Two men, one with a cart, one with a cane, crossed. The driver did not brake. Both men died in the street. The car fled. Police arrested the driver hours later.

ABC7 reported on July 11, 2025, that two men, aged 59 and 80, were killed by a hit-and-run driver at Third Avenue and 52nd Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Surveillance showed the car "speeding southbound" and not braking before impact. The driver, Juventino Anastacio Florentino, was arrested and charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and reckless driving. The victims, Kex Un Chen and Faqiu Lin, were likely headed to a local food pantry. The incident highlights the lethal risk posed by reckless driving and the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially near essential services.


Elderly Man Killed In Brooklyn Hit-Run

A moped struck a 90-year-old man in Brooklyn. The driver fled. The man died at the hospital. Security video captured the impact. The street claimed another life.

CBS New York (2025-07-10) reports a 90-year-old man died after a moped hit-and-run in Brooklyn. Security footage 'shows the moment the man was struck.' The driver left the scene. The victim died at the hospital. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians and the ongoing danger of drivers who flee. No policy changes or arrests were reported.


Judge Allows Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Change

A judge let the city move a protected bike lane off Bedford Avenue. Cyclists lose curbside safety. Adams pushed the change after local protests. Advocates warn the street grows more dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-07-09) reports a state judge allowed Mayor Adams to remove curbside bike lane protections on Brooklyn's Bedford Avenue. The city will shift the lane to the street's center, ending the barrier of parked cars. The move follows protests from local Orthodox Jewish communities and a recent e-bike crash. Advocates sued, arguing Adams bypassed environmental review. The judge ruled the change was not a major project. Transportation Alternatives warns, 'If the Bedford Avenue safety improvements are destroyed, this all but guarantees that there will be blood on Eric Adams' hands.' The decision highlights Adams' pattern of scaling back street safety redesigns.


Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing Avenue I

A Smart Car struck Dov Broyde, 70, as he crossed Avenue I near his home. Medics rushed him to the hospital. He died. The driver stayed. No charges filed. Brooklyn street claimed another life.

NY Daily News (2025-07-08) reports Dov Broyde, 70, was fatally struck by a Smart Car while crossing Avenue I at E. Fifth St. near Midwood around 9:30 p.m. The article states the driver 'plowed into him' and remained at the scene. No criminal charges were filed at the time. The incident highlights persistent danger for pedestrians in New York City, where 55 have died this year. The crash underscores the ongoing toll of traffic violence and the urgent need for systemic safety improvements.


Improper Lane Change Kills Moped Rider on Clarendon

A moped rider died on Clarendon Road after an SUV changed lanes improperly. The crash left one dead and others shaken. Brooklyn streets claimed another life in the dark, early morning.

A deadly crash on Clarendon Road in Brooklyn took the life of a 34-year-old moped rider. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV and a moped collided when the SUV was changing lanes. The moped driver was ejected and killed, suffering crush injuries to the chest. Police cited 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Failure to Keep Right' as contributing factors. The moped rider was wearing a helmet. Several others involved sustained unspecified injuries. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of improper lane changes on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825305 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Int 0857-2024
Louis 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.


Int 0857-2024
Louis votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, improving 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 Kills Boy Crossing Crown Heights Street

An SUV struck and killed eight-year-old Mordica Keller as he crossed Eastern Parkway with his sister. The driver stayed. Blood stained the concrete. The boy died at Kings County Hospital. The street claimed another child.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-29), eight-year-old Mordica Keller was killed by a black Honda Pilot while crossing Eastern Parkway at Albany Street with his sister. The 69-year-old driver, heading south, remained at the scene. Police said, "They were walking, he was crossing the street with his sister." The driver had a green light, and no arrest has been made. The incident highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians at busy intersections. The investigation continues.


Drunk Unlicensed Driver Kills Moped Rider

A moped slammed into a car’s door in Bay Ridge. The rider died. His passenger broke bones. The driver was drunk, unlicensed, and arrested. The street stayed quiet after the crash. Another life lost to reckless driving.

