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

Steel and weight met a baby boy at Woodpoint and Withers. A dump truck’s left turn ended his life as he crossed with the signal. The street held him, still and broken, beneath the right bumper’s crush.

At the corner of Woodpoint Road and Withers Street in Brooklyn, a dump truck making a left turn struck and killed a baby boy who was crossing the intersection with the signal. According to the police report, 'a dump truck turned left. Its right bumper struck a baby boy crossing with the signal. He died there, crushed beneath steel and weight.' The report states the point of impact was the right front bumper of the truck. The child, a pedestrian, suffered fatal crush injuries to his entire body. The police narrative explicitly notes the victim was 'crossing with the signal.' The driver’s actions—executing a left turn in a large vehicle—placed the most vulnerable road user in mortal danger. The report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor for both the driver and the victim, but the sequence of events centers the dump truck’s left turn and the resulting impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796530 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-01

A bicyclist riding south on Graham Avenue was struck by a sedan making a U-turn. The driver’s inattention caused the collision. The cyclist suffered bruises and lower leg injuries but remained conscious and helmeted at impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred shortly after midnight on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. A sedan was making a U-turn when it struck a southbound bicyclist. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The bicyclist, a 37-year-old man, was wearing a helmet and was not ejected from his bike. He sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The sedan’s left rear bumper was the point of impact, while the bike’s center front end was damaged. The driver’s failure to maintain attention during the U-turn directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers posed by distracted driving in shared street spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795283 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 35-year-old e-bike rider was partially ejected and injured on Meadow Street in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver failed to yield right-of-way while making a right turn, causing a collision that left the cyclist with arm bruises and contusions.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:20 p.m. on Meadow Street near Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. The collision involved a motorcycle making a right turn westbound and an e-bike traveling northbound. The e-bike rider, a 35-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, including contusions and bruises. The report cites the motorcycle driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was conscious and wearing a helmet, but no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The motorcycle showed no damage despite the impact to its center front end, while the e-bike was described as demolished. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding and attention in Brooklyn's streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795238 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted driver caused a violent crash on Bushwick Avenue, leaving a 25-year-old male passenger unconscious with severe head injuries. The impact fractured and dislocated bones, highlighting the dangers of driver inattention in Brooklyn’s streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:00 PM on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. The sole injured party was a 25-year-old male occupant who was not ejected but suffered a severe head injury described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation. The report explicitly cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a frontal collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The injured occupant was unconscious and not using any safety equipment at the time, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. This crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796979 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver of one SUV suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:29 AM on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn involving two SUVs traveling east and north. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of one SUV and the left front bumper of the other. The driver of the eastbound SUV, a 39-year-old female, was injured with neck pain and whiplash, remaining conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front ends, confirming the impact location. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794051 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck lurched from parking on Bushwick Ave. A motorcycle struck its side. The rider, forty-seven, flew from the seat. Blood pooled on the street. His leg was torn open. The truck stood, unmarked, silent, unmoved.

According to the police report, a box truck started from parking on Bushwick Ave near Johnson Ave in Brooklyn. As the truck pulled out, a motorcycle traveling straight ahead collided with its side. The motorcyclist, age 47, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe lacerations to his leg, described as 'knee-lower leg foot' injuries, and was partially ejected but remained conscious. The report notes the truck sustained no damage, while the motorcycle's left front bumper took the impact. Both vehicles list 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors, which, in this context, points to the truck's movement from parking as a critical action preceding the crash. The police narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the aftermath, with blood spreading on the blacktop. No driver errors beyond 'Other Vehicular' are specified, and no victim behavior is cited as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

Brooklyn’s Community Board 15 killed a Sheepshead Bay rezoning, citing rampant illegal parking—even by police. The board demanded more parking, ignoring transit and non-drivers. Council Member Vernikov opposed the project. More parking means more cars, more danger for people on foot and bike.

On February 18, 2025, Brooklyn Community Board 15 rejected a rezoning proposal at 2510 Coney Island Ave. The board’s vote came after the developer slashed housing units and promised a one-to-one parking ratio. The official matter focused on 'excessive illegal parking—including by the local police precinct.' CB15 Chair Theresa Scavo said, 'If we allow this rezoning every property owner on that block will continue to do the same thing, causing more backups and more traffic.' Council Member Inna Vernikov, through her legislative director, voiced strong opposition, prioritizing parking over new housing. Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized the parking mandate, warning it 'traps neighborhoods in car dependent development patterns.' Advocates argued the board ignored transit options and the needs of non-drivers. The City Council is expected to reject the project, blocking new homes and locking in car dominance.

• Too Much Illegal Parking Prompts Community Board to Reject New Housing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-18

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

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

Two SUVs stopped in traffic were struck from behind by a garbage truck traveling east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Both SUV drivers suffered neck and head injuries, conscious and restrained, as the truck's front end impacted their rear ends.

