Crash Count for Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,436
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 776
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 142
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 6
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 10
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Aug 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway?

Astoria (North)–Ditmars: Three Dead at Daybreak

Astoria (North)–Ditmars: Three Dead at Daybreak

Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway: Jan 1, 2022 - Aug 16, 2025

This Week on 19th Avenue

On 2025-08-12 three people died at 19th Avenue and 42nd Street. An 84‑year‑old driver jumped the curb, struck a food truck and died at the scene. amNY identified the two pedestrians killed as 41‑year‑old Joaquin Venancio‑Mendez and 70‑year‑old Santiago Baires (https://www.amny.com/new-york/queens/carnage-queens-senior-driver-stroke-crash/).

This corner is not a surprise. The city’s crash data flags the corridor as a hotspot. Morning is the killing hour: the 8:00 a.m. slot shows the most deaths in this neighborhood. Since 2022, Astoria (North)–Ditmars–Steinway has logged 1,436 crashes, 10 deaths, 6 serious injuries and 776 injured (NYC Open Data: https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Public-Safety/Motor-Vehicle-Collisions-Crashes/h9gi-nx95).

A Pattern, Not a Fluke

The hits stack up. Grand Central Parkway and 42nd Street register repeated harm. Ditmars Boulevard shows a steady toll. The city’s own categories list “other” as the leading contributing factor in fatal crashes here — the data does not hide the pattern.

Passenger vehicles — cars and SUVs — account for most pedestrian impacts in these counts.

What Leaders Did — And Didn’t

Council Member Tiffany Cabán urged faster safety work and backed daylighting and Sammy’s Law implementation after the crash (Streetsblog: https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/08/12/speeding-senior-kills-self-and-two-pedestrians-in-astoria). She co‑sponsored Int. 1353‑2025, which would require DOT to finish school‑area traffic devices within 60 days of a study determination (NYC Council Legistar: https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Legislation.aspx). DOT says it will defend the 31st Street safety redesign in court (Streetsblog: https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/08/08/dot-stands-by-astoria-safety-project-despite-foes-anti-bike-lawsuit).

At the state level, senators on committee voted to require intelligent speed‑assistance devices for habitual violators (S4045 — Open States: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4045).

Fix What We Know Is Broken

These are concrete, local fixes that match the data:

  • Make 19th Ave & 42nd St safe now: universal daylighting at corners and lead pedestrian intervals at signals.
  • On Ditmars and 31st: install protected bike lanes and left‑turn calming (hardened turns, curb extensions).
  • On Grand Central Parkway service roads and entries: add targeted lighting, slow the approaches, and place physical channeling to stop curb hops.

Do this where crashes repeat. Repeat hotspots need repeat fixes.

Citywide Political Solutions

Local fixes matter. So do citywide rules. Use Sammy’s Law to set a 20 mph default across New York City. Require intelligent speed‑assistance (speed‑limiters) for habitual speeders — the state S4045 proposals move in this direction. Push for both: slower default speeds plus tech that prevents repeat offenders from killing.

Act Now

Call your council member and state senator. Demand a 20 mph default, speedy installation of the 31st Street plan, and required speed‑limiters for repeat violators. Push DOT to build, not study. Start here: /take_action/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway sit politically?
This neighborhood sits in borough Queens, community board Queens CB1, city council District 22, assembly AD 34, and state senate SD 11.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway?

From 2022 through Aug. 16, 2025, the roll‑up shows:

  • Cars and Trucks: 3 deaths and 84 injuries, across 87 pedestrian impacts.
  • Motorcycles and Mopeds: 0 deaths and 6 injuries, across 6 impacts.
  • Bikes: 0 deaths and 4 injuries, across 4 impacts.
    Source: NYC Open Data.
Are these just “accidents”?
No. The harms repeat at the same hours and the same streets. The 8 a.m. hour has the most deaths, and hotspots include Grand Central Parkway, 42nd Street, and Ditmars Boulevard (NYC Open Data). Leaders here have already called for 20 mph limits and daylighting — steps aimed at preventing the next hit Streetsblog.
What can local politicians do right now?
  1. Use Sammy’s Law to set a 20 mph default citywide Streetsblog. 2) Push DOT to build the 31st Street safety project now [Streetsblog](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/08/08/dot-stands-by-astoria-safety-project-despite-foes-anti-bik e-lawsuit). 3) Pass speed‑limiters for repeat violators — S4045 — already supported by our senators Open States. 4) Enact and enforce fast timelines for school‑area fixes via Int. 1353‑2025 Legistar.
What happened this week in the neighborhood?
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, a driver went over the curb at 19th Ave and 42nd St, striking a food truck and killing two men; the driver died as well amNY. An eyewitness said, “I have never seen anything like this” amNY.
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

Jessica González-Rojas
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas
District 34
District Office:
75-35 31st Ave. Suite 206B (2nd Floor), East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Legislative Office:
Room 654, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Tiffany Cabán
Council Member Tiffany Cabán
District 22
District Office:
30-83 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11102
718-274-4500
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1778, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6969
Twitter: TiffanyCaban
Toby Stavisky
State Senator Toby Stavisky
District 11
District Office:
134-01 20th Avenue 2nd Floor, College Point, NY 11356
Legislative Office:
Room 913, Legislative Office Building 188 State St., Albany, NY 12247

Help Fix the Problem.

This address sits in

Traffic Safety Timeline for Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway

Int 1353-2025
Cabán 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.


Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK

A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.

Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.


3

  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834594 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Cabán Supports Safety Boosting Sammy’s Law and Daylighting

A speeding driver killed himself and two pedestrians in Astoria. Politicians demand lower speed limits, protected lanes, and daylighting. Slower speeds save lives. The city holds the power. Action is overdue.

""I also strongly support the 31st Street Safety Plan, Council Member [Julie] Won’s Universal Daylighting legislation, and the full implementation of Sammy’s Law and other traffic calming measures,"" -- Tiffany Cabán

On August 12, 2025, after a deadly Astoria crash, Council Member Tiffany Caban, Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, and Zohran Mamdani called for urgent street safety reforms. Caban demanded a 20 mph limit, protected bike lanes, and universal daylighting. Mamdani backed Sammy’s Law and curbs on car traffic near schools. Transportation Alternatives urged the city to use its new authority to lower speed limits, stating, "Slower speeds are proven to reduce crashes dramatically." Safety analysts confirm: lowering limits cuts crash severity and frequency, protecting pedestrians and cyclists without burdening them. No bill was filed, but the call is clear—speed kills, and the city can stop it.


González-Rojas Supports Safety-Boosting 20 MPH Speed Limit

A speeding driver killed himself and two pedestrians in Astoria. Politicians demand lower speed limits, protected lanes, and daylighting. Slower speeds save lives. The city holds the power. Action is overdue.

On August 12, 2025, after a deadly Astoria crash, Council Member Tiffany Caban, Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, and Zohran Mamdani called for urgent street safety reforms. Caban demanded a 20 mph limit, protected bike lanes, and universal daylighting. Mamdani backed Sammy’s Law and curbs on car traffic near schools. Transportation Alternatives urged the city to use its new authority to lower speed limits, stating, "Slower speeds are proven to reduce crashes dramatically." Safety analysts confirm: lowering limits cuts crash severity and frequency, protecting pedestrians and cyclists without burdening them. No bill was filed, but the call is clear—speed kills, and the city can stop it.


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.


González-Rojas Backs Safety-Boosting Astoria Protected Bike Lanes

DOT stands firm on Astoria’s protected bike lanes. Businesses sue. Misinformation clouds facts. Cyclists and pedestrians face delay. Safety waits while lawsuits drag on.

On August 8, 2025, the Department of Transportation reaffirmed its commitment to protected bike lanes and traffic calming on 31st Street in Astoria, despite a lawsuit from local businesses. The project, not tied to a council bill or committee, aims to cut injuries on a deadly corridor. DOT spokesman Will Livingston said, “We stand firmly behind this project and will defend our work in court.” Council Member Tiffany Caban, Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas backed the redesign in June. The safety analyst warns: opposition and misinformation from businesses can stall proven safety measures, putting vulnerable road users at risk.


