Crash Count for East Williamsburg
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 2,956
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 1,365
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 296
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 23
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 9
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Aug 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in East Williamsburg?

Three Dead in Three Years—Morgan Avenue Is a Killing Field

Three Dead in Three Years—Morgan Avenue Is a Killing Field

East Williamsburg: Jan 1, 2022 - Aug 12, 2025

The Toll on Morgan Avenue

Three years. Three deaths. The bodies keep coming. Just last week, a box truck killed a man crossing Morgan Avenue near Sharon Street. No marked crosswalk. No safe passage. The street is a gauntlet for anyone on foot or bike. Juan Ignacio Serra stood where his friend Daniel Vidal died three years ago and said, “I was sad and angry at the same time because I still feel that these are things that can be prevented. I was very frustrated that nothing has been done in more than three years since Daniel Vidal was killed.”

Trucks and heavy vehicles rule these streets. In the last twelve months, East Williamsburg saw 878 crashes, 3 deaths, and 414 injuries. Seven people were seriously hurt. Trucks killed four pedestrians in recent years. Cyclists and walkers are left to fend for themselves.

Leadership: Words, Not Action

Local leaders have written letters. They have held meetings. They have called for protected bike lanes, mid-block crossings, and safer loading zones. State Senator Julia Salazar, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher all back the push. But the city has not acted. The danger remains. “In areas that were formally industrial—a lot of trucks, lot of heavy construction activity—that are becoming residential where cycling is more popular, we’re unfortunately seeing a lot of collisions with cyclists and trucks,” said former DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.

Senator Salazar has voted yes on bills to curb repeat speeders and extend school speed zones. Assembly Member Davila has co-sponsored speed limiter bills. But the street stays the same. The city delays. The bodies pile up.

The Slow Disaster

East Williamsburg is bleeding. Nine killed since 2022. Over 1,350 injured. Trucks, SUVs, and cars do most of the harm. The city knows the danger. The leaders know the danger. Still, the street stays deadly.

Call to Action:

Demand more than words. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Tell them: No more deaths on Morgan Avenue. No more waiting. No more excuses. Push for protected bike lanes, safe crossings, and real change—now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does East Williamsburg sit politically?
East Williamsburg belongs to borough Brooklyn, community board Brooklyn CB1, city council district District 34, assembly district AD 53 and state senate district SD 18.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in East Williamsburg?
Cars and Trucks: 4 deaths, 125 injuries; Motorcycles and Mopeds: 0 deaths, 3 injuries; Bikes: 0 deaths, 6 injuries. Trucks and SUVs do most of the harm.
Are these crashes just 'accidents'?
No. The same streets kill, year after year. The same patterns repeat. These deaths are preventable with safer design and enforcement.
What can local politicians do to stop traffic violence?
They can demand protected bike lanes, safe crossings, and truck restrictions. They can pass and enforce speed limiter laws. They can refuse to accept delay from city agencies.
How many people have been killed or injured in East Williamsburg since 2022?
Nine killed. Over 1,350 injured. The toll keeps rising.
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

Other Representatives

Maritza Davila
Assembly Member Maritza Davila
District 53
District Office:
673 Hart St. Unit C2, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Legislative Office:
Room 844, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Jennifer Gutiérrez
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez
District 34
District Office:
244 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-963-3141
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1747, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7095
Julia Salazar
State Senator Julia Salazar
District 18
District Office:
212 Evergreen Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11221
Legislative Office:
Room 514, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247

Traffic Safety Timeline for East Williamsburg

Int 1353-2025
Gutiérrez co-sponsors 60-day school traffic calming deadline, boosting safety.

Council bill sets a hard clock by schools. DOT must install approved calming or control devices within 60 days after its study, except major projects. Kids walk. Cars surge. Delay faces a limit.

Int 1353-2025 is in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced August 14, 2025, and referred the same day. Sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. The bill would “require the NYC Department of Transportation to complete installation of any necessary traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school, in no more than 60 days after DOT issues its traffic study determination.” It amends Administrative Code §19-188.2 by adding subdivision d. The mandate follows a DOT study and excludes devices installed as part of a “major transportation project” under §19-101.2. Faster fixes on school blocks. Fewer gaps where kids cross and wait.


Int 1353-2025
Gutiérrez co-sponsors deadlines for school-zone safety devices, improving street safety.

Sets a 60-day clock for DOT to install traffic calming or control on streets by schools once a study says yes. Exempts major projects. Students walk there. Delay leaves them in the path of cars.

