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

A moped and sedan crashed on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver was unlicensed. A 26-year-old female passenger in the sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved driver distraction and traffic control disregard.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Graham Avenue involving a moped traveling south and a sedan traveling east. The moped driver was unlicensed and both vehicles impacted at their left front bumpers. The sedan carried two occupants, including a 26-year-old female passenger who sustained neck injuries and whiplash. The report lists driver inattention and distraction, as well as traffic control disregard, as contributing factors. The injured passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The crash highlights driver errors, including failure to observe traffic controls and distraction, as key causes of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A Jeep SUV traveling north struck on its right side doors. The front passenger, a 27-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction caused the crash. The passenger was restrained and not ejected. Shock followed the impact.

According to the police report, a 2007 Jeep SUV was traveling north on Stewart Avenue when it was struck on the right side doors. The front passenger, a 27-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash involved two vehicles, with the SUV sustaining damage to its right side doors and the other vehicle damaged at its center front end. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620150 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A truck turned right on Union Avenue. A 21-year-old bicyclist, heading straight, collided and was ejected. He suffered full-body injuries but stayed conscious. The truck showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured after colliding with a tractor truck making a right turn on Union Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, traveling north and going straight, suffered internal injuries to his entire body but remained conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as contributing factors. The truck's right front quarter panel was struck, but no damage was reported. No information was provided about the bicyclist's safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617279 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two bikes crashed on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. A 24-year-old male bicyclist suffered a shoulder contusion and shock. The e-bike hit the left front bumper of the stopped bike. No helmet was worn. Injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

According to the police report, an e-bike collided with a stopped bicycle on Morgan Avenue near Meserole Street in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 24-year-old man, was injured with a contusion to his shoulder and upper arm and experienced shock. The e-bike struck the left front bumper of the stopped bike, causing damage to both vehicles. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injured bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash occurred at 4:56 p.m. with the bike stopped in traffic when the e-bike impacted it. The injury severity was classified as moderate.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617168 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 30-year-old female sedan driver suffered head injuries and whiplash after an SUV struck her vehicle from behind on Grand Street in Brooklyn. The SUV driver was distracted, causing the collision late at night. Both vehicles traveled eastbound.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Grand Street in Brooklyn at 11:46 p.m. A 30-year-old female sedan driver was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. The sedan was stopped in traffic when a 2021 Audi SUV traveling eastbound struck it from behind. The SUV driver was identified as female and licensed in New York. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The impact was at the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616089 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

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

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

A 51-year-old unlicensed male driver crashed his 2022 Honda SUV southbound on Morgan Avenue. Alcohol was involved. The driver lost consciousness and suffered a head injury, including a concussion. The vehicle hit an object with its right front bumper.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was operating a 2022 Honda SUV southbound when the vehicle struck an object with its center front end and right front bumper. The report lists alcohol involvement and loss of consciousness as contributing factors. The driver was unlicensed and was wearing a lap belt and harness. He sustained a head injury and concussion but was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash resulted from driver errors including alcohol impairment and operating without a valid license.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611844 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A diesel truck turned right on Morgan Avenue. Its front quarter struck a 56-year-old cyclist. The man was thrown from his bike. He died under the streetlight. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. The street stayed silent after.

A 56-year-old man riding a bike south on Morgan Avenue near Johnson Avenue was killed when a diesel truck turned right and its front quarter struck him. According to the police report, 'A 56-year-old man pedaled south. A diesel truck turned right. Its front quarter crushed his head. He wore no helmet. He was thrown from the bike. He died there, alone, under the streetlight.' The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The cyclist was ejected and suffered fatal head injuries. Helmet use is noted only after the driver errors. The crash left one man dead and a city street marked by loss.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611702 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 28-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck the right front bumper on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The pavement was slippery. Driver inattention contributed. The vehicle sustained damage to the right front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The driver was operating a 2020 Jeep SUV traveling west when the vehicle impacted with the right front bumper, damaging the right front quarter panel. The report lists slippery pavement and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The driver was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver held a valid New York license. The crash occurred while the vehicle was going straight ahead. The report does not specify the exact nature of the injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

City Hall floats three-lane BQE. Electeds push back. Two lanes, they say, or fewer. Advocates want transit, not more highway. Officials call City Hall’s claims false. The fight is sharp. Vulnerable road users watch as cars and trucks rule the debate.

On March 3, 2023, City Hall reignited debate over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) lane count. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi claimed some locals want three lanes each way, but 17 elected officials, including State Sen. Julia Salazar, Sen. Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and Council Member Lincoln Restler, publicly rejected the idea. Salazar said, 'no to three lanes. Two lanes at most.' Gounardes confirmed, 'all support a two-lane highway.' Gallagher wrote, '2 lanes if any.' Restler called City Hall’s statements 'plainly inaccurate.' The Department of Transportation delayed environmental review to study both options. Advocates and officials urge investment in mass transit, not highway expansion. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as the city weighs more lanes for cars and trucks.

