Downtown Brooklyn bleeds at the seams: Tillary, Flatbush, Atlantic

Jan 1 - 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

Dec 24 - Two SUVs collided on Brooklyn Bridge. One driver failed to keep distance, rear-ending the other. Both men injured. Defective accelerator and tailgating named as causes. Airbags deployed. No victim fault listed.

According to the police report, two SUVs crashed eastbound on Brooklyn Bridge at 1:37 AM. The first SUV slowed or stopped. The second SUV, moving straight ahead, struck the rear of the first. Both drivers, men aged 36 and 51, suffered injuries—knee, leg, foot, and back trauma, including whiplash and abrasions. Both were conscious and restrained. Airbags deployed in one vehicle. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Accelerator Defective' as contributing factors, pointing to driver error and mechanical failure. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781079 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 18 - A 43-year-old woman crossing Flatbush Avenue with the signal was struck by a speeding e-bike. She suffered severe lacerations but remained conscious. The unlicensed rider fled. The e-bike showed no damage. The street held its silence.

A woman, age 43, was injured while crossing Flatbush Avenue near Nevins Street in Brooklyn, according to the police report. The report states she was 'crossing with the light' when a speeding e-bike struck her, causing 'severe lacerations' to her entire body. She remained conscious after the impact. The e-bike operator, described as unlicensed, did not stop at the scene. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The e-bike showed no visible damage. The victim’s action—crossing with the signal—is noted in the report, but the primary focus remains on the rider’s speed, improper lane usage, and lack of a valid license. The crash underscores the dangers posed by reckless operation and systemic failures to control unlicensed riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780866 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 18 - 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

Dec 16 - A female driver suffered neck injuries and shock after her SUV rear-ended a sedan stopped in traffic on Atlantic Avenue. The collision caused bruising and left the driver shaken. Police cited following too closely as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:45 on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A 59-year-old female driver, restrained by a lap belt and harness, was injured with a neck contusion and experienced shock. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The SUV, traveling east, struck the center back end of a sedan that was stopped in traffic. Both vehicles sustained damage at the center back end. The injured driver was not ejected and was wearing proper safety equipment. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision highlights the dangers of tailgating and failure to maintain safe distance in traffic, as documented by the police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780092 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 12 - A 10-year-old girl suffered knee and leg injuries after an SUV failed to yield and struck her at an intersection. The driver’s inattention and failure to yield caused the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on MetroTech Roadway in Brooklyn at 11:35 AM. A Station Wagon/SUV traveling east struck a 10-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and complained of whiplash. The report explicitly identifies the driver’s failure to yield and distraction as the causes, with no contributing fault attributed to the pedestrian. The driver was alone in the vehicle, which was damaged but details are limited to 'other.' This crash highlights the deadly consequences of driver errors in yielding and attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778928 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 9 - A chain-reaction collision on Adams Street in Brooklyn left a 48-year-old male driver with a concussion and head injury. The crash involved multiple vehicles stopped in traffic. Following too closely caused the impact, according to the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:30 on Adams Street in Brooklyn. Multiple vehicles traveling south were stopped in traffic when the collision happened. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factor leading to the crash. A 48-year-old male driver, restrained by a lap belt and conscious after the incident, suffered a head injury and concussion. The vehicles involved included a 2024 BMW sedan, a 2012 Nissan sedan, and a 2022 Toyota SUV. The point of impact was primarily at the center back end and rear bumpers, indicating a rear-end collision sequence. The driver errors cited focus on the failure to maintain safe distance, which triggered the chain-reaction crash. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777565 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 5 - Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Dec 4 - A sedan struck a 27-year-old female bicyclist making an improper left turn on Schermerhorn Street. The cyclist suffered an upper arm contusion and bruising. The crash involved disregard of traffic control and occurred late at night in Brooklyn.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:43 PM on Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn. A 27-year-old female bicyclist was making an improper left turn when she was struck by a sedan traveling eastbound. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors by the bicyclist. The bicyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained an upper arm contusion and bruising but was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The sedan, a 2017 Mitsubishi, was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. Damage was reported on the right front quarter panel of both vehicles. The collision highlights the dangers posed by failure to obey traffic controls and improper turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 3 - MTA’s congestion pricing plan splits New Yorkers. Council Member Holden calls it betrayal. Poll shows narrow support. Some see a cash grab, others hope for better transit. The $9 fee hits drivers. The city waits for the impact.

On November 18, 2024, the MTA approved congestion pricing, set to start January 5, 2025. The plan charges $9 for cars and $14.40 for trucks entering Manhattan below 60th Street. amNew York Metro polled nearly 3,000 residents: 53.8% support, 44.9% oppose. The matter, titled 'Here’s how New Yorkers really feel about congestion pricing,' reveals sharp divides. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) condemned the move, calling it a 'blatant political move and a shameless betrayal of New Yorkers.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes backed the plan, citing needed transit upgrades. The bill’s impact on vulnerable road users was not assessed. The debate centers on funding transit versus burdening drivers. The city stands at a crossroads.

• Here’s how New Yorkers really feel about congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-12-03

Nov 30 - Two SUVs collided on Flatbush Avenue Extension in Brooklyn. A front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles traveling southbound, impact on right front quarter panel and left side doors.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling southbound on Flatbush Avenue Extension collided. The driver of the 2004 Honda SUV, holding a permit license, struck the 2016 Lincoln SUV from behind. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the Honda and the left side doors of the Lincoln. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. A 41-year-old female front passenger in the Honda was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision highlights driver error in maintaining unsafe distance between vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776733 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 29 - A sedan turning left struck an 18-year-old crossing Jay Street with the signal. The driver failed to yield. The pedestrian suffered arm and hand injuries. Brooklyn intersection. Metal met flesh. System failed.

