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

A cargo van struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide in Brooklyn. Gil died. The driver turned left, hit them in the crosswalk. No charges filed. Gil survived war and disaster, but not New York traffic. Another senior lost to city streets.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. A man driving a cargo van made a left turn and struck Gil and her home health aide. The aide survived; Gil did not. Police made no arrests or charges. The article notes, 'She was a very active lady.' Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn that month. Transportation Alternatives highlighted that 46 senior pedestrians died in city crashes last year. The crash underscores the ongoing risk to older New Yorkers at crosswalks and the lack of driver accountability in such incidents.

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

Council leadership handed street policy to car-first politicians. Safety bills stalled. Parking won. Cyclists and pedestrians lost. Deaths stayed high. Advocates condemned the shift. The Speaker and committee heads blocked reforms. Vulnerable New Yorkers paid the price.

""[Intro 606] that was brought forth by Bob Holden wouldn't have seen the light of day and wouldn't have gotten as many signatures as it has now because the leadership wouldn't have had it that way. We wouldn't allow for what I consider his false narrative and public perception to dictate safety and safety policy."" -- Antonio Reynoso

On January 21, 2025, the City Council, under Speaker Adrienne Adams, set its transportation agenda. The session saw progressives sidelined as the Council prioritized car-centric bills, including Intros 103 and 104 (parking protection) and hearings on Intro 606 (e-bike registration). The Common Sense Caucus, known for opposing bike lanes and congestion pricing, led the charge. Progressive members lost key committee seats. Universal daylighting (Intro 1138) and other safety reforms stalled. Council Member Julie Won continued to push for daylighting but faced resistance. As Streetsblog reported, 'roadway safety is simply not a priority.' Advocates and former members criticized the Council for failing to hold the mayor accountable on the Streets Master Plan and for focusing on parking over safety. The Council's actions marked a retreat from previous street safety gains, leaving vulnerable road users exposed.

• ‘Progressives’ Turn Council’s Transportation Policy Over to Republicans, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-21

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

A man was struck by an SUV while emerging from in front of a parked vehicle on Bushwick Ave in Brooklyn. The impact caused bruising and injuries to his entire body. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt after the collision.

According to the police report, a male pedestrian was injured on Bushwick Ave in Brooklyn around 8:00 AM when he emerged from in front of a parked vehicle and was struck by a southbound SUV. The vehicle, a 2016 station wagon/SUV, impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper, sustaining damage to the same area. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his entire body, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious after the crash. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as the contributing factor, indicating the pedestrian's action of emerging from a parked vehicle contributed to the collision. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786398 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A moving SUV struck a parked SUV’s left rear quarter panel in Brooklyn. The driver of the moving vehicle suffered chest injuries and internal complaints. Illness was cited as a contributing factor, highlighting a sudden driver impairment in the crash.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old female driver of a 2023 Honda SUV traveling west collided with a parked 2021 Mazda SUV’s left rear quarter panel on Meserole Street in Brooklyn at 4:10 a.m. The driver was injured, sustaining chest injuries and internal complaints, and remained conscious. The report lists "Illness" as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a sudden health issue likely impaired the driver’s control. The moving vehicle’s pre-crash action was "Going Straight Ahead," while the parked vehicle was stationary. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the moving SUV and the left rear quarter panel of the parked SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785301 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

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

A 29-year-old bicyclist suffered an elbow abrasion after colliding with a sedan on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn. The bike was making a left turn while the sedan traveled straight. No vehicle damage was reported. The crash caused moderate injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Manhattan Avenue near Meserole Street in Brooklyn at 5:45 p.m. A 29-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining an abrasion to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The bicyclist was making a left turn when he collided with a sedan traveling straight westbound. The report notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor but does not cite any driver errors such as Failure to Yield. Both vehicles showed no damage, indicating a low-impact collision. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The injury severity was classified as moderate. The report focuses on the bicyclist's error without attributing fault to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782197 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit another car on Manhattan Avenue. The front passenger took a blow to the head and suffered whiplash. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 2018 Cadillac sedan was heading west on Manhattan Avenue when it struck another vehicle, hitting its left front quarter panel and left side doors. The front passenger, a 23-year-old woman, suffered head trauma, whiplash, and shock. She wore a lap belt and was not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash shows the risks passengers face when drivers lose control or fail to maintain lane on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780625 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash in a Brooklyn collision. The crash involved a tractor truck and a sedan on Metropolitan Avenue. Driver distraction was cited as a key factor, highlighting risks from inattentive driving.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:14 AM on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. The collision involved a 2006 Nissan sedan and a 2025 tractor truck diesel. The sedan was starting from parking when it was struck on the left front bumper. The truck, traveling straight ahead, sustained no damage. The sedan had two occupants: a 40-year-old male driver and a 36-year-old male front passenger. Both were conscious and injured, suffering back injuries and whiplash. The passenger was secured with a harness, and the driver wore a lap belt. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the passenger's injury. No other contributing factors were noted. The data highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to injury of vehicle occupants, without attributing fault to the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780615 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An SUV traveling east struck the left rear quarter panel of a westbound truck in Brooklyn. The SUV driver, a 31-year-old woman, suffered injuries and shock. Police cited reaction to an uninvolved vehicle and improper lane markings as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:52 near 936 Metropolitan Ave in Brooklyn. A 31-year-old female SUV driver, traveling eastbound, collided with the left rear quarter panel of a westbound truck. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper, while the truck showed no damage. The female driver was injured and experienced shock but was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt. The report identifies driver errors including "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" and "Lane Marking Improper/Inadequate" as contributing factors. The collision's point of impact and vehicle directions confirm the SUV struck the truck from the front-left side. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780609 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck the right front bumper of a northbound concrete mixer on Grand Street in Brooklyn. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both drivers had obstructed views contributing to the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:32 AM on Grand Street in Brooklyn. A sedan, traveling north and making a left turn, collided with the right front bumper of a northbound concrete mixer truck. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old male, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor for both drivers, indicating limited visibility played a critical role in the crash. The sedan driver’s error in turning left with obstructed view led to the impact. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front quarters, emphasizing the angle and point of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783000 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