• City Hall: We Hear that People Want to Keep Three-Lane BQE (Really?!), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-03

A 36-year-old man was struck by an SUV making a right turn on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle disregarded traffic control. He suffered bruises and injuries to his knee and lower leg.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling west on Bushwick Avenue made a right turn and struck a 36-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection near Grand Street. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The vehicle's point of impact was the right front bumper. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611266 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

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 2023-02-28

Council grilled DSNY for dragging its feet on commercial waste zone reform. Delays keep rogue haulers on the street. Reckless driving and deaths persist. Members pressed for urgency. DSNY offered shifting timelines. The city’s most vulnerable remain at risk.

On February 23, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on the delayed rollout of commercial waste zone reform, first mandated by law in 2019. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) admitted the overhaul would not start until late 2024, with citywide coverage years away. The matter, described as a fix for a 'free-for-all system that led to reckless driving and fatalities,' remains stalled. Council Members Lincoln Restler and Julie Menin pressed DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch on the slow pace and shifting deadlines. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who introduced the original legislation, stressed the need for clear guidance. StreetsPAC’s Eric McClure highlighted the deadly consequences of delay. DSNY opposes a bill from Council Member Sandy Nurse to create a working group to address these setbacks. The ongoing delay leaves vulnerable road users exposed to dangerous private carting trucks.

• Council to DSNY Commish: Move Faster on Rogue Carting Biz, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-23

A flatbed truck turned left on Boerum Street. The front end struck a 70-year-old woman working in the road. Her arm was crushed. Blood soaked her sleeve. She stood in shock. The truck’s engine idled. The street stayed silent.

A 70-year-old woman was working in the roadway on Boerum Street when a flatbed truck turned left and struck her with its front end. According to the police report, 'the front end crushed her arm. She stood in shock, blood rising through her sleeve, the engine still warm behind her.' The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors by the driver. The woman suffered crush injuries to her upper arm and shoulder. No helmet or signal use is mentioned as a factor. The crash highlights the danger posed by large vehicles moving at unsafe speeds near people working in the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4607999 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

City delays overhaul of commercial trash pickup. Streets stay dangerous. Trucks keep killing. Councilmember Restler slams the slow pace. Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso demands worker safety. The pilot starts late 2024. Full reform waits. Lives hang in the balance.

Bill 2019, the commercial waste zone reform, faces another setback. The Department of Sanitation announced on February 22, 2023, that the citywide overhaul will not begin until late 2024, with a pilot program in one zone. The reform, first set under Mayor de Blasio, aims to fix inefficiency, worker mistreatment, environmental harm, and traffic carnage. The matter summary notes at least 43 deaths and 107 injuries from commercial garbage trucks in nine years. Councilmember Lincoln Restler called the timeline 'extremely slow' and said delays undermine the law's worker and environmental justice goals. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, sponsor of the 2019 bill, stressed that safety improvements for workers are essential and overdue. The pilot zone is still undetermined. Full implementation will roll out across 20 zones over two years, but for now, the danger remains.

• Overhaul of private trash pickup in NYC delayed until 2024, gothamist.com, Published 2023-02-22

The BQE slices through North Brooklyn, choking streets with noise and fumes. City leaders have tools to force state DOT to the table but hold back. Advocates demand Adams use his power. The highway’s shadow falls hardest on those walking and biking nearby.

This opinion piece, published February 21, 2023, calls on Mayor Adams to wield the city’s legal leverage over the state Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The article, titled 'Mayor Adams Has Leverage to Force a Reluctant State DOT to Budge on the BQE,' details how city DOT can veto regional transportation plans and must approve state highway projects within city limits. Jon Orcutt, former city DOT official, urges Adams to push for a full corridor plan and not settle for piecemeal fixes. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso are named as officials demanding state DOT return to the process. The BQE has long divided North Brooklyn, bringing pollution and danger to dense neighborhoods. Advocates want the city to use its power to protect residents and vulnerable road users from the harms of urban highways.

• OPINION: Mayor Adams Has Leverage to Force a Reluctant State DOT to Budge on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-21

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso throws his weight behind Council Member Lincoln Restler’s bills to speed up street redesigns and punish drivers who block bike lanes. He calls for more protected bike lanes, a finished greenway, and streets built for people, not cars.

On February 20, 2023, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso voiced strong support for Council Member Lincoln Restler’s Intro 417 and Intro 501. Intro 417 aims to 'change the approval process of bike lanes and major transportation projects in the community boards,' cutting delays. Intro 501 would fine drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants, with civilians able to report violations and receive a portion of the fine. Reynoso said, 'Those are two pieces I’d love to see pushed absolutely.' He also champions protected bike lanes, a comprehensive bike network, and the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. Reynoso’s stance is clear: streets must be safer for people walking and biking. He wants action after recent traffic violence and supports more open streets. The plaza outside Borough Hall is now a park, closed to cars. Reynoso’s priorities put vulnerable road users first.

• A Presidents’ Day Interview with Brooklyn Borough Prez Antonio Reynoso, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-20