According to the police report, a 2017 Mercedes sedan made a left turn on Jay Street in Brooklyn at 7:12 p.m. and struck an 18-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the driver as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was conscious and not ejected. The sedan's center front end was damaged at the point of impact. No contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. The driver was licensed and traveling southbound at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775423 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 28 - Three cars slammed together on the Brooklyn Bridge. Driver distraction triggered the pileup. A 38-year-old man took a blow to the head and suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Traffic stopped. The bridge held the wreck.

According to the police report, three vehicles—a Chevrolet SUV, a Honda SUV, and a Jeep sedan—collided on the Brooklyn Bridge at 13:08. All were headed south when the crash struck. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the sole contributing factor, repeated for each vehicle. A 38-year-old male driver was injured, suffering head trauma and whiplash. He remained conscious and was not ejected. The report notes he wore a lap belt and harness. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The collision shows the risk of driver distraction on crowded city bridges.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 27 - A driver struck three cars in Bed-Stuy. She dragged a person, hit a vehicle with a pregnant woman, then crashed into an empty car. No life-threatening injuries. Police arrested her at the scene. Charges include assault and reckless endangerment.

Gothamist reported on November 27, 2024, that a New York City Housing Authority employee was arrested after a chaotic crash in Brooklyn. According to police, the driver, Tanisha Simpson, "swiped an oncoming car," then "drove away, dragging the person several feet and hitting another car with a pregnant woman inside." She struck a third, empty car before New York City Sheriffs arrested her nearby. The pregnant woman was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but no serious injuries were reported. Simpson faces charges of reckless endangerment, assault, and leaving the scene. The incident highlights the dangers of hit-and-run behavior and the risks faced by vulnerable road users at busy intersections.

• Three-Car Brooklyn Crash Sparks Arrest, Gothamist, Published 2024-11-27

Nov 26 - A 75-year-old woman suffered a severe hip injury after an e-scooter struck her at a Brooklyn intersection. The rider failed to yield right-of-way and disregarded traffic control. The pedestrian was crossing legally when the collision occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Fulton Street near Hoyt Street in Brooklyn at 5:15 p.m. A 75-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when she was struck by an e-scooter traveling southbound. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" and "Traffic Control Disregarded" as contributing factors attributed to the e-scooter operator. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, causing a severe injury to the pedestrian's hip and upper leg, described as a fracture and dislocation. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and did not contribute to the crash by any listed factor. The e-scooter was going straight ahead with no occupants other than the driver. This collision highlights the dangers posed by vehicle operators failing to respect pedestrian right-of-way and traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775346 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 25 - Bay Ridge’s parks and promenade get $30 million for repairs and upgrades. Community Board 10 approves. New lighting, wider paths, and more green space promised. Council Member Justin Brannan funds and supports. Cyclists and pedestrians get safer, smoother routes. No timeline yet.

On November 25, 2024, City Council Member Justin Brannan and Community Board 10 announced approval and funding for major upgrades to the Bay Ridge Promenade and Leif Ericson Park. The Parks Committee and full board both voted unanimously for the $30 million overhaul, which includes $20.97 million for the Shore Road Promenade and $9.25 million for Leif Ericson Park. The project, described as 'Destination: Greenways!', will expand green space, separate bike and pedestrian lanes, add lighting, and install new amenities. Brannan, a key funder and supporter, said, 'Our local parks are the lungs of our city.' The overhaul aims to improve recreational cycling, repair pothole-ridden paths, and increase accessibility. Board members raised concerns about safety and sanitation, which the Parks Department pledged to address in final designs. No construction timeline has been set.

• Bay Ridge community board greenlights $30M facelift for Shore Road Promenade, Leif Ericson Park, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-11-25

Nov 24 - SUV rear-ended sedan while merging westbound. Sedan driver suffered fractured knee and foot. Police cited following too closely and unsafe lane change. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV rear-ended an Audi sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway while both vehicles merged westbound. The SUV struck the sedan’s left rear bumper. The sedan driver, a 44-year-old man, suffered a fractured knee, lower leg, and foot, with a distorted dislocation. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as driver errors by the SUV operator. Both drivers were licensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not cite any victim actions as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777686 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 21 - A bus making a right turn struck its own passenger in Brooklyn. Driver inattention and limited view caused impact to the right rear quarter panel. The 36-year-old female occupant suffered upper arm injuries and shock, reporting pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a 2021 bus traveling west on Gold Street in Brooklyn was making a right turn when the crash occurred at 5:30 p.m. The vehicle's right rear quarter panel was the point of impact. The bus driver, a licensed male, was cited for driver inattention and distraction, with limited view contributing to the crash. The injured party was a 36-year-old female passenger seated in the rear of the bus. She was not ejected but suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries, experienced shock, and complained of pain and nausea. The report highlights driver errors—specifically inattention and obstructed view—as the primary causes. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 15 - A bus struck a stopped taxi on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The taxi driver, 68, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited the bus driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause. Both vehicles traveled southbound at the time.

According to the police report, a bus traveling southbound on Flatbush Avenue rear-ended a stopped taxi also heading south. The point of impact was the center front end of the bus and the center back end of the taxi. The taxi driver, a 68-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the bus driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the taxi. Both drivers were licensed and operating vehicles legally registered in New York. The taxi driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 14 - A van making a left turn collided with an eastbound bicyclist in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered injuries to the elbow, lower arm, and hand. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:25 near 323 Dean Street in Brooklyn. A van traveling northeast was making a left turn when it struck a bicyclist traveling east. The point of impact was the van's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist, a 54-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor for the van driver. The cyclist was wearing pads but no other safety equipment was noted as a contributing factor. The van driver was licensed and operating a 2013 vehicle. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771700 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18