Council bill Intro 103 forces DOT to notify members for every parking change. Critics say it slows life-saving street redesigns. Advocates warn it props up car culture and blocks safer bike lanes. The bill risks more sidewalk riding and fewer safe crossings.

Intro 103, now before the City Council, would require the Department of Transportation to notify Council members every time a single parking spot is repurposed—for car-share, bike corrals, or Citi Bike docks. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Joann Ariola, claims residents need notice before losing parking. But DOT and street safety advocates slam the measure as a bureaucratic drag on urgent safety fixes. Council Member Lincoln Restler calls it 'additional hoops and hurdles' for street safety. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso says, 'I don’t know why we entertain any effort to stop or slow-roll safe street design.' Open Plans and StreetsPAC argue the bill props up car dominance and blocks safer, more sustainable streets. The bill could make it harder to move bike infrastructure off sidewalks, risking more sidewalk riding and fewer safe crossings for pedestrians. Similar bills (Intro 606, Intro 104) face the same criticism.

• Council Members Want To Be Notified When City Repurposes ‘Their’ Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-18

A 13-year-old boy was injured crossing with the signal on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver failed to yield right-of-way while making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered contusions to his lower leg and foot, remaining conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:14 AM on Bushwick Avenue near Johnson Avenue in Brooklyn. A 13-year-old male pedestrian was crossing the street with the signal when he was struck by a 2023 SUV making a left turn. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The SUV struck the pedestrian with its center front end but sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report emphasizes the driver's failure to yield right-of-way, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778860 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Maritza Davila endorsed Mark Levine’s run for Comptroller. Levine vows to cut living costs, build housing, and make streets safer. He supports congestion pricing and more cycling lanes. Davila’s support signals a push for citywide safety and accountability.

On December 12, 2024, Mark Levine announced his candidacy for New York City Comptroller. The campaign launch drew endorsements from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Brian Cunningham and Maritza Davila, and others. The campaign summary states Levine will 'drive affordability, solve the housing crisis, support working families, demand fiscal responsibility, and make streets safer.' Davila, representing District 53, publicly backed Levine. Levine’s record includes advocacy for congestion pricing, e-commerce reform, and expanding cycling infrastructure. These stances align with efforts to protect vulnerable road users and reduce traffic violence. The campaign’s focus on safer streets and better transit marks a shift toward systemic change for New Yorkers.

• Mark Levine launches campaign for Comptroller, backed with citywide support, amny.com, Published 2024-12-12

Maritza Davila endorsed Mark Levine’s run for Comptroller. Levine vows to cut living costs, build housing, and make streets safer. He supports congestion pricing and more cycling lanes. Davila’s support signals a push for citywide safety and accountability.

On December 12, 2024, Mark Levine announced his candidacy for New York City Comptroller. The campaign launch drew endorsements from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Brian Cunningham and Maritza Davila, and others. The campaign summary states Levine will 'drive affordability, solve the housing crisis, support working families, demand fiscal responsibility, and make streets safer.' Davila, representing District 53, publicly backed Levine. Levine’s record includes advocacy for congestion pricing, e-commerce reform, and expanding cycling infrastructure. These stances align with efforts to protect vulnerable road users and reduce traffic violence. The campaign’s focus on safer streets and better transit marks a shift toward systemic change for New Yorkers.

• Mark Levine launches campaign for Comptroller, backed with citywide support, amny.com, Published 2024-12-12

Two sedans collided on Johnson Avenue in Brooklyn, striking the right side doors of one vehicle. The 54-year-old male driver suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 16:20 on Johnson Avenue near Stewart Avenue in Brooklyn involving two sedans traveling south and east. The impact was on the right side doors of the southbound vehicle, which sustained damage to its right rear quarter panel. The eastbound sedan struck with its left front bumper. The 54-year-old male driver of the southbound sedan was injured, suffering abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm, and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles going straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777546 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04