Crash Count for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,492
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 1,229
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 219
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 12
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 6
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Aug 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park?

Park or Perish: Blood on Flushing Meadows’ Streets Demands Action Now

Park or Perish: Blood on Flushing Meadows’ Streets Demands Action Now

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 16, 2025

The Toll in the Park

The numbers do not lie. Since 2022, six people have died and 1,137 have been injured in crashes in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Ten of those injuries were serious. The dead include a 41-year-old man crushed on the Van Wyck, a 33-year-old woman struck on the Grand Central Parkway, and a 63-year-old woman thrown from her moped on Blossom Avenue. The park is ringed by highways. The danger is constant.

Buses jump curbs. Cars mount sidewalks. On July 11, an MTA bus in Flushing jumped the curb and smashed into a light pole and ticket machine, injuring eight. One rider described the chaos: “I was all the way in the back and all of a sudden the bus hit the curb, I guess, jumped the curb, I went this way and that way and banged into the side of the bus.” The driver, just 25, told investigators he misjudged the curb. Video later showed he had fallen asleep at the wheel. The MTA pulled him from service. The crash could have killed. It did not. This time.

Who Pays the Price

The most vulnerable bleed first. Pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders are struck by SUVs, trucks, and buses. In the last twelve months, 367 people were hurt and one killed in 449 crashes. The dead are not numbers. They are fathers, mothers, children. A woman on a moped, ejected and left bleeding. A man walking, crushed by a truck. A passenger, dead from a head wound after a sedan slammed a parked rig. The park is a magnet for families. The roads around it are a trap.

What Leaders Have Done—and Not Done

Senator John Liu has voted yes on bills to curb repeat speeders and extend school speed zones. He co-sponsored the Stop Super Speeders Act, which would force the worst offenders to install speed limiters. But the carnage continues. The city has the power to lower speed limits to 20 mph. It has not done so. The MTA pulls a driver after a crash, but the system that put him there remains. “It must be very devastating for the people that were on the bus,” said a bystander. The devastation is routine.

The Next Step Is Yours

This is not fate. These deaths are not accidents. They are the result of choices. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand real protection for people outside cars. The park should be a place for families, not funerals. The time to act is now.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Sam Berger
Assembly Member Sam Berger
District 27
District Office:
159-06 71st Ave., Flushing, NY 11365
Legislative Office:
Room 818, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
James F. Gennaro
Council Member James F. Gennaro
District 24
District Office:
185-10 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
718-217-4969
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1833, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6956
Twitter: JamesGennaro
John Liu
State Senator John Liu
District 16
District Office:
38-50 Bell Blvd. Suite C, Bayside, NY 11361
Legislative Office:
Room 915, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247

Help Fix the Problem.

This address sits in

Traffic Safety Timeline for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

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.



  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834822 - 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.


Sedans Collide on Shea Road, Passengers Hurt

Two sedans crashed on Shea Road. Six people injured, including two children. Police cite failure to yield and driver inattention. Impact hit front ends. Pain, bruises, and chest injuries reported.

Two sedans collided at Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens. Six people were injured, including two 13-year-old boys with chest injuries and a 57-year-old woman with leg trauma. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' Both vehicles suffered front-end damage. Passengers and drivers reported pain, bruises, and other injuries. Air bags deployed in several positions. The police report lists driver errors as the main contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834163 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Sedans Collide on Grand Central Parkway

Two sedans crashed head-on in Queens. One driver, a 22-year-old woman, suffered leg injuries. No clear cause named. Metal twisted. Sirens followed.

Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a 22-year-old female driver was injured, suffering abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. Three other occupants, including both drivers, were listed with unspecified injuries. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before impact, with damage to the front and rear ends. No driver errors or external factors were identified in the data.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834198 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Liu Criticizes Federal Funding Cut Undermining Flood Protection

Floods drowned Bay Terrace. Streets vanished. Leaders demand signs and real fixes. Pedestrians and cyclists still face danger. Signs warn, but water keeps coming.

"Just as Queens was about to get hundreds of millions of dollars in the federal infrastructure plan to address some of the severe flooding issues right here in Queens, the Trump administration yanked it, revoked that funding, and this is what we’re going to have to be faced with even more." -- John Liu

On August 8, 2025, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Council Member Vickie Paladino, joined by State Sen. John Liu and others, called for flood-related street signage and storm mitigation in Bay Terrace. They urged the Department of Transportation to act after flash floods submerged the Cross Island Parkway. The matter, described as a 'call for flood-related street signage and storm mitigation efforts,' saw Richards call signage a 'small step' and Paladino stress the need for warnings. The safety analyst notes these efforts may help general conditions but do not address the core safety needs of pedestrians and cyclists or shift burdens away from vulnerable users.


