Steel Rules, Children Die—Albany Stalls

Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.

NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.

• BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 18 - Senators move to guard bike lanes. Cameras will catch drivers who block or invade. The city’s cyclists and walkers get a shot at safer streets. No more hiding behind the wheel.

Senate bill S 5008, now in sponsorship, aims to launch a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced February 18, 2025, sits in committee. Its summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal leads, joined by Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, Jessica Ramos, and Julia Salazar. The bill targets drivers who block or misuse bike lanes, using cameras to enforce the rules. The move puts pressure on the city to protect cyclists and pedestrians from daily danger.

• File S 5008, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 12 - A 37-year-old woman working in the roadway was struck by a vehicle traveling straight ahead on Broadway in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered a contusion and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. Driver inattention was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on Broadway in Brooklyn at 11:59 AM. The 37-year-old female pedestrian was working in the roadway when she was struck by a vehicle traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, with an injury severity rated as moderate (3). The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or pedestrian behaviors were cited. The vehicle had no occupants other than the driver, and the driver’s license status or jurisdiction was not specified. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in Brooklyn’s roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792186 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 4 - Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

Jan 30 - Two sedans merged westbound on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp. One driver followed too closely, striking the left side doors of the lead vehicle. The lead driver, a 52-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:30 on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp. Two sedans were merging westbound when the trailing vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance, resulting in a collision impacting the left side doors of the lead sedan. The lead vehicle's driver, a 52-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The second sedan sustained no damage, indicating the impact was primarily on the lead vehicle. This collision highlights the dangers of insufficient following distance during merging maneuvers on high-speed expressway ramps.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790441 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 19 - A sedan and a diesel truck crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The truck struck the sedan’s left side. Both sedan occupants suffered head and shoulder injuries. Driver errors marked the night.

According to the police report, a sedan and a tractor truck collided at 11:35 PM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The truck’s right front bumper hit the sedan’s left side doors. The 22-year-old male sedan driver suffered a concussion. The 25-year-old male passenger sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries. Both were conscious and wore lap belts. The report lists "Other Vehicular" as a contributing factor, pointing to driver-related errors. No blame is placed on the victims. The crash highlights the dangers of vehicle interactions on city expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 9 - A pickup truck rear-ended a sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan’s front passenger suffered a neck injury. Both drivers were distracted. Metal twisted. One man left semiconscious.

According to the police report, a 2018 HINO pickup truck struck a 2016 BMW sedan from behind on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 20:16. Both vehicles were heading west. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The sedan’s front passenger, a 44-year-old man, suffered a neck injury and was semiconscious after the crash. He wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The pickup truck’s front and the sedan’s rear were both damaged. The crash shows the harm caused when drivers lose focus.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785299 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 8 - Two sedans slammed together on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Four people hurt. Knees, necks, arms, chests battered. No driver errors listed. The system failed to protect them.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 4:05 AM. Both vehicles traveled east. The front of a Toyota struck the rear of a Nissan. Four occupants were injured: the male driver and female passenger in the Toyota, and the female driver and male passenger in the Nissan. Injuries included trauma to the knee, neck, elbow, and chest. All were classified as moderate. Everyone wore lap belts. No one was ejected. The police report lists all contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are recorded. The report does not mention helmet or signal use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784938 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 1 - A white Audi struck Michael Foster on Caton Avenue. The car dragged him for blocks. The driver never stopped. Foster died in the street. The Audi vanished into the night. No arrests. The city’s danger stays.

NY Daily News reported on January 1, 2025, that Michael Foster, 64, was killed after a white Audi hit him on Caton Ave. near Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The driver, described as speeding, dragged Foster for half a mile before leaving him near Linden Blvd. and Nostrand Ave. The article quotes a witness: "I saw him at the stop light. He would go out to the cars and beg for change." The driver fled the scene and has not been caught. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians in city streets and the ongoing issue of hit-and-run drivers evading responsibility.

• Audi Driver Drags Man Half Mile, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-01

Dec 26 - SUV turned left. Struck a 71-year-old man crossing with the signal. His leg shattered. Brooklyn street. No damage to the car. The man lay broken. System failed him.

According to the police report, a 71-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Clymer Street at Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn with the signal when a westbound Jeep SUV made a left turn and struck him with the center front end. The man suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating legally. No vehicle damage was reported. The crash shows the severe risk to pedestrians even when following signals. The report notes confusion but does not blame the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 26 - A 77-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan turning improperly on Williamsburg St W in Brooklyn. The impact caused a hip and upper leg injury, leaving the pedestrian bruised but conscious. Driver error was the primary cause.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Williamsburg St W in Brooklyn struck a 77-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Bedford Ave around 6:30 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, identified as a 2017 Nissan sedan, impacted him with its center front end. The report explicitly cites 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious at the scene. No other driver errors or pedestrian behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The driver’s improper turn directly caused the collision and subsequent injury, underscoring the systemic danger posed by vehicle turning violations in pedestrian spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784374 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 22 - A taxi struck the right rear bumper of a vehicle traveling east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The crash caused neck injuries to a 39-year-old rear passenger, who suffered whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:28 on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A taxi, traveling east and driven by a licensed male driver, collided with the right rear bumper of another vehicle also traveling east. The point of impact was the taxi's center front end hitting the other vehicle's right rear bumper. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors on the taxi driver's part. A 39-year-old male occupant seated in the left rear passenger position of the struck vehicle was injured, sustaining neck injuries described as whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time of the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights driver errors involving tailgating and excessive speed on a busy expressway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780699 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - A 9-year-old boy was struck by an SUV traveling west on Division Avenue. The impact fractured his knee and lower leg. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured. The crash involved pedestrian confusion, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a 9-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a westbound Ford SUV on Division Avenue near Roebling Street in Brooklyn. The SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, struck the pedestrian at the center front end with no reported vehicle damage. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, indicating the pedestrian's actions in the roadway played a role. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The focus remains on the pedestrian’s confusion contributing to the collision, with no blame assigned to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782216 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - An SUV making a right turn struck an e-bike rider traveling straight on Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider, partially ejected and injured in the lower leg, suffered abrasions. Police cite failure to yield and improper turning as key factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Wythe Avenue near Hooper Street in Brooklyn at 3 p.m. An SUV was making a right turn southbound when it collided with an e-bike rider also traveling southbound straight ahead. The e-bike rider, a 43-year-old man, was partially ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. The report lists the contributing factors as "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" and "Turning Improperly" by the SUV driver. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet, but no rider behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The impact point was the right side doors of the SUV and the center front end of the e-bike, indicating the SUV’s turn crossed the rider’s path. The SUV driver’s failure to yield and improper turn created the conditions for this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 18 - Metal groaned on Nostrand Avenue. Two cars trapped, one stacked atop the other. A bus driver, a woman, a girl—hurt but alive. Emergency crews worked fast. The street bore the scars. The cause stayed hidden in the wreckage.

NY Daily News reported on December 18, 2024, that a multi-vehicle crash at Nostrand Ave. and Park Ave. in Brooklyn left three people injured. The article states, 'Three people were injured, including an MTA bus driver and a young girl, in a collision that pinned two cars between a box truck and a city bus.' Footage showed two vehicles sandwiched between the bus and truck, with one car stacked atop another. The injured included a 59-year-old MTA driver, a 33-year-old woman, and a 9-year-old girl. All were hospitalized in stable condition. The cause of the crash was not determined at the time of reporting. The incident highlights the risks at busy intersections and the dangers posed by large vehicles in dense urban traffic.

• Cars Crushed Between Bus And Truck, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-18