Crash Count for District 47
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 4,396
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 2,382
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 496
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 24
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 12
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in District 47?

The Blood on Brannan’s Streets Won’t Wash Away

The Blood on Brannan’s Streets Won’t Wash Away

District 47: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 18, 2025

The Deaths Keep Coming

Four people killed. Over 750 injured. In the last year alone, District 47 has seen carnage that leaves families empty and streets stained. The dead are not numbers. They are neighbors, elders, children. On January 24, a 95-year-old woman was struck and killed by an SUV turning left at Cropsey and 24th Avenue. She died at the intersection, her life ended by a machine that did not stop.

Just days ago, two men were killed crossing Third Avenue. The driver left them in the street and drove home. When police found him, he said, “I had a six pack of Modelos and two drinks. I was driving the car by myself last night. It’s my fault. After I hit them, I came home.” said the driver. The blood alcohol was under the legal limit. The law did not save them. The street did not save them.

The Machines That Kill

SUVs and cars do most of the damage. In the past three years, cars and SUVs killed four pedestrians and caused over 330 injuries. Trucks and buses killed one, bikes injured sixteen. Motorcycles and mopeds left ten more hurt. The numbers are cold, but the pain is not. Every crash is a family broken, a life cut short. NYC Open Data

What Has Been Done—And What Has Not

Council Member Justin Brannan has signed on to bills that clear abandoned cars from crosswalks, speed up pavement markings, and demand better plate enforcement. NYC Council Legistar He voted yes on laws to warn taxi passengers about cyclists and to remove derelict vehicles. These are steps, but they are not enough. The dead keep coming. The streets do not forgive delay.

At a vigil for Norman Fruchter, killed by a reversing driver, Brannan said, “Confronting traffic violence also means taking personal responsibility [and] safe driving habits. It will take all of us.” Brannan at vigil But the laws remain weak. The most vulnerable still pay the price.

What Now

This is not fate. This is policy. Call Brannan. Call the Mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand real protection for people on foot and bike. Do not wait for another name to be added to the list. The street remembers. The city must act.

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 agencies, and represents neighborhoods across the five boroughs.
Where does District 47 sit politically?
It belongs to borough Brooklyn, assembly district AD 45 and state senate district SD 17.
Which areas are in District 47?
It includes the Bay Ridge, Bath Beach, Gravesend (South), Coney Island-Sea Gate, Calvert Vaux Park, Brooklyn CB13, and Brooklyn CB10 neighborhoods. It also overlaps parts of Assembly Districts AD 45, AD 46, and AD 64, and State Senate Districts SD 17, SD 23, and SD 26.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in District 47?
Cars and SUVs killed four pedestrians and caused over 330 injuries. Trucks and buses killed one, bikes injured sixteen. Motorcycles and mopeds left ten more hurt. Most deaths come from cars and SUVs, according to NYC Open Data.
Are these crashes just 'accidents' or are they preventable?
These deaths and injuries are not random. They happen because of policy choices, street design, and enforcement decisions.
What can local politicians do to stop traffic violence?
They can lower speed limits, redesign streets, enforce laws against reckless driving, and pass bills that protect people walking and biking.
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

Justin Brannan
Council Member Justin Brannan
District 47
District Office:
1915 Mermaid Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224
718-373-0954
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1826, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7363
Twitter: JustinBrannan

Other Representatives

Misha Novakhov
Assembly Member Misha Novakhov
District 45
District Office:
1800 Sheepshead Bay Road, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Legislative Office:
Room 527, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Steve Chan
State Senator Steve Chan
District 17
District Office:
6605 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11219
Legislative Office:
Room 615, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

District 47 Council District 47 sits in Brooklyn, Precinct 62, AD 45, SD 17.

It contains Bay Ridge, Bath Beach, Gravesend (South), Coney Island-Sea Gate, Calvert Vaux Park, Brooklyn CB13, Brooklyn CB10.

