Three Dead, Hundreds Hurt—How Many More Before We Slow Our Streets?

Council moved to ban driving with fake or expired plates. Civil fines would hit drivers hard. Sponsors spanned the city. The bill died at session’s end. Streets remain exposed to untraceable cars and reckless drivers.

Int 0987-2023 was introduced in the New York City Council on April 11, 2023, and referred to the Committee on Public Safety. The bill aimed to prohibit operating a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates, including temporary ones. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates.' Civil penalties ranged from $300 to $1,000, with a 10-day cure period for expired plates. The bill was sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over thirty council members, including Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Yeger, Menin, and others, as well as the Brooklyn and Bronx Borough Presidents. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, and did not become law. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• File Int 0987-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-11

A Ford SUV hit a 66-year-old man on Clove Road near Tioga Street. The right front bumper struck his head. He died at the scene. The street was quiet. Speed did not forgive. The morning ended in loss.

A 66-year-old man was killed when a Ford SUV struck him with its right front bumper on Clove Road near Tioga Street in Staten Island. According to the police report, the crash happened early in the morning on a quiet street. The pedestrian suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor for the driver. The SUV was traveling south, going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were cited. The driver was licensed and remained at the scene. The crash shows the deadly risk of unsafe speed for people on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617066, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Hyundai rolled forward on Bay Street. The driver, a 57-year-old woman, lost consciousness. Her car struck a parked Alfa. Metal crumpled. She died at the scene. The street fell silent. No other injuries reported.

A 57-year-old woman died after losing consciousness behind the wheel of her Hyundai near 680 Bay Street, Staten Island. According to the police report, her car rolled forward and struck a parked Alfa sedan. The Hyundai’s front crumpled, and the Alfa’s rear dented. The driver was found dead at the scene, seatbelt fastened. Police list 'Lost Consciousness' as the contributing factor. No pedestrians, cyclists, or other occupants were reported injured. The parked Alfa was unoccupied. The data does not list any other driver errors or contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594257, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council filed a bill to form an advisory board on school crossing guard deployment. The board would unite NYPD, DOT, and DOE. Twice a year, it would report on guard placement. The bill died at session’s end. Streets remain unchanged.

Int 0871-2022 was introduced on December 21, 2022, in the Committee on Public Safety. The bill aimed to create an advisory board with the NYPD, Department of Transportation, and Department of Education to oversee school crossing guard deployment. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment." Council Members Kamillah Hanks (primary sponsor), Althea V. Stevens, Sandra Ung, Amanda Farías, Rita C. Joseph, and Farah N. Louis sponsored the bill, with support from the Bronx Borough President. The board would submit biannual reports to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, and did not become law. No direct safety impact assessment was provided.

• File Int 0871-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-12-21

Council pushed for a map showing every crossing guard post. The NYPD would have to put it online. The bill died in committee. Streets stay opaque. Kids and elders cross in the dark.

Int 0870-2022 was introduced on December 21, 2022, in the Committee on Public Safety. The bill aimed to require the NYPD to post a map of all crossing guard locations on its website. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to reporting on crossing guard deployment.' Council Member Kamillah Hanks led as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Louis, Joseph, Farías, Restler, Hudson, Ung, Avilés, and the Bronx Borough President. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, without a vote. If passed, it would have shed light on where the city protects its most vulnerable at the curb. Instead, the public remains in the dark about guard coverage at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0870-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-12-21

A Nova bus hit a 69-year-old man on Bay Street. He crossed without a crosswalk or signal. The bus struck him head-on. He died in the street, pain in his legs, awake until the end. Darkness and confusion ruled the scene.

A 69-year-old man was killed on Bay Street near Canal Street in Staten Island when a southbound Nova bus struck him head-on. According to the police report, the man crossed the street in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The bus was slowing or stopping when the impact occurred, hitting the man at the center front end. The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries to his lower legs and remained conscious until his death. No other injuries were reported among the bus occupants. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of street design and visibility at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591710, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council members want voters to decide on the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. The resolution calls for a statewide ballot. Sponsors cite risks to outer-borough communities and doubt traffic will drop. The measure is filed, not enacted. Streets stay dangerous.

Resolution 0419-2022, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges the New York State Legislature to require a statewide ballot proposal before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s congestion pricing plan—known as the Central Business District Tolling Program—can proceed. Introduced December 7, 2022, and filed at session’s end, the resolution states: “calls upon the New York State Legislature to amend state law to make implementation of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s congestion pricing plan... subject to a statewide ballot proposal.” Council Member Kamillah Hanks led sponsorship, joined by Borelli, Carr, Louis, Yeger, Ariola, and Paladino. The sponsors raise concerns about pollution, health, and traffic impacts on outer-borough communities. The measure questions whether congestion pricing will cut traffic or fund transit improvements. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users is assessed. The bill remains filed, with no further action.

• File Res 0419-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-12-07

A Ford van turned left at Forest and South. Its front struck a 73-year-old man crossing the street. He died on the pavement. The van’s right front bore the mark. The street stayed quiet. The man did not go home.

A 2006 Ford van made a left turn at the corner of Forest Avenue and South Avenue. The van’s front struck a 73-year-old man who was crossing the street. According to the police report, 'A 2006 Ford van turned left. Its front struck a 73-year-old man crossing. He died there, on the pavement. The van’s right front quarter bore the mark.' The pedestrian died at the scene. The data lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. No other injuries were reported. The crash left a mark on the van and ended a life on the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4583662, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

The Council passed Int 0291-2022, forcing city agencies to map, plan, and report on greenways. The law demands annual updates and public engagement. It aims to carve out safe, car-free corridors for walkers and cyclists. The mayor returned it unsigned.

