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

A taxi rear-ended a car on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The taxi driver, age 30, suffered back injuries and whiplash. No ejections. The crash left the taxi’s front end smashed.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway struck the rear of another vehicle. The 30-year-old male taxi driver was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. The taxi’s center front end was damaged. The driver was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and licensed in New York. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. No ejections occurred. The crash involved only the taxi driver as an occupant. No explicit driver errors were identified in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661237 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 35-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Varick Avenue in Brooklyn. An SUV making a right turn struck the cyclist traveling north. The impact hit the bike’s front center and the SUV’s right rear quarter panel. The cyclist suffered abrasions to his arm.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2017 Honda SUV made a right turn on Varick Avenue and collided with him. The SUV struck the bike’s center front end with its right rear quarter panel. The bicyclist, who was not wearing safety equipment, sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors were specified in the data. The cyclist’s injuries were classified as moderate. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling east, while the bicyclist was traveling north going straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4659962 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 27-year-old woman on an e-scooter struck the right side of a southbound SUV on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn. She suffered a head contusion and bruises. The driver was distracted, causing the crash. The rider was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn involving an e-scooter and a station wagon SUV, both traveling south. The e-scooter driver, a 27-year-old woman, was injured with a head contusion and bruises but remained conscious and was not ejected. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the e-scooter and the right side doors of the SUV. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors were specified. The e-scooter rider was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash resulted from the SUV driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to the collision with the vulnerable e-scooter rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661214 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A garbage truck turned right on Morgan Avenue. A cyclist rode straight. The truck’s front caught him. His hand was severed. He stayed upright, awake. Blood marked the street. Helmet still on. The night was silent.

A garbage truck struck a cyclist on Morgan Avenue near Johnson Avenue. The truck turned right as the cyclist continued straight. The truck’s front quarter panel hit the cyclist, severing his hand. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as a contributing factor. The cyclist, a 50-year-old man, remained conscious and upright after the crash. He suffered an amputation to his lower arm or hand. The report notes he was wearing a helmet. No other injuries were reported. The crash left blood on the street. The truck was a 2013 Mack, registered in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658658 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two vehicles crashed on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the sedan head-on. A front-seat passenger in the SUV suffered a head contusion. The crash involved disregard of traffic control. Four occupants were in the SUV; one in the sedan.

According to the police report, a 2022 Nissan SUV traveling west on Morgan Avenue collided with a 2018 Mercedes sedan traveling south. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the left front bumper of the sedan. The crash injured a 41-year-old male front-seat passenger in the SUV, who sustained a head contusion and remained conscious. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision. The SUV carried four occupants; the sedan had one. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657971 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A sedan struck a turning truck on Stewart Avenue. The sedan driver, a woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention, inexperience, and unsafe speed as causes.

According to the police report, a sedan collided with a tractor truck diesel on Stewart Avenue in Brooklyn. The truck was making a right turn when the sedan, traveling straight, hit its front bumper. The sedan driver, a 40-year-old woman, suffered head trauma and whiplash. She was conscious, not ejected, and wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention, driver inexperience, and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The truck driver was licensed and uninjured. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657993 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

SUV hit e-scooter’s back end on Grand Street. Rider, 24, thrown off, body scraped raw. Police cite driver distraction and speed. Brooklyn pavement took the blow.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male e-scooter driver was ejected and injured after a collision with a Ford SUV on Grand Street in Brooklyn. The SUV’s right front bumper struck the scooter’s center back end. The e-scooter rider suffered abrasions over his entire body. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The e-scooter rider was not using any safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655977 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 33-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured in Brooklyn. The van made a left turn and struck the scooter head-on. The rider suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Driver distraction and rider confusion contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male e-scooter driver traveling north on Grand Street was struck by a southbound Chevy van making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the scooter and the right front bumper of the van. The e-scooter rider sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Contributing factors listed include "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The scooter driver wore pads but no helmet was mentioned. The van driver was licensed; the scooter driver held a permit. The crash highlights risks when drivers turn left amid distracted conditions and rider confusion.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656425 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A dump truck turned left on Kingsland Avenue. A woman crossed with the light. The truck did not stop. Its wheels crushed her. She died at the scene. The truck showed no damage. The street stayed silent.

A woman was killed at the corner of Kingsland Avenue and Richardson Street when a dump truck turned left and struck her as she crossed with the signal. According to the police report, the truck 'did not stop' and 'her body broke beneath its wheels.' The pedestrian died at the scene from crush injuries. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The dump truck, registered in New Jersey, showed no damage after the crash. The woman was crossing at the intersection with the light. No errors or actions by the pedestrian contributed to the crash, according to the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656161 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 23-year-old motorcyclist slammed into two SUVs on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. He was ejected, fracturing his hip and leg. Police cite close following and bad lane use. SUVs took damage to their right sides.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected after colliding with two SUVs on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. He suffered a fractured and dislocated hip and upper leg. Both SUVs were damaged on their right sides. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. Driver errors around close following and improper lane use played a role in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A taxi parked on Montrose Avenue was struck from behind by a truck traveling east. The taxi driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor. The truck showed no damage. The taxi’s rear was damaged.

According to the police report, a taxi was parked on Montrose Avenue in Brooklyn when it was rear-ended by a truck traveling east. The taxi driver, a 40-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and experienced shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The taxi sustained damage to its center back end, while the truck showed no damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655365 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 28-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his SUV rear-ended a sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The crash happened at 7:30 a.m. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway involving a 2022 SUV and a 2021 sedan, both traveling east. The SUV driver, a 28-year-old man, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites "Following Too Closely" and "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as contributing factors. The SUV struck the sedan at the center front end, while the sedan was impacted at the center back end. The SUV driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

DOT unveiled a watered-down redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will run the length, but car lanes stay for peak hours. Advocates call it less safe. Restler and others back the compromise. The fight for real safety continues.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration, the Department of Transportation, and our community to make North Brooklyn’s streets safer for all" -- Antonio Reynoso

On August 17, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined other officials in announcing a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. The Department of Transportation's new plan, described as a 'compromised version,' adds protected bike lanes but keeps two car lanes during peak hours from Calyer Street to the Pulaski Bridge. The matter, titled 'Relief in Greenpoint as compromise reached on McGuinness Boulevard redesign,' reflects years of advocacy for safer streets. Restler, along with Borough President Reynoso and others, welcomed the changes and pledged to push for swift implementation. Advocacy group Make McGuinness Safe criticized the compromise as 'less effective and less safe,' blaming business opposition for watering down the original plan. The compromise marks a partial win for vulnerable road users, but falls short of the full road diet advocates demanded.

• Relief in Greenpoint as compromise reached on McGuinness Boulevard redesign, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-17

Mayor Adams approved a diluted redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will come, but car lanes stay open during peak hours. The plan falls short of full safety measures. The road remains dangerous. Victims still count. No one is satisfied.

On August 16, 2023, Mayor Adams announced a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard, a notorious Brooklyn corridor. The Department of Transportation will install curbside protected bike lanes and reduce car lanes from two to one in each direction on most of the strip. However, north of Calyer Street, two lanes for cars will remain open during weekdays, reverting to parking lanes at night and on weekends. The plan, shaped after lobbying by business interests and mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, mixes two previous DOT proposals. Mayoral spokesman Charles Lutvak said, 'Traffic safety is a key priority for Mayor Adams, and we are delivering with a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that will make this corridor safer for all road users.' Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler, called it a 'critical step' but noted it lacks key safety elements. The compromise leaves gaps. Since 2021, 62 people have been injured on this stretch. The carnage continues.

• Mayor Adams Signs Off On Compromise for Deadly McGuinness Blvd.; No One Truly Happy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-16

A driver struck a moped rider on McGuinness Boulevard. The rider’s leg broke. Politicians and neighbors demand the mayor act. The city delays a safety plan. The street stays deadly. The call is clear: fix McGuinness now.

On August 11, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other Northern Brooklyn officials responded to a crash on McGuinness Boulevard, where a driver hit and injured a moped rider. The incident happened near Meeker Avenue, one block from where teacher Matthew Jensen was killed in 2021. The matter, titled 'Locals call for mayor to take immediate action after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard,' highlights the urgent need for the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety redesign. Restler, along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, issued a joint statement: 'Lives are being put at risk. We need immediate action by the Mayor's office to implement the Department of Transportation's proposed safety improvements so that everyone in our community can feel confident that McGuinness Boulevard will not cause more tragedies.' The safety plan remains blocked, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• Locals call for mayor to take ‘immediate action’ after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-11

City officials slam a developer’s push to add 95 parking spaces in Downtown Brooklyn. They call it dangerous and wasteful. The site sits by major transit and a new bike lane. Leaders demand housing, not more cars, to protect people on foot and bike.

On August 11, 2023, city officials and advocates opposed a plan to expand a parking lot at Schermerhorn and Hoyt streets in Downtown Brooklyn. The proposal, by Edison Properties, would add 95 parking spaces. Dan Garodnick, chair of the City Planning Commission, called the site 'ideal for housing.' Council Member Lincoln Restler, who represents the area, stated he is an unequivocal 'no' on the expansion and wants a use that benefits the community. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso urged the city to discourage private vehicles, citing high pedestrian traffic and strong transit access. City Planning Commissioner Juan Camilo Osorio highlighted policies to cut car use and decarbonize the city. Officials warn that more parking means more cars and more danger for people walking and biking, especially after a major bike lane was added to Schermerhorn Street.

• City Wants More Housing, Not Parking, in Downtown Brooklyn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-11

A man on a bike tore into a parked SUV. His arm split open. Blood spilled onto Grand Street. The SUV did not move. The cyclist rode too fast. Shock hit him hard. Brooklyn stood still and watched.

A 27-year-old man riding a bike crashed into the side of a parked SUV near 639 Grand Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A 27-year-old man on a bike struck the side of a parked SUV. His arm split open. Blood poured. No helmet. The SUV stood still. The bike moved too fast. Shock took him.' The cyclist suffered a severe arm injury and was in shock. The police listed 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The report also noted 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' The SUV was parked and unoccupied at the time of impact. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as stated in the report, but this was not listed as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653597 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 26-year-old man driving a 2019 sedan was injured in a crash on Bushwick Avenue. The sedan struck an SUV making a left turn. Unsafe speed and driver distraction caused the collision. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and shock.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male sedan driver traveling south on Bushwick Avenue collided with a westbound SUV making a left turn. The sedan's left front bumper struck the SUV's center front end. The sedan driver was injured, complaining of back pain and nausea, and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and making a left turn when the crash occurred. The sedan driver was not ejected but suffered injury severity level 3 and emotional shock. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653592 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A man driving an SUV struck multiple parked vehicles on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn. The driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm. Police cited unsafe speed as the cause. No one was ejected. Damage hit front and side panels of parked cars.

According to the police report, a 57-year-old male driver was injured when his SUV collided with several parked vehicles on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn. The driver sustained contusions and bruises to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists unsafe speed as the contributing factor to the crash. Multiple parked sedans and SUVs suffered damage to their front ends and side doors. No other occupants or pedestrians were involved. The driver’s license was valid and the crash occurred at 2:28 p.m. The incident highlights the dangers posed by speeding even in areas with parked cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A Toyota SUV hit a young e-bike rider from behind on Meeker Avenue. The crash tore open his leg. Blood pooled on the street. Speed fueled the violence. The rider wore no helmet. The SUV’s front end did the damage.

A 20-year-old man riding an e-bike southbound on Meeker Avenue near Humboldt Street was struck from behind by a Toyota SUV. According to the police report, 'A Toyota SUV slammed into the rear of a southbound e-bike. The 20-year-old rider hit the pavement hard. His leg split open. Blood pooled on hot asphalt. Speed did the damage.' The crash left the e-bike rider with severe lacerations to his lower leg and foot. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The SUV’s center front end struck the e-bike’s rear, causing the rider to fall. The rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary cause was the SUV driver’s unsafe speed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661868 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09