According to the police report, at 7:17 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a garbage truck traveling east struck two stopped SUVs from behind. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. Both SUV drivers, aged 44 and 35, were injured with neck and head trauma respectively, conscious and wearing lap belts. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the truck against the center back ends of the SUVs. The collision caused internal complaints but no ejections. The report does not specify driver errors beyond the general vehicular factor, but the rear-end nature of the crash highlights failure to maintain safe distance or control by the truck driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bicyclist suffered full-body contusions after an SUV failed to yield right-of-way in Brooklyn. Both vehicles traveled east, colliding at the bike’s left side. The cyclist remained conscious but injured, with no helmet reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Brooklyn near Johnson Avenue at 7:00 PM. A bicyclist traveling east was struck on the left side doors by an SUV also traveling east. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver did not yield properly. The bicyclist, a 42-year-old male, sustained injuries to his entire body, described as contusions and bruises, but was not ejected and remained conscious. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. Vehicle damage was not reported on either the bike or the SUV. The collision highlights driver error in yielding and the vulnerability of bicyclists in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792993 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, injuring a 49-year-old male driver. The impact struck the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center of the other. Failure to yield right-of-way was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, at 18:05 on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, two sedans collided while both were traveling east. The impact occurred on the right side doors of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. The driver of one sedan, a 49-year-old male, suffered injuries to his entire body including whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and operating vehicles registered in New York and New Jersey. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793723 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

DOT refuses to commit to a road diet for Atlantic Avenue. Council Members Hudson and Ossé demand urgent redesign. Residents fear crossing. Four dead, 473 injured in three years. DOT wants a two-year study. Advocates call the delay deadly. The danger remains.

On February 6, 2025, the City Council held a hearing on the safety of Atlantic Avenue. The Department of Transportation (DOT) would not commit to a 'road diet' or redesign for the deadly 13-block Brooklyn stretch, pending a traffic study that could take two years and requires Council funding. Council Members Crystal Hudson and Chi Ossé, along with Borough President Antonio Reynoso, demanded a fully funded redesign, calling Atlantic Avenue 'one of the most dangerous corridors in the entire borough.' Residents testified about fear and danger from speeding cars and blind turns. From 2021 to 2024, four people died and 473 were injured in 831 crashes. Advocates and lawmakers condemned DOT's reluctance, calling it emblematic of citywide failures. The rezoning plan, which could add thousands of residents, now moves to the full Council.

• DOT: Safety Improvements on Atlantic Avenue? Wait Two More Years, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-06

Crystal Hudson backs the Atlantic Avenue rezoning plan. She wants strong tenant protections, affordable housing, and safer streets. The plan cuts lanes, adds metered parking, and targets deadly intersections. Community boards demand more. Residents fear displacement. The fight for safety and equity continues.

On February 5, 2025, Council Member Crystal Hudson (District 35) expressed support for the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, a rezoning proposal for central Brooklyn. The plan, conditionally endorsed by Community Boards 3 and 8, aims to create 4,600 apartments, protect manufacturing jobs, and improve street safety. The matter summary states the plan 'aims to bring nearly 4,600 new apartments, safeguard manufacturing space, and enhance pedestrian safety and infrastructure.' Hudson praised Borough President Reynoso’s recommendations, emphasizing 'strong manufacturing requirements, affordable housing, tenant protections, street safety, and workforce opportunities.' She called for a 'robust redesign of Atlantic Avenue that incorporates street safety improvements.' The plan includes a 'road diet' to reduce lanes, more metered parking, and safety upgrades at dangerous intersections. Residents and advocates raised concerns about displacement, legal protections, and infrastructure strain. The plan’s fate now rests with the city council and administration.

• Reynoso endorses Atlantic Avenue plan, calls for stronger tenant protections, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2025-02-05

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

SUV rear-ends sedan on Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Sedan driver, 62, suffers head and internal injuries. Police cite following too closely. Impact leaves driver in shock. Systemic danger on city highways persists.

According to the police report, an SUV struck a sedan from behind on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 8:45 PM. The 62-year-old male sedan driver suffered head and internal injuries and was left in shock. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor. The sedan's left rear bumper and the SUV's front were damaged. Both drivers were licensed and traveling westbound. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain safe distance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791481 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi loses grip on the slick Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal buckles. Two rear passengers bleed, faces cut and bruised. The cab’s front end is crushed. Rain turns routine travel into chaos.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway skidded on slippery pavement. The report states, 'A taxi skids on wet blacktop. Metal folds. A man, 56, sits in the back. Blood spills from his head. He is awake. The cab's front end is crushed.' Two rear passengers were injured: a 54-year-old woman suffered a facial contusion, and a 56-year-old man sustained severe head lacerations. Both remained conscious. The only contributing factor listed is 'Pavement Slippery.' No driver errors such as speeding or failure to yield are cited. The crash highlights the danger wet roads pose to passengers, with the impact crushing the cab’s front end and leaving blood on the seats.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso demands DOT cut car lanes and boost safety on deadly Atlantic Avenue. He calls for a road diet, better bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and metered parking. DOT offers piecemeal fixes, but no bold redesign. Advocates want more.

On January 29, 2025, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso pressed the Department of Transportation to overhaul a six-lane stretch of Atlantic Avenue as part of a rezoning plan. Reynoso’s recommendations—outlined in his official statement—include a road diet, pedestrian and cyclist upgrades, and paid parking. He criticized DOT’s lack of detail, saying, 'Daylighting streets is necessary, but a bare minimum.' The Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan, now heading to a Department of City Planning hearing, would rezone 13 blocks and remove parking minimums for new housing. Council Member Crystal Hudson acknowledged the community’s demand for safety but stopped short of backing a road diet. DOT has promised some safety tweaks—painted neckdowns, daylighting, planters, a new bike lane—but not a full redesign. Advocates and Transportation Alternatives call for protected bike lanes and pedestrian plazas. Reynoso’s push highlights the gap between incremental fixes and the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable road users.

• BP Reynoso: DOT Must Open its Street Safety Toolkit on Atlantic Ave., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-29