Int 0291-2022, now Local Law 115 of 2022, was enacted by the City Council on November 27, 2022. The bill came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, first introduced April 28, 2022. The law's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a citywide greenway plan.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers sponsored the bill, joined by dozens of co-sponsors including Rivera, Hudson, and others. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor on October 27, 2022. The law orders the Department of Transportation and Parks to identify, map, and report on greenways, and to consult with community boards. Proposals for new greenway segments or repairs must be presented to affected communities within 60 days. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law. The measure compels the city to plan and maintain safe routes for non-drivers, with regular public reporting and accountability.

• File Int 0291-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-10-27

A Honda motorcycle slammed into a rear bumper on Andros Avenue. Flames engulfed the 18-year-old rider. He wore a helmet. Distraction at the bars. Fire took his skin. The street bore witness. The system failed to protect.

An 18-year-old motorcycle rider suffered severe burns over his entire body after crashing into a rear bumper near Andros Avenue and Richmond Terrace. According to the police report, 'A Honda motorcycle slammed into a rear bumper. The rider, 18, burned over his whole body. Helmet on. Distracted hands gripped the bars as fire swallowed him.' The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The rider was wearing a helmet, but distraction led to the violent impact and subsequent fire. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the danger faced by vulnerable road users when attention lapses behind the bars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552300, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan slammed into a cyclist head-on near Christopher Street. The man on the bike bled from a torn arm but stayed conscious. The driver had no license. Both moved straight. Distraction behind the wheel led to blood on the pavement.

A 60-year-old man riding his bike southeast on Andros Avenue near Christopher Street was struck head-on by a sedan. According to the police report, 'The car struck him head-on. His arm split open. Blood on the pavement. He stayed awake. The driver had no license. Both were going straight.' The cyclist suffered severe lacerations to his arm but remained conscious. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the sedan and the bike. The sedan driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash. No helmet or signaling issues were cited as contributing factors. The crash left the cyclist injured and exposed the danger of inattentive, unlicensed driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552160, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Jeep turned left. A cyclist rode straight. Steel struck skull. The man hit the ground headfirst. Blood pooled. His helmet cracked. He stayed conscious, bleeding on the street. The SUV’s front left crumpled. The city’s danger showed its teeth.

A 57-year-old cyclist suffered severe head lacerations when a Jeep SUV turned left into his path on Victory Boulevard near Montgomery Avenue, Staten Island. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The cyclist, wearing a helmet, struck the ground headfirst after the Jeep’s front left quarter panel hit him. The man remained conscious but bled from the head. No injuries were reported for the Jeep’s occupants. The police report details the Jeep’s left turn and the cyclist’s straight path, highlighting the improper lane usage by the driver. The helmet is mentioned only because it cracked in the impact, after the driver’s error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549917, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 27-year-old man rode west on Richmond Terrace. His motorcycle’s front smashed. He flew off, helmeted, leg torn open. Blood pooled on the pavement. He stayed conscious. The bike rolled on without him. The street stayed silent.

A 27-year-old man was thrown from his motorcycle on Richmond Terrace near Wright Avenue. According to the police report, 'A 27-year-old man, helmeted and alone, was thrown from his motorcycle. The front crumpled. His leg bled out on hot pavement. He was conscious. The bike kept going straight. He did not.' The crash left him with severe bleeding to his lower leg. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The report notes the rider wore a helmet. No other injuries or vehicles are detailed in the data. The crash highlights the brutal cost of distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542805, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A GMC SUV struck a baby boy on Jewett Avenue. The child crossed with the signal. The SUV’s right front hit his face. Blood poured. He stayed awake. The driver looked elsewhere. The street ran red. The system failed the smallest among us.

A GMC SUV hit a baby boy as he crossed Jewett Avenue with the signal. According to the police report, 'A GMC SUV struck a baby boy crossing with the signal. The right front hit his face. He bled hard but stayed awake. He was zero years old. The driver was looking elsewhere.' The child suffered severe bleeding to the face but remained conscious. The driver’s action was listed as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The data shows the baby was a pedestrian at the intersection, crossing lawfully. No helmet or signal use is listed as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to pay attention, especially near vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542320, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A BMW sedan hit a 19-year-old man in a marked crosswalk on Clove Road. The car’s left front bumper smashed his head. He fell, unconscious and bleeding, under the streetlights. Driver inattention and unsafe lane changing led to the crash.

A 19-year-old pedestrian was struck and injured by a 2006 BMW sedan while crossing Clove Road near Victory Boulevard in a marked crosswalk. According to the police report, the left front bumper hit the pedestrian’s head, leaving him unconscious and bleeding. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. The driver and another occupant were not reported injured. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the primary causes cited were driver errors. No mention of helmet or signaling as contributing factors appears in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542170, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council bill Int 0172-2022 would force DOT to warn communities before changing open streets. Sixty days’ notice. Four weeks for comments. Two weeks for answers. Streets can’t shift without neighbors knowing. The bill died at session’s end. Streets stay uncertain.

Int 0172-2022, filed by the NYC Council and handled by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, aimed to amend city law on open streets. Introduced April 14, 2022, the bill required the Department of Transportation to give 60 days’ notice to council members, boards, and local groups before any permanent open street changes. The bill’s summary reads: “notification and community input regarding designation of, removal of and changes to open streets.” Sponsors included Tiffany Cabán (primary), Crystal Hudson, Kamillah Hanks, Oswald Feliz, Farah N. Louis, Kalman Yeger, Sandy Nurse, Shahana K. Hanif, and Althea V. Stevens. The bill mandated a four-week comment window and a two-week response period, plus annual reporting and advance notice for temporary changes. The bill was filed at the end of session, leaving open streets policy unchanged.

• File Int 0172-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-04-14