Int 1353-2025 was introduced on August 14, 2025. Referred that day to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Status: in committee. It orders DOT to install any traffic calming or control device next to a school within 60 days of a study. Major transportation projects are exempt. The bill says: “the department shall complete the installation… by no later than 60 days.” Sponsors: Council Members Jennifer Gutiérrez, Farah N. Louis, and Lincoln Restler. Louis is the primary sponsor. The focus is school frontage, where children and caregivers move on foot.


Int 1353-2025
Gutiérrez co-sponsors faster installation of school traffic safety devices, boosting overall safety.

Int 1353-2025 forces DOT to move fast near schools. When a traffic study finds a calming or control device is needed, installation must finish within 60 days. The bill was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure committee on Aug. 14, 2025.

Int. No. 1353 (status: Committee) was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Aug. 14, 2025 (agenda and first vote listed Aug. 14, 2025). The matter is titled: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school." It was introduced by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and cosponsored by Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Farah N. Louis. The bill would "complete the installation... by no later than 60 days after the department issues such traffic study determination." It takes effect immediately.


4

  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834891 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834581 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Astoria Businesses Sue Over Bike Lane

Astoria shopkeepers fight a protected bike lane on 31st Street. They claim city plans threaten their business and public safety. The lawsuit lands in Queens Supreme Court. The city faces pushback, progress stalls.

NY1 reported on August 11, 2025, that over a dozen Astoria business owners filed suit to block a protected bike lane on 31st Street. The petition, lodged in Queens Supreme Court, claims the redesign from 36th Avenue to Newton Avenue would 'hurt their day-to-day operations and jeopardize public safety.' Owners accuse the city of acting in an 'arbitrary and capricious' way, moving forward despite objections. The case highlights ongoing tension between street safety projects and local business concerns. The outcome could shape future protected bike lane installations citywide.



  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834885 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Salazar Backs Safety Boosting Morgan Avenue Redesign Demands

Another pedestrian killed on Morgan Avenue. Three deaths in three years. Advocates rally. City stalls. No redesign. The street stays deadly. The call for change grows louder.

On August 7, 2025, Sophia Lebowitz and street safety advocates renewed demands for a Morgan Avenue redesign after a third pedestrian death in three years. Streetsblog NYC reports: 'renewing calls from advocates for the city to redesign the dangerous street.' Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez, State Sen. Julia Salazar, and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher back the push. Advocates want a protected bike lane, mid-block crossings, and safer loading zones. Despite meetings and official letters, the city has not acted. The safety analyst notes: advocacy alone brings no immediate safety change, but it could spark future improvements. The danger remains until the city moves.


Box Truck Strikes Pedestrian on Morgan Ave

A box truck hit a man on Morgan Avenue. The impact crushed his head. He died at the scene. The truck kept moving straight. No driver errors listed. The street claimed another life.

A 46-year-old man walking outside the intersection on Morgan Avenue was struck and killed by a southbound box truck. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered fatal head injuries and apparent death from crush injuries. The truck, registered in Tennessee and driven by a licensed man from Connecticut, showed no damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was engaged in 'other actions in roadway.' No helmet or signal issues are noted. The crash left one dead and others unhurt.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833207 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Unlicensed Driver Hits E-Biker, Flees Scene

A Nissan SUV struck a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. The rider flew to the pavement. The driver fled. The bike’s red light blinked in the dark. Police arrested the unlicensed driver two hours later. The rider remains critical.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-31) reports a 21-year-old unlicensed driver in a Nissan SUV struck a 65-year-old e-bike rider on Second Ave. near 15th St., leaving the cyclist with serious head trauma. The driver fled, drove on the sidewalk, and later took the SUV to a car wash. He confessed to police after turning himself in two hours later, saying he fled because he lacked a license. The article notes, 'He now faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious injury and driving without a license.' The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The crash highlights persistent dangers from unlicensed drivers and gaps in enforcement.


Sedan Strikes Cyclist on Grand and Leonard

A sedan hit a cyclist at Grand and Leonard. The cyclist suffered a head injury. Police cite vehicular factors. The crash left others shaken but not seriously hurt.

A sedan and a bike collided at Grand Street and Leonard Street in Brooklyn. The 27-year-old cyclist was injured, suffering a head wound and abrasion. According to the police report, 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed to the crash. The sedan's right front quarter panel was damaged. Two elderly sedan occupants and a witness were involved but not seriously hurt. The cyclist wore no safety equipment. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, but the primary cause remains vehicular.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832113 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Pedestrian Fractured Crossing Graham Avenue

A man crossing Graham Avenue suffered a fractured body when struck. The crash left him conscious but hurt. No driver errors listed. The street remains dangerous.