See also
Boroughs
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Council District 47

Brannan Praises Police Response Supports Enhanced Traffic Violence Measures

Three Bay Ridge officers got city and state awards for shielding students during a deadly U-Haul rampage. The driver struck eight, killed one. Officers rushed to shelter kids. Politicians praised quick action. Community demanded tougher traffic violence measures and mental health support.

On March 8, 2023, State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Justin Brannan honored officers from the 68th Precinct for their response to the February U-Haul attack in Bay Ridge. The event, not tied to a specific council bill, recognized police who 'evacuated and sheltered school children' as a driver struck eight pedestrians and killed one. Gounardes said, 'These students, their families and our entire community here in southern Brooklyn will be forever grateful.' Brannan called the response 'a shining example' of local policing. The commendation took place at Bay Ridge Preparatory School. The incident sparked calls for 'enhanced measures against traffic violence' and more mental health resources at a vigil for the victims. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the focus remained on protecting vulnerable road users and preventing future harm.


Pickup Crushes Pedestrian on 3rd Avenue

A GMC pickup hit a 66-year-old man head-on near 73rd Street. His neck was crushed. He lay semiconscious on the cold Brooklyn pavement. Aggressive driving. No time to yield. One driver. One wounded pedestrian. Steel against flesh.

A 2022 GMC pickup truck struck a 66-year-old man near 3rd Avenue and 73rd Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his neck and was left semiconscious on the pavement. According to the police report, 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' contributed to the crash. The truck's center front end hit the man. No other injuries were reported. The report highlights driver aggression and failure to yield as key factors in this violent collision.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Pickup Truck Slams Moped in Brooklyn Rage

A pickup truck hit a moped head-on near 3rd Avenue. The moped rider, thirty-two, lay torn and semiconscious. Blood pooled on the street. The truck’s front end crumpled. Aggressive driving fueled the crash. Flesh met steel in Brooklyn.

A pickup truck struck a moped head-on on 72nd Street near 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. The 32-year-old moped rider suffered severe lacerations and was found semiconscious, according to the police report. The truck’s front end was crushed. According to the police report, 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' was a contributing factor in the crash. The moped rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the data. No other injuries were reported. The scene left blood pooling on the asphalt, a stark mark of violence on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Aggressive Driving Kills Moped Rider in Brooklyn

A pickup truck and moped slammed head-on on Bay Ridge Parkway. The moped rider, a 44-year-old man, died from crush injuries. Aggressive driving and failure to yield paved the way. The street bore the weight of loss.

A deadly crash unfolded on Bay Ridge Parkway near 5th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a pickup truck and a moped collided head-on while both vehicles traveled straight. The 44-year-old man driving the moped suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The report lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor, highlighting dangerous driver behavior. The narrative states, 'Aggression and failure to yield cleared the path.' The moped rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary cause remains the aggressive actions behind the wheel. No other injuries were specified.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605745 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Brannan Condemns Insurance Plan Amid Traffic Safety Failures

Norman Fruchter, education reformer, died after a driver reversed into him at a crosswalk-less Bay Ridge intersection. The driver stayed. No charges. A vigil drew family, officials, and anger. Fruchter’s wife was killed by a reckless driver in 1997. Grief, outrage, no justice.

On January 4, 2023, Norman Fruchter was struck and killed by a reversing driver at 68th Street and Bliss Terrace in Council District 47. The intersection lacked a pedestrian crosswalk. Council Member Justin Brannan attended the vigil and tweeted, 'Confronting traffic violence also means taking personal responsibility [and] safe driving habits. It will take all of us.' The driver remained at the scene but faced no charges. Fruchter’s son Lev condemned the New York Automobile Insurance Plan for letting dangerous drivers stay insured. Community leaders, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, joined in mourning and frustration. Fruchter’s wife Rachel was also killed by a reckless driver in 1997, a tragedy that helped spark Vision Zero. Nearly three decades later, traffic laws remain weak. No systemic change. Vulnerable road users still pay the price.


