Crash Count for Midwood
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 864
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 579
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 123
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 9
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 4
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Aug 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Midwood?

Midwood’s Streets Run Red—Who Will Stop the Killing?

Midwood’s Streets Run Red—Who Will Stop the Killing?

Midwood: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 4, 2025

The Blood on the Asphalt

A boy, age five, struck dead by a sedan turning right. A 73-year-old woman, crossing with the signal, killed by an SUV. A cyclist, 47, thrown from his bike, dies on Avenue O. In three years, four people have died on Midwood’s streets. Six more suffered serious injuries. The numbers are small until it is your mother, your son, your friend.

In the last twelve months alone, 170 people were hurt in 221 crashes. Four were left with injuries so grave they may never walk the same. The young are not spared. Thirteen children injured, two with wounds called “serious” by the city’s cold ledger. The old are not spared. One woman, age 65, did not come home.

The System Fails, the Families Pay

The carnage is not random. SUVs and sedans do most of the killing. In the last three years, cars and trucks took three lives and left dozens with broken bodies. One crash in April 2025 left a family scarred, a mother and two daughters dead, and a survivor who described ongoing back pain and fears of another accident.

The driver had 93 violations, $10,000 in unpaid fines, and a suspended license. She was still behind the wheel. The city let her stay there. The law let her stay there. The system let her stay there.

Leadership: Words, Laws, and Waiting

Local leaders talk about Vision Zero. They talk about speed cameras, lower limits, and safer streets. But in Midwood, the deaths keep coming. The city has the power to lower speed limits to 20 mph. It has not used it. The state lets speed cameras go dark unless Albany acts. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program lapsed. No one in power moves fast enough for the dead.

What Next: Demand Action, Not Excuses

Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand speed cameras stay on. Demand the city use every tool it has.

Every day of delay is another day someone does not come home. The blood is on the street. It does not wash away.

Citations

Citations

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

Simcha Felder

District 44

Sam Sutton
State Senator Sam Sutton
District 22

Traffic Safety Timeline for Midwood

Int 1347-2025
Louis co-sponsors unlicensed commuter van crackdown, worsening overall street safety.

Council introduces Int 1347-2025 to curb rogue commuter vans. TLC, NYPD, and DOT must keep a safety checklist. Officers who spot an unlicensed van stack every charge and levy max fines. A push to shield riders and people on the street.

Int 1347-2025 is in Committee. It sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction and referral on August 14, 2025. The bill’s title reads, “A Local Law … in relation to enforcing violations against unlicensed commuter vans.” It orders TLC, with NYPD and DOT, to maintain a checklist of laws on vehicle and driver licensure, service authorization, insurance, and inspections. When an officer stops an unlicensed van, they must review the list and issue the maximum penalty for each violation. Primary sponsor Nantasha M. Williams is joined by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Mercedes Narcisse, Chris Banks, and Farah N. Louis. The aim is to protect riders and bystanders from unlicensed operators who skip the rules.


Int 1353-2025
Louis is primary sponsor requiring timely school-zone traffic devices, boosting 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
Louis sponsors 60-day school-zone traffic calming mandate, improving 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.


Cyclist Injured in Avenue J Collision with Sedan

A 72-year-old cyclist suffered bruises after a crash with a sedan on Avenue J. Both vehicles moved east. Police cite confusion as a factor. No other injuries reported.

A 72-year-old man riding a bike was injured in a crash with a sedan on Avenue J at E 16 St in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling east when the collision occurred. The cyclist sustained a contusion. The sedan carried a 54-year-old male driver and a 75-year-old female passenger; neither was injured. Police list 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The cyclist wore a helmet. No other injuries or vehicle damage were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Cyclist Hits Elderly Pedestrian at Ocean Ave

A cyclist struck a 71-year-old woman crossing with the signal. Both were hurt. The crash left the pedestrian in pain and the cyclist with a leg wound. Unsafe speed and failure to yield fueled the impact.

A man riding a bike north on Ocean Avenue struck a 71-year-old woman as she crossed the intersection with the signal. According to the police report, both the cyclist and pedestrian were injured. The pedestrian suffered pain across her body; the cyclist had abrasions to his leg. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The cyclist held a permit. No vehicle damage was reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833230 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Unlicensed Moped Driver Injured in Bedford Avenue Crash

A moped and sedan collided on Bedford Avenue. The unlicensed moped driver suffered a leg injury. Both vehicles took damage. Police list contributing factors as unspecified.

A moped and a sedan crashed at Bedford Avenue and Avenue N in Brooklyn. The moped driver, age 33, was injured in the leg. According to the police report, the moped driver was unlicensed. Both vehicles were damaged at the front. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other injuries were reported. The moped driver wore a helmet, as noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
SUV Strikes Elderly Pedestrian on Avenue N

SUV turned right on Avenue N. Driver distracted. Hit 67-year-old woman crossing with signal. Head injury. Brooklyn street, late morning. Steel against flesh.

A 67-year-old woman was struck and injured by an SUV while crossing Avenue N in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver, making a right turn, failed to notice her due to inattention and distraction. The impact caused a head contusion. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The driver was licensed and remained uninjured. The crash highlights the danger faced by pedestrians even when following signals.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833223 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Sedan Driver Distracted, Cyclist Injured on Avenue J

A distracted sedan driver struck a cyclist on Avenue J. The cyclist was thrown, bruised, and hurt. Police cite inattention and other vehicular factors. Streets remain dangerous for those outside cars.

