Blood on Graham Avenue—How Many More Will Die Before City Hall Acts?

A man drowned off Rockaway Beach. He is the fifth this summer. Council Member Justin Brannan and others call for more lifeguards, longer hours, and more pools. The city refuses. Drones and patrols replace real protection. Swimmers keep dying.

On July 22, 2024, after a fifth drowning at a New York City beach, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) joined other officials to demand urgent action. The group called for expanded lifeguard hours, more staff, and new public pools. The Adams administration rejected these measures, relying instead on NYPD drones and Parks Enforcement Patrols. The matter, described as 'Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours,' highlights the deadly gap in city safety policy. Brannan, along with Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Borough Presidents Donovan Richards and Antonio Reynoso, urged the city to extend the beach season, increase lifeguard shifts, and offer universal swimming lessons. The city has only 870 lifeguards, far short of the 1,500 needed. Vulnerable swimmers remain at risk while officials debate. The toll mounts.

• Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours: ‘Going to get worse’, nypost.com, Published 2024-07-22

Two sedans collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A 15-year-old passenger and an 18-year-old driver were injured. Police cited following too closely. Both suffered shock and pain.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway collided when the rear vehicle struck the front vehicle's center back end. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the cause. The 15-year-old female passenger in the rear sedan suffered chest injuries and shock. The 18-year-old male driver of the front sedan sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was also in shock. Both complained of pain or nausea. The crash resulted from the rear driver's failure to maintain distance, causing harm to both occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A westbound sedan hit a 66-year-old man on an e-bike along Meeker Avenue. Blood pooled on the street. Both operators were distracted. The man stayed conscious despite a head wound. Machines untouched, but the body paid the price.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Meeker Avenue struck a 66-year-old man riding an e-bike. The report states that both the sedan driver and the e-bike operator were 'distracted' at the time of the crash. The impact left the e-bike rider bleeding from the head, though he remained conscious at the scene. The report notes 'severe bleeding' as the primary injury, with no damage to either vehicle. The police explicitly cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both parties. The sedan made contact with its right front bumper. The focus remains on the systemic danger posed by distracted driving, as documented in the official account.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741807 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV slammed into sedan on Leonard Street. Driver, 57, took the hit. Whiplash. Full-body pain. Traffic control ignored. System failed. Streets unforgiving.

According to the police report, a 2013 Honda SUV heading south on Leonard Street collided with the center front end of a 2019 Toyota sedan at 6:20 a.m. The SUV's right front quarter panel struck the sedan, damaging the SUV's right side doors. The SUV's sole occupant, a 57-year-old male driver, suffered whiplash and injuries to his entire body. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, pointing to a failure to obey signals or signs. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The incident highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls, leaving people hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741985 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso calls on Mayor Adams to cap parking in new developments. He wants fewer spaces, not just fewer mandates. Reynoso pushes for maximums in transit-rich areas. He says car culture drives danger. He demands bold action.

On July 17, 2024, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso issued a policy recommendation urging Mayor Adams to strengthen the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity rezoning proposal. Reynoso wants the city to set strict maximums on parking spaces in new developments, especially near transit. The matter summary states, 'Our recommendation is to remove as much parking as possible, but [if a] developer feels an obligation to put in a certain amount of parking, there should be a maximum allowable in transit-rich areas.' Reynoso supports eliminating parking mandates but says it is not enough. He points to developers building excess parking even near subways and calls for rules like Manhattan Core’s. Reynoso’s push aims to curb car dependency and promote safer, transit-oriented neighborhoods. He stresses the need to educate the public and break the grip of car culture.

• Brooklyn BP Wants Mayor Adams To Do More To Reduce Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-17

A moped driver was ejected and injured on Apollo Street in Brooklyn. The vehicle overturned after the driver disregarded traffic control. Injuries included knee and lower leg trauma, with the driver suffering shock and pain complaints.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:07 on Apollo Street near Meeker Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 36-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle, which overturned after impact. The report cites 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The driver sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The moped was traveling west, going straight ahead, and the point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. No damage was reported on the other vehicle involved, a 2019 Isuzu traveling south. The report emphasizes driver errors without attributing fault to any other party.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739769 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV slammed into unseen hazard on Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Driver, alone, suffered arm abrasions. Crash triggered by reaction to another vehicle. Metal twisted. Night split by impact.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old woman driving a 2022 Honda SUV eastbound on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway crashed at 11:47 p.m. The report cites 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the main contributing factor. The SUV struck with its right front bumper, damaging the vehicle. The driver, alone in the car, was not ejected and remained conscious. She sustained abrasions to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report notes she wore a lap belt. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed. The crash underscores the risk of sudden maneuvers on high-speed roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739284 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 61-year-old sedan driver suffered arm injuries when an SUV collided with his vehicle’s rear bumper. The crash unfolded as the sedan backed unsafely, colliding with the SUV traveling westbound on Moore Street in Brooklyn late afternoon.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:50 on Moore Street in Brooklyn. The sedan driver, a 61-year-old male, was injured with contusions to his elbow and lower arm. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The sedan was backing southbound when it was struck on the right rear bumper by a westbound SUV’s left front quarter panel. Both drivers were licensed New York males. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and remained conscious. The collision impact and driver errors highlight the dangers of unsafe backing maneuvers and inexperience behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739488 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 33-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a turning vehicle on Moore Street in Brooklyn. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian bruised and injured in the elbow and lower arm. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:30 PM on Moore Street near Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn. A 33-year-old male pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when he was struck by a Honda car making a right turn traveling west. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to his elbow and lower arm, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle changing lanes struck a sedan’s right rear quarter panel on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan driver, a 22-year-old man, suffered abrasions and arm injuries, trapped in the vehicle. Police cite unsafe lane changing as the cause.

According to the police report, at 16:56 on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a motorcycle traveling east attempted a lane change and collided with the right rear quarter panel of a sedan also traveling east. The sedan’s 22-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was trapped inside the vehicle but remained conscious. The report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor to the crash. The motorcycle driver was licensed and operating a 2009 Honda motorcycle. The sedan, a 2011 model, had no occupants other than the injured driver. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision’s impact and resulting injuries highlight the dangers posed by improper lane changes on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737864 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck struck a 32-year-old female bicyclist on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The crash occurred due to driver inattention and distraction, leaving the bicyclist injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling south on Flushing Avenue collided with a westbound bicyclist at 11:20 AM. The bicyclist, a 32-year-old woman, sustained a contusion to her hip and upper leg and remained conscious after the impact. The point of impact was the truck's center front end and the bike's right front quarter panel. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but no contributing factors related to the victim's behavior were cited. Vehicle damage was noted on the bike's right front quarter panel, while the truck showed no damage. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734448 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Moped driver’s road rage on Bushwick Avenue left his passenger with a fractured, dislocated leg. Aggressive actions led to the crash. The injured man stayed conscious, pain sharp and real in the Brooklyn night.

According to the police report, a moped with two men traveled north on Bushwick Avenue at 10:40 PM. The driver, age 22, drove aggressively and with road rage—both listed as contributing factors. The moped’s right side doors were damaged in the crash. The passenger suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated knee and lower leg, with injury severity level 3. He was not ejected and remained conscious. No safety equipment was used by the driver. Another vehicle, unspecified and undamaged, was also traveling north and struck the moped’s right front quarter panel. The report highlights aggressive driving and road rage as the main causes of harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734445 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Ford SUV swung wide on Grand Street. A 26-year-old cyclist struck its side, thrown hard to the asphalt. Blood pooled from his head. The SUV’s doors crumpled. The bike stood untouched. The cyclist lay conscious, pain etched on his face.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV was making a U-turn near 850 Grand Street in Brooklyn when it turned improperly and collided with a 26-year-old male cyclist traveling straight ahead. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The cyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, struck the SUV’s right side doors and was ejected from his bike, suffering a severe head injury with significant bleeding. The narrative notes, 'A Ford SUV turned wide. A 26-year-old cyclist hit the side. No helmet. Ejected. Head bleeding on the asphalt.' The SUV’s doors were bent inward from the impact, while the bike remained upright and undamaged. The cyclist was found conscious but bleeding heavily. The police report does not cite any cyclist actions as contributing factors, keeping the focus on the SUV driver's errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734444 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck struck a flat bed truck from behind on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The front passenger of the box truck suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved defective accelerator issues, causing significant vehicle damage and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 10:35. A box truck traveling west went straight ahead and impacted the center front end of the flat bed truck ahead, which was also traveling west. The flat bed truck sustained damage to its center back end. The box truck had two occupants; the front passenger, a 21-year-old male, was injured with knee and lower leg trauma but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Accelerator Defective' as a contributing factor, indicating a mechanical failure in the box truck that likely caused the collision. Both drivers were licensed males traveling straight ahead. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behavior contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731928 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Albany lawmakers walked away. The MTA’s billion-dollar gap remains. No deal. No new funding. Subway upgrades, electric buses, and station fixes hang in the balance. Riders, not drivers, face the cost. Streets stay clogged. Danger lingers for all outside a car.

"The governor is pointing an unloaded gun at us and asking to give her the ammunition to shoot us and our constituents." -- Julia Salazar

On June 7, 2024, New York’s legislature ended its session without plugging the MTA’s multi-billion-dollar budget hole. The gap opened when Governor Hochul halted Manhattan’s congestion pricing. The bill, discussed but not passed, would have replaced lost revenue—$1 billion a year meant for transit upgrades. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the debate, said, 'Our conference is reticent to commit a billion dollars annually for the next 15 years without having some understanding in place as to how we're going to deal with congestion as well.' Lawmakers could not agree on new taxes or a legislative IOU. The inaction leaves critical MTA projects—like electric buses and accessible stations—at risk. Vulnerable road users lose most: less transit means more cars, more danger, and fewer safe options for those on foot, bike, or bus.

• NY lawmakers won’t tackle Hochul-created MTA budget hole, for now, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07