Distracted Drivers Collide on Grand Central Parkway

A pickup and sedan crashed on Grand Central Parkway. One passenger suffered internal injuries. Police cite driver inattention. Impact struck front and rear bumpers. System failed to protect those inside.

A pickup truck and a sedan collided on Grand Central Parkway near Jewel Avenue. A 28-year-old female passenger suffered internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. The crash involved both vehicles traveling straight, with the pickup striking the sedan's rear. Both drivers and other occupants were listed as uninjured. The report highlights driver inattention as the primary cause.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832581 - 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.


John Liu Endorses Safety Boosting 14th Street Redesign Plan

City and business leaders back a $3 million study to overhaul 14th Street. The plan aims to carve out space for walkers, bikers, and buses. Cars lose ground. Streets grow safer. The city bets on change.

On July 29, 2025, Christopher Bonanos reported a sweeping proposal to remake 14th Street. No council bill number or committee is listed. The Adams administration, local BIDs, and the NYC Economic Development Corporation pledged $3 million for a 24-month study. The plan, described as 'transformative' and 'generational,' aims to create a 'complete street' for pedestrians, cyclists, delivery workers, and transit. Mayor Eric Adams and city officials support the move. According to safety analysts, such overhauls, especially when led by city and business groups, often yield safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.


Sedan Strikes Pedestrian on Northern Blvd

A sedan hit a 24-year-old man in the crosswalk. The car’s driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a leg injury. The street stayed busy. The system failed to protect him.

A sedan traveling west on Northern Blvd struck a 24-year-old pedestrian at the intersection with Seaver Way. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered a contusion to his lower leg and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and making a right turn at the time of the crash. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
SUV Strikes Motorcycle on Grand Central Parkway

SUV and motorcycle collided on Grand Central Parkway. One rider suffered crush injuries. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe lane change. Metal and flesh met at speed. The system failed to protect.

A crash on Grand Central Parkway involved a motorcycle and an SUV. One person, a 33-year-old motorcycle driver, sustained crush injuries to the entire body. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' contributed to the collision. The SUV was changing lanes while the motorcycle traveled straight. No pedestrians were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors before driver errors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828821 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
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.


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.


3
Rear-End Crash Injures Three on Van Wyck Exit

A sedan slammed into another car’s rear on Van Wyck Expressway. Three passengers, including a baby, suffered injuries. Police cite following too closely as the cause.

A sedan rear-ended another vehicle on the Van Wyck Expressway northbound exit 10, near Jackie Robinson Parkway. Three passengers were injured: a 71-year-old woman, a baby boy, and a 34-year-old woman driving. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Following Too Closely.' The impact struck the center back end of the lead car. All injured persons were in shock, and one suffered a neck injury. The report lists no other contributing factors. The data shows the danger of tailgating on city expressways.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830322 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Int 0857-2024
Gennaro votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.


Int 0857-2024
Moya votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.


2
Distracted Drivers Collide on Grand Central Parkway

Two sedans crashed on Grand Central Parkway. Both drivers injured. Police cite driver distraction. Metal and glass. Chest and back pain. No pedestrians. The system failed again.

Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. Both drivers, a 41-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man, suffered injuries—one with chest contusions, the other with back whiplash. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' caused the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both vehicles were traveling west; one was going straight, the other turning right. The report lists no other contributing factors. The crash left two people hurt and exposed the danger of distraction behind the wheel.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824325 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
SUV Rear-Ended on Grand Central Parkway

SUV struck from behind on Grand Central Parkway. Rear passenger injured. No driver errors listed. Crash left one man hurt, others shaken.

A crash on Grand Central Parkway involved a sedan and an SUV. According to the police report, the SUV was hit in the left rear bumper. A 47-year-old male passenger in the SUV suffered whiplash and injuries to his entire body. Other occupants, including the driver and another passenger, were not reported injured. No driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. All involved wore lap belts and harnesses. The impact left one man hurt, but the report gives no further details on the cause.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Distracted Driver Slams Sedan Into SUV On Parkway

A sedan struck an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Two men hurt. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. Pain, whiplash, chaos in Queens. Metal and bodies took the blow.

A sedan crashed into the back of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway near Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. Two men, aged 25 and 28, suffered injuries—one with neck pain, the other with pain across his body. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' caused the crash. The impact hit the center front of the sedan and the center rear of the SUV. Passengers and drivers bore the brunt. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825919 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18
Taxi and Sedan Collide on Expressway in Queens

Taxi and sedan slammed front to front on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered neck injury. Passengers shaken. Police list no clear cause.

A taxi and a sedan crashed head-on at the center front ends on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver suffered a neck injury, described as whiplash. A 35-year-old female passenger and two other occupants were listed with unspecified injuries. Both vehicles were traveling east. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed in the data. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18