Williamsburg Bleeds While City Hall Turns Back

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A 26-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries after colliding with a parked sedan on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The e-bike struck the left side doors of the sedan. The rider was conscious but bruised and injured.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike traveling northeast collided with a parked 2017 Toyota sedan on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The e-bike struck the left side doors of the sedan, causing the rider to be ejected and sustain head injuries, including contusions and bruises. The bicyclist was conscious at the scene. The sedan was occupied by two males and was stationary before the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not identify any driver errors or violations by the sedan driver. No safety equipment was used by the bicyclist. The impact point was the center front end of the e-bike and the left side doors of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628439 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 27-year-old man was injured in Brooklyn while getting on or off a vehicle away from an intersection. The taxi driver was inattentive and distracted. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn near 416 Kent Avenue. The pedestrian was getting on or off a vehicle other than a school bus, not at an intersection, when struck by a northbound taxi. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The taxi showed no vehicle damage and had no occupants at the time. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628146 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 29-year-old male bicyclist was injured when an SUV failed to yield and passed too closely in Brooklyn. The e-bike hit the SUV’s right side doors. The rider suffered bruises and leg injuries but was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred in Brooklyn at North 7 Street where a station wagon/SUV and an e-bike were both traveling west. The SUV struck the e-bike on its right side doors. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old man, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Passing Too Closely. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet (motorcycle type) but was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV showed no damage despite the impact. The crash highlights driver mistakes that endangered the vulnerable bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628067 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A speeding SUV hit two parked SUVs on South 5 Street. Three passengers suffered neck bruises. The crash tore bumpers and left metal twisted. Unsafe speed drove the impact. All victims stayed conscious.

According to the police report, a Hyundai SUV traveling west on South 5 Street in Brooklyn struck two parked SUVs. Three occupants in the moving vehicle, including a 19-year-old male driver and two female passengers aged 22 and 25, suffered neck contusions. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The collision damaged the front end of the moving SUV and the rear bumpers of the parked vehicles. All injured parties remained conscious and were not ejected. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling issues.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 43-year-old man riding an e-scooter was ejected and injured on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot. The crash involved a reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. The driver remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured and ejected on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. He sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s response to another vehicle not directly involved in the crash. The driver was going straight ahead and was wearing a helmet. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The crash caused unspecified vehicle damage and impact to an unspecified point on the e-scooter.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan struck a bicyclist traveling west on South 4 Street. The cyclist was ejected and suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver was distracted, hitting the bike’s front with the car’s right rear bumper.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided on South 4 Street near Havemeyer Street. The bicyclist, a 58-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver of the sedan was traveling west and struck the bike with the car’s right rear bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash caused damage to the right rear bumper of the sedan and the front end of the bicycle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626970 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 54-year-old female bicyclist was partially ejected and suffered a head injury on Kent Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and following too closely. The rider wore a helmet but was left incoherent at the scene.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female bicyclist traveling south on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn was partially ejected during a crash. She sustained a head injury and was incoherent at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no visible damage was reported to the bike. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving and close following distances in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627362 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

City will cut car lanes, add protected bike lanes, and shorten crosswalks on McGuinness Boulevard. The redesign follows deadly crashes and strong advocacy. Officials call it transformative. DOT claims similar changes cut deaths and injuries by 30 percent.

On May 3, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a major redesign for McGuinness Boulevard in north Brooklyn. The plan, presented to Community Board 1's Transportation Committee, will remove a car lane in each direction and install protected bike lanes along a 1.1-mile stretch from Meeker Avenue to the Pulaski Bridge. The official summary states the overhaul will 'reconfigure the 1.1-mile stretch... following advocacy for safety upgrades after multiple deaths.' Council Member Lincoln Restler and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher praised the plan, calling it 'transformative' and pledging support. DOT statistics show similar road diets reduce deaths and serious injuries by 30 percent. The redesign includes shorter crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and new loading zones. This action responds to a history of crashes and the 2021 hit-and-run killing of teacher Matthew Jensen.

• EXCLU: McGuinness Blvd. to Go On Road Diet for Protected Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-03

A driver killed Katherine Harris on Atlantic Avenue. Politicians demand mid-block crossings, daylighted intersections, and curb extensions. They call the street a speedway. They blame city inaction. They vow to push for changes. The city promises only to study.

