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

Aug 18 - A speeding driver ran a red light on Atlantic Avenue, killing an 18-year-old passenger and injuring three others. The crash happened outside Trader Joe’s in Cobble Hill. Council Member Lincoln Restler called for urgent safety fixes. Atlantic Avenue remains deadly. No changes yet.

"We can’t fix Atlantic Ave fast enough, and we need a hell of a lot more accountability for drivers who speed and run red lights." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 18, 2023, a speeding driver in a Mercedes ran a red light at Atlantic Avenue and Court Street, killing an 18-year-old woman and injuring three others. This stretch of Atlantic Avenue is notorious for deadly crashes. Council Member Lincoln Restler responded, stating, “Our community is unified in demanding immediate changes to dramatically slow down traffic, improve safety at intersections, and install new mid block crossings.” The incident marks the second fatal crash on this corridor in 2023. Despite calls from Restler and other local officials for mid-block crossings and traffic calming after previous deaths, the city has not acted. The bill or action is a public statement, not legislation, but it highlights urgent demands for redesign and enforcement to protect vulnerable road users. No safety improvements have been implemented yet.

• Speeding Driver Runs Red Light and Kills 18-Year-Old on Deadly Atlantic Avenue Speedway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-18

Aug 18 - A reckless driver ran a red light on Atlantic Avenue. He killed an 18-year-old passenger and injured four others. Council Member Lincoln Restler called the strip deadly. He demanded urgent safety fixes. Another life lost. The street remains a threat.

On August 18, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) responded to a fatal crash at Atlantic Avenue and Court Street. An 18-year-old woman died after a driver sped through a red light and struck another car. Restler stated, 'This is one of the most dangerous strips in Brooklyn & we need safety improvements on Atlantic Ave NOW.' He called for immediate action: slower traffic, mid-block crossings, and better protections for all. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes echoed the demand for accountability and urgent fixes. No council bill is attached, but Restler’s public statement highlights the deadly pattern on Atlantic Avenue and the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable road users.

• Cops cuff driver after Brooklyn crash kills 18-year-old woman: NYPD, amny.com, Published 2023-08-18

Aug 18 - Civic groups blasted Mayor Adams’s BQE plan. They called it car- and truck-centric. The city wants more lanes and a new off-ramp. Critics say this endangers communities and ignores transit. Local leaders demand fewer cars, safer streets, and real change.

On August 18, 2023, civic groups and local officials criticized Mayor Adams’s Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) plan. The Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled three concepts for the Atlantic Avenue interchange, restoring three lanes each way and adding a new off-ramp on