Improper U-Turn Slams Sedan on Stillwell

Steel met steel on Stillwell Avenue. An SUV carved a wrong U-turn. The sedan’s side crumpled. A 27-year-old man bled from the head, dazed but alive. Another driver hurt, pain in his body. The street bore the mark of reckless turning.

A crash unfolded on Stillwell Avenue near Bay 46 Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, an SUV attempted a U-turn and struck a sedan. The report states: “A U-turn carved wrong. The SUV’s nose met the sedan’s flank. Steel folded.” Two men, ages 27 and 38, both drivers, suffered injuries. The 27-year-old bled from the head with severe lacerations; the 38-year-old complained of pain across his body. The police list 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes airbags deployed and seat belts used, but only after the impact. The crash highlights the danger of improper turning on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4582536 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Garbage Truck Turns, Kills Elderly Pedestrian

A Mack garbage truck turned left on 85th Street. The driver failed to yield. An 81-year-old woman, crossing with the signal, was struck. Her leg was torn away. She died beneath the truck’s front bumper. The street ran red with her blood.

An 81-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 85th Street and 15th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when a Mack garbage truck, making a left turn, struck her. The impact tore away her leg. She died at the scene, beneath the truck’s front bumper. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating a 2021 Mack truck. The victim was following the rules, crossing at the intersection with the signal. No helmet or signaling issues are mentioned in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570960 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Distracted SUV Driver Strikes Motorcyclist on 81st Street

A KIA SUV hit a Yamaha motorcycle on 81st Street. Both drivers were distracted. The rider, helmeted, was thrown and bled from the head. The SUV’s bumper tore. The motorcycle crumpled. Both men survived. The street ran red and silent.

A KIA SUV collided with a Yamaha motorcycle on 81st Street near 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both drivers were distracted at the time of the crash. The 36-year-old motorcyclist, who wore a helmet, was ejected and suffered a bleeding head injury but remained conscious on the asphalt. The 28-year-old SUV driver sustained a minor burn to his back. The SUV’s front bumper was torn, and the motorcycle was left crumpled. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The report notes the motorcyclist’s helmet use only after citing driver distraction. No pedestrians were involved. The crash left two men injured and a street scarred by impact.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562500 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Turns Left, Kills Woman in Crosswalk

A Ford SUV turned left at 7th Avenue and Ovington. The bumper struck a 67-year-old woman’s head as she crossed with the light. She died in the crosswalk. The driver failed to yield. Her body lay still on the hot pavement.

A 67-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 7th Avenue and Ovington Avenue when a Ford SUV made a left turn and struck her as she crossed with the signal. According to the police report, 'A Ford SUV turned left. A 67-year-old woman crossed with the light. The bumper struck her head. She died in the crosswalk. The driver did not yield.' The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The woman was in the crosswalk, following the signal. The SUV’s driver and multiple passengers were not physically injured. The crash highlights the deadly consequences when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in New York City intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4547097 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
BMW Slams Cyclist at 78th and 3rd

A BMW struck a northbound cyclist at 78th Street and 3rd Avenue. The rider flew. His head split. Blood pooled. The bike lay crushed. The car’s front end crumpled. The cyclist, 39, was conscious but badly hurt. Night. Brooklyn. Metal and flesh.

A BMW sedan hit a northbound cyclist at the corner of 78th Street and 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash happened at 1:55 a.m. The cyclist, age 39, was thrown from his bike. His head was severely lacerated. Blood pooled on the street. The BMW’s front end crumpled. The bike was crushed. The cyclist was conscious at the scene. Police list 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Unspecified' as contributing factors. The report notes the cyclist wore no helmet, but this is mentioned only after the crash details. No injuries were reported for the BMW’s driver or passenger. The scene was chaos. The toll was clear.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545941 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Motorcycle Slams Sedan on Surf Avenue Turn

A motorcycle hit a turning sedan’s rear on Surf Avenue. The rider flew off, leg torn, helmet scraping pavement. He bled on the curb, conscious under Brooklyn’s lights. Unsafe speed and driver distraction cut through the night. Metal and flesh met hard.