On May 1, 2023, after the death of Katherine Harris, Brooklyn Heights Council Member Lincoln Restler and State Senator Andrew Gounardes called for urgent safety fixes on Atlantic Avenue. At a rally, Restler said, "It is wrong how deadly this strip is." The officials demand mid-block crossings, daylighted intersections, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, and safer pedestrian space near BQE ramps. Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized city resistance to reallocating street space, saying, "They drag their feet because they don’t want to do the inevitable." The Department of Transportation has agreed only to study new crosswalks. The bill is not yet formal legislation but marks a push for action after years of delay. No safety analyst assessment is available.

• In Wake of Death, Pols Want Mid-Block Crossings, Safer Atlantic Ave., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-01

A sedan hit a westbound e-bike head-on in Brooklyn. The 27-year-old rider flew off, bleeding from the face. He lay conscious on the street. The car’s rear panel crumpled. Driver inattention and failure to yield marked the crash.

A sedan traveling south on Roebling Street struck a westbound e-bike head-on near South 4th Street in Brooklyn. The 27-year-old e-bike rider was ejected and suffered severe facial bleeding, but remained conscious on the pavement. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' were listed as contributing factors. The sedan’s left rear quarter panel was damaged. The report notes the e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, but this was not listed as a cause. No injuries were reported for the sedan’s occupants. The crash underscores the danger posed by driver distraction and failure to yield on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624364 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 42-year-old cyclist crashed on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered facial abrasions. No other vehicles involved. No driver errors listed. The rider was conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male cyclist was injured while traveling north on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered abrasions to his face. The crash involved only his bike, which was damaged at the center front end. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The cyclist was conscious after the crash. No other vehicles or people were involved. The police report notes the cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but does not list this as a contributing factor. The injury was moderate.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625527 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan passed too close on Metropolitan Avenue. The car struck a 32-year-old woman on a bike. She suffered arm and shoulder injuries. Whiplash followed. The driver’s action caused the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn passed too closely to a 32-year-old female bicyclist who was slowing or stopping near Marcy Avenue. The sedan’s right front bumper struck the cyclist. She sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries and complained of whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as the primary contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623439 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 29-year-old man riding a motorcycle on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway was injured in a crash. The driver, unlicensed and helmeted, suffered abrasions and leg injuries. The collision involved a vehicle changing lanes. Following too closely was a factor.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male motorcyclist traveling south on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway collided with a vehicle that was changing lanes. The motorcyclist, who was the sole occupant and wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor. The motorcyclist was unlicensed at the time of the crash. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the motorcycle and the right front quarter panel of the other vehicle, which sustained no damage. The motorcyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624216 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan turning right struck a 15-year-old e-biker traveling east on Borinquen Place in Brooklyn. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was distracted at the moment of impact.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn on Borinquen Place in Brooklyn collided with an eastbound e-bike driven by a 15-year-old boy. The bicyclist was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan struck the e-bike on its right side doors, impacting the center front end of the bike. The e-biker was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while turning led to the collision. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619143 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 46-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured on Broadway in Brooklyn. The crash involved disregarding traffic control and unsafe speed. The rider suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm despite wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on Broadway in Brooklyn crashed, ejecting its 46-year-old male driver. The rider sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the crash. The motorcycle's point of impact was the center front end, with damage to the right front bumper. The driver was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The driver was conscious but injured, and the crash resulted in significant bodily harm. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved according to the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619142 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Brooklyn’s Age-Friendly Task Force released ten sharp recommendations. The focus: safer sidewalks, better bus driver training, and more housing for older adults. Council Member Crystal Hudson backed the push. The plan aims to cut danger for Brooklyn’s aging population.

On March 27, 2023, the Age-Friendly Brooklyn Task Force released ten policy recommendations to make Brooklyn safer and more inclusive for its 352,000 residents aged 65 and older. The initiative, supported by Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the City Council Committee on Aging, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, narrows 33 ideas to ten urgent actions. The report calls to 'ensure safe, clean, well-maintained sidewalks with well-lit intersections,' and to 'provide training to MTA bus drivers on working with older riders and riders with disabilities.' Hudson stated, 'We have to do all we can to ensure that our communities are responsive to the needs of our aging population.' The recommendations target housing, transportation, and public safety, aiming to reduce risks for older pedestrians and transit users.

• BP’s Age-Friendly Task Force releases 10 recommendations for an age-inclusive Brooklyn, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-03-27

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21