A 38-year-old man was injured while crossing Graham Avenue at Ten Eyck Walk in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered a fracture and dislocation to his entire body but remained conscious. The report does not specify the type of vehicle involved or list any contributing factors or driver errors. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk at the intersection. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832287 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Distracted Driver Strikes Pedestrian on Grand Street

A distracted driver hit a 53-year-old man crossing Grand Street. The crash broke his arm. The street stayed silent. Another body marked by inattention.

A 53-year-old pedestrian was struck and injured while crossing Grand Street at Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated upper arm. The crash occurred when a driver, listed as inattentive or distracted, hit the man at the intersection. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main contributing factor. No vehicle details or additional injuries were provided. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No mention of signals or safety equipment was made in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831769 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Unlicensed Driver Hits E-Biker, Flees Scene

A Nissan struck a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. The rider fell, hit his head, and lay critical as the red light blinked. The unlicensed driver fled. Police arrested him two hours later.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-30) reports a 21-year-old unlicensed driver hit a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. near 14th St., leaving the rider with serious head trauma. The driver fled, but police arrested him two hours later, charging him with "leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious injury and driving without a license." The crash shut down Second Ave. between 14th and 15th Streets. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The article highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers and the consequences of fleeing crash scenes.


SUV Driver Inattention Ejects Occupant on Broadway

A distracted SUV driver ejected a man from the vehicle on Broadway. The man, conscious but bruised, suffered injuries to his entire body. No damage to the SUV. Streets remain dangerous.

A man, age 56, was ejected and injured while riding on the outside of an SUV at 677 Broadway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. The man was conscious but suffered contusions and injuries to his entire body. The SUV, a 2022 Kia, showed no damage. The report lists no other contributing factors. No mention of helmet or signals. The crash highlights the risks when drivers lose focus.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832813 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
2
Sedan Strikes Cyclists on Meserole Street

A sedan hit two cyclists on Meserole Street. Both men were ejected and bruised. Police cite driver inattention. The crash left one with a head injury, the other with arm trauma.

Two male cyclists were injured when a sedan struck them on Meserole Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both riders were ejected from their bikes and suffered contusions—one to the head, the other to the arm. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No helmet use or signaling is mentioned as a factor. The sedan's center front end hit the bikes' rear ends. The crash underscores the danger inattentive drivers pose to people on bikes.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831218 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Cyclists Injured By Hidden String On Bridge

Thin string, nearly invisible, sliced at necks and faces. Cyclists struck crossing Marine Parkway Bridge. Injuries mount. No answers. Danger lingers. System fails to clear the path.

Gothamist (2025-07-25) reports multiple cyclists injured by string stretched across the Marine Parkway Bridge walkway. Victims described sudden pain and red marks. One cyclist landed in intensive care in June. The NYPD said no criminality was suspected and has not identified the source. The MTA forbids cycling on the path, but most riders do not dismount due to the narrow walkway. The article quotes Angel Montalvo: "I felt pain, but I didn't know what it was." The recurring hazard exposes gaps in bridge safety and enforcement, leaving vulnerable users at risk.


Sedan Hits Cyclist on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn

A sedan struck a cyclist merging on Humboldt Street. The cyclist suffered arm injuries. Police cite alcohol and unsafe lane change by the driver. Streets remain dangerous for those outside cars.

A sedan collided with a cyclist on Humboldt Street at Scholes Street in Brooklyn. The 32-year-old cyclist was injured, suffering abrasions and arm trauma. According to the police report, 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' were contributing factors. The sedan's front end was demolished. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but the report lists driver errors first. No other injuries were reported. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to cyclists from driver actions.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830174 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Driver Doing Donuts Kills Girlfriend

A car spun out in a Brooklyn lot. The driver lost control. Madisyn Ruiz, 21, died. Two boys hurt. Tire marks linger. The driver faces charges. The family mourns. The system failed to protect.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-15), Madisyn Ruiz, 21, was killed when her boyfriend, Zachary Cando, lost control of a 2023 Genesis G80 while 'doing donuts' in the Gateway Center parking lot. Ruiz was sitting by the curb when struck. Two nephews, ages 12 and 17, were also injured. Cando told police he 'lost control' during the stunt. He was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving. The article notes, 'Days later, circular tire tracks were still visible in the parking lot.' This crash highlights the dangers of reckless driving in public spaces and raises questions about parking lot safety and enforcement.


Motorcycle Passenger Ejected in Humboldt Street Crash

A distracted driver struck a motorcycle on Humboldt Street. A young woman passenger was ejected and injured. The crash left scars and questions in Brooklyn.

A crash on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn involved a sedan and a motorcycle. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. The motorcycle passenger, a 23-year-old woman, was ejected and suffered a leg injury. The motorcycle driver and another occupant were also involved. Both motorcycle occupants wore helmets, as listed in the report. The sedan was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The data highlights driver distraction as the key error.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828849 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18