A motorcycle collided with the rear of a sedan making a left turn on Surf Avenue near West 8th Street in Brooklyn. The 49-year-old motorcycle rider was ejected, suffering severe leg lacerations but remained conscious at the scene. According to the police report, 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The sedan, driven by a 22-year-old man, carried three passengers, all of whom were uninjured. The motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet, as noted after the driver errors. The impact left the motorcycle’s front and the sedan’s rear quarter panel damaged. No pedestrians were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4534187 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Motorcycle Slams Sedan on Shore Road

A Yamaha struck a Toyota’s side near 72nd Street. Steel twisted. Blood spilled. The young rider’s leg split open. Dusk fell hard. Inexperience and speed ruled the crash. The road stayed silent. No mercy. Only pain.

A motorcycle and a sedan collided on Shore Road near 72nd Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a Yamaha motorcycle struck the side of a Toyota sedan. The 21-year-old motorcycle rider suffered severe lacerations to his leg but remained conscious. The crash involved five people, including a 7-year-old passenger in the sedan. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet. The impact left steel bent and blood on the road. No pedestrians were involved. The data shows systemic danger when speed and inexperience meet on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4532188 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Distracted SUV Driver Hits Young Pedestrian Hard

A Lexus SUV struck a 22-year-old man on Shore Road. The right front bumper hit his head. Blood spilled. He stayed conscious. The driver was distracted. The SUV rolled on, unmarked. The man did not.

A 22-year-old pedestrian suffered a head injury and severe bleeding after a Lexus SUV hit him with its right front bumper near 71st Street on Shore Road in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'The driver was distracted.' The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The pedestrian remained conscious despite the impact and heavy bleeding. The SUV showed no damage. No other injuries were reported. The data does not mention any helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lose focus, leaving vulnerable road users to bear the brunt.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4533791 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
2
Rear-End Crash Injures Child and Young Driver

A Hyundai slammed into a Honda’s rear on Shore Parkway. Metal twisted. A one-year-old boy in the back seat screamed, hurt. The 20-year-old driver suffered crush wounds. Both survived. The road fell silent after the impact.

A Hyundai sedan struck a Honda sedan from behind on Shore Parkway. According to the police report, 'A Hyundai struck a Honda from behind. Metal folded. A 1-year-old boy in the back screamed through crush wounds. The 20-year-old driver was broken too. Both lived. Both hurt.' The one-year-old boy, riding in the back seat, suffered crush injuries. The 20-year-old driver of the Honda was also injured. Both were conscious after the crash. The police report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver error is specified in the data. Both injured parties were using lap belts and harnesses. The crash left the road quiet, the damage done.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4529754 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Brannan Supports Misguided Bill Equalizing SUV Parking Fees

Council Member Brannan pushes a bill to ban higher parking rates for SUVs. Critics warn it props up dangerous vehicles. The bill covers all light-duty cars under 8,500 pounds. Debate rages as advocates call for clarity and safety.

On February 14, 2022, Council Member Justin Brannan introduced a bill to the New York City Council. The bill would require commercial parking garages to charge the same rate for all light-duty vehicles under 8,500 pounds, including sedans, vans, SUVs, and pickups. Brannan claims the measure fights arbitrary price-gouging, saying, 'The idea is to make it fair for people who choose to drive.' Critics, like StreetsPAC's Eric McClure, argue the bill subsidizes SUV use and endangers city streets, stating, 'We shouldn’t be bending over backwards to further subsidize someone’s choice to drive an SUV or pickup truck in New York City.' Brannan admits the bill needs revision. The bill’s status and committee assignment remain unclear. No formal safety analysis was provided.