NY Daily News reported on June 22, 2025, that Joel Mota, 22, died after his moped struck the passenger-side door of a 2013 Acura TSX at Third Ave and 67th St in Brooklyn. The crash happened at 4:45 a.m. Police said the car’s driver, Leslie Moreno, was intoxicated and unlicensed. Mota’s passenger suffered multiple fractures. The article notes, 'Police arrested the Acura driver, 29-year-old Leslie Moreno, for driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired, and being unlicensed.' Moreno was arraigned and released without bail. The case highlights the ongoing risk posed by impaired, unlicensed drivers on city streets.


Judge Halts Removal Of Brooklyn Bike Lane

A judge stopped the city from tearing out a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. The lane stays for now. A toddler was struck by an e-bike. City Hall acted without consulting locals. The fight over street safety continues.

The New York Post reported on June 18, 2025, that Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo blocked Mayor Adams' plan to remove a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. The ruling followed a lawsuit by Transportation Alternatives, who argued that removing the lane would endanger road users. The judge found City Hall 'acted arbitrarily, capriciously, and illegally' by failing to consult local officials or the community. The city cited 'several dangerous incidents—many of which involved children getting seriously hurt' as the reason for the proposed removal, after a 3-year-old was struck by an e-bike in May. The protected lane will remain until a court hearing in August. The case highlights the tension between rapid policy changes and the need for community input on street safety.


2
Ambulance and Sedan Collide on Glenwood Road

Ambulance and sedan crashed on Glenwood Road. Two drivers injured—one with crush injuries, one with concussion. Impact tore bumpers and quarter panels. No clear cause. Brooklyn street, midday, chaos.

An ambulance and a sedan collided at Glenwood Road and East 52nd Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight ahead when they struck each other. The 23-year-old sedan driver suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot. The 53-year-old ambulance driver sustained a concussion and back injury. Both drivers were conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The impact damaged the right front of the ambulance and the left front of the sedan. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Williamsburg Protected Bike Lane Removed

City will strip Bedford Avenue of its protected bike lane. The mayor cites safety. Cyclists lose a shield. Streets grow harsher. The move stirs anger and worry in Williamsburg. Vulnerable road users face new risk.

CBS New York reported on June 14, 2025, that Mayor Eric Adams will remove the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The mayor claims the rollback is due to 'safety concerns.' The article notes, 'The decision to remove it is drawing mixed reaction in Williamsburg.' No details are given on specific incidents or data prompting the change. The removal eliminates a key barrier between cyclists and traffic. This action raises questions about city policy and the commitment to protecting vulnerable road users. The move may increase exposure to traffic violence for cyclists and pedestrians.


Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Reverts After Crashes

A new bike lane design on Bedford Avenue failed. Crashes followed. City officials will restore the old layout. Cyclists remain exposed. Promises of safety fell short. The street stays dangerous.

CBS New York reported on June 13, 2025, that Brooklyn's Bedford Avenue bike lane will return to its original design after a series of crashes. The article states, "The redesign was initially intended to improve safety for cyclists, but recent incidents have prompted city officials to revert to the previous layout." The protected lane, meant to shield riders, instead saw collisions increase. The city’s decision highlights the risks of poorly executed street changes and the urgent need for designs that truly protect vulnerable road users. No driver actions are detailed, but the policy shift underscores ongoing systemic failures in street safety planning.


Int 1304-2025
Louis co-sponsors bill requiring micromobility share operators to display safety rules.

Council bill demands bike and scooter share firms post road rules at stations and in apps. Riders must review rules yearly. No charge for time spent reading. City aims for clarity, not confusion.

Int 1304-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled "requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation," compels operators to show safety rules on apps and at stations. Users must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. The bill bars operators from charging for this time. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Ariola, and Morano. The law aims to make safety rules visible and unavoidable for every rider.