Gianaris Backs Safety Boosting Fix the MTA Act

Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.

On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.


SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 24 Ave in Queens

A motorcycle and SUV crashed at 24 Ave and 27 St. One rider suffered arm injuries. Police cite traffic control ignored and improper lane use. The street saw pain and shock. Metal met flesh. The system failed.

A motorcycle and an SUV collided at 24 Ave and 27 St in Queens. One motorcycle rider, age 32, suffered arm injuries and shock. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' Both vehicles had licensed drivers. The injured motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the main factors listed were driver errors. The crash left pain and confusion in its wake.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832133 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street

A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.

According to the New York Post (2025-08-01), a 23-year-old man died after being run over on 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. The article reports, "Sonalall approached the driver's side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun, startling the motorist, who then drove off, striking Sonalall." The Queens District Attorney's Office did not charge the driver, citing fear for his life. The incident highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used in moments of conflict. No charges were filed, raising questions about how self-defense is interpreted in car-related deaths.


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.


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 Ignores Signal, Strikes Cyclist on 20th Ave

SUV plowed into a cyclist on 20th Ave. The rider, a 36-year-old woman, suffered pain and shock. Police cite traffic control ignored and failure to yield. System failed the vulnerable again.

A station wagon/SUV traveling north on 20th Ave struck a 36-year-old woman riding east on a bike. She was injured, reporting pain and shock. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The cyclist wore a helmet, but driver errors came first. Two vehicle occupants were also involved, but their injuries were unspecified. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore signals and fail to yield to those most at risk.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828482 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
2
Improper Turn SUV Crash Injures Two Drivers

Two SUVs collided at 21st Street and 21st Avenue. Both drivers suffered neck injuries. Police cite improper turning. Metal and glass, sudden pain, sirens in Queens.

Two station wagons collided at the intersection of 21st Street and 21st Avenue in Queens. Both male drivers, aged 48 and 54, were injured with neck trauma. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Turning Improperly.' Both vehicles suffered front-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. Helmet use or signaling is not mentioned.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828532 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Unsafe Lane Change Injures Three on Parkway

SUVs tangled on Grand Central Parkway. Three passengers hurt. Back, neck, head injuries. Unsafe lane changes listed. Metal twisted. Pain followed.

On Grand Central Parkway in Queens, two SUVs collided while changing lanes. Three passengers, all women, suffered injuries to the back, neck, and head. According to the police report, 'Unsafe Lane Changing' was the main contributing factor. The crash left one passenger in shock. No other contributing factors were listed before driver error. The impact damaged bumpers and doors, leaving pain and confusion in its wake.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827113 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Improper Lane Use Injures Motorcyclist on Crescent

A pick-up and motorcycle collided on Crescent Street. The motorcyclist was thrown, arm fractured. Police cite improper lane use by both drivers. Steel met flesh. The street stayed hard.

A pick-up truck and a motorcycle crashed on Crescent Street at Hoyt Avenue North in Queens. The 39-year-old male motorcyclist was partially ejected and suffered a fractured arm. According to the police report, both drivers engaged in 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' The motorcyclist wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to stay in their lanes. The impact left one man hurt and the street marked by violence.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
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.


Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train

A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.

According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.


SUV Ignores Signal, Moped Driver Killed in Queens

SUV ran the light on 37th Street. Moped driver ejected, killed. Police cite traffic control ignored, driver distraction. One dead, others shaken. Metal and flesh, torn by carelessness.

A deadly crash unfolded on 37th Street at 23rd Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV and a moped collided. The 39-year-old moped driver was ejected and killed, suffering head injuries. Police list 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The SUV driver and a passenger, ages 22 and 21, were also involved but not seriously hurt. The moped driver wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No pedestrians were struck. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when drivers ignore signals and lose focus.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825812 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash

City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.