A sedan and a bike collided on Avenue J at E 14 Street in Brooklyn. The crash left a 39-year-old male cyclist injured with arm bruises after being partially ejected. According to the police report, 'Other Vehicular' factors and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The sedan carried two male occupants, ages 48 and 17, who were not seriously hurt. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but the report lists driver inattention and other vehicular factors as the primary causes. No blame is placed on the injured cyclist. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831233 - 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.


SUV Turns, Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

SUV hit a woman crossing Ocean Ave with the signal. She took the blow in her back. The driver failed to yield and turned improperly. The street stayed loud. She lay in shock.

A 34-year-old woman was injured when an SUV struck her as she crossed Ocean Ave at Avenue O in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver made a right turn and hit her, causing back injuries and internal complaints. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as driver errors. The woman was left in shock at the intersection. No other contributing factors were cited.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828754 - 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.


Grocer Beaten With Pipe In Brooklyn

A delivery worker stopped on Lincoln Ave. A driver clipped his open door. Words turned to blows. The driver pulled a pipe, struck hard, then fled. The worker went to the hospital. Police seek the attacker.

NY Daily News (2025-07-12) reports a 36-year-old grocery delivery worker was attacked on Lincoln Ave. in Cypress Hills after a driver struck his open car door. The two argued. The driver "opened his hatchback, pulled out a pipe, and lunged at the victim, striking him repeatedly." The attacker fled. Police released images of the suspect. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the dangers faced by workers on city streets and the potential for minor collisions to escalate into violence.


Sedan Strikes Toddler Crossing East 18th

A sedan hit a three-year-old crossing East 18th. The child suffered crush injuries. Police cite driver inattention. The street saw pain and chaos. Metal met flesh. The city failed to shield its smallest walker.

A sedan traveling south on East 18th Street in Brooklyn struck a three-year-old pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk. The child sustained crush injuries to the entire body and was reported conscious at the scene. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as the contributing factor. The driver and two other occupants were not seriously hurt. The crash underscores the danger faced by pedestrians, especially children, when drivers lose focus behind the wheel.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827091 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
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 Bike Lane Change

A judge cleared the city to strip protection from Bedford Avenue’s bike lane. Cyclists will ride exposed. Cars will pass inches away. The barrier falls. Risk rises.

NY1 reported on July 9, 2025, that a judge ruled the city may remove parking protection from part of Bedford Avenue’s bike lane. The article states, "The city can proceed with its controversial plan to convert part of a parking-protected bike lane...back into an unprotected one." The lawsuit, brought by Transportation Alternatives and local residents, challenged the city’s move. The decision highlights a policy shift: removing barriers that shield cyclists from traffic. Without protection, riders face direct exposure to moving vehicles, increasing systemic danger for vulnerable road users.


Hit-And-Run Drivers Strike Brooklyn, Bronx

A man crossing near Broadway Junction died after a gray Ford hit him. The driver fled. Hours later, a Mustang plowed into six in the Bronx. Both drivers vanished. The city counts 55 pedestrian deaths this year.

NY Daily News (2025-07-04) reports a 36-year-old man was killed crossing Broadway and East New York Ave. in Brooklyn when a gray Ford struck him and fled. Hours later, a Ford Mustang hit six people in the Bronx, then the driver and passenger ran off. The article notes, 'It was the second hit-and-run in the five boroughs in 24 hours.' Police said, 'As of Thursday, 55 pedestrians have been killed by vehicles while crossing city streets.' Both drivers remain at large. The incidents highlight persistent dangers for pedestrians and the ongoing problem of drivers fleeing crash scenes.


Motorcyclist Killed On Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

A rider lost control near Emerson Place. He struck the median. Thrown from his bike, he died at the hospital. The crash shut down the westbound lanes. The city’s roads claimed another life.

NY Daily News (2025-07-03) reports a 55-year-old motorcyclist died after losing control on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway near Emerson Place. Police said he was 'zipping west' on a Kawasaki KLR650 when he hit the concrete median and was thrown onto the road. Medics took him to Brookdale University Hospital, where he died. The crash closed part of the expressway for investigation. The article highlights the dangers of high-speed expressways and unforgiving road design.


2
Box Truck and SUV Crash Injures Three in Brooklyn

Box truck and SUV collided on Avenue P. Three men hurt. Chest, neck, and back injuries. Night air thick with sirens. Steel met steel. Pain followed.

A box truck and an SUV crashed at 1815 Avenue P in Brooklyn. Three men, all vehicle occupants, suffered injuries to the chest, neck, and back. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight ahead before impact. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed. All injured persons were conscious after the crash. No mention of helmet or signal use as a factor. The collision left three men with pain and bruises, underscoring the danger at this intersection.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827088 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Faces Review

A judge paused city plans to cut a protected bike lane after children were struck crossing. The lane, built after five pedestrian crashes, stays for now. Streets wait. Danger lingers.

NY1 reported on July 1, 2025, that a judge halted the city's move to remove a three-block section of the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane. The city acted after 'incidents of children exiting school buses, crossing into the lane, and being hit by bikes.' The lane, stretching over two miles, was installed in 2024 following 'years of advocacy and five pedestrian incidents.' The hearing highlights ongoing conflict between street safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and the city's rapid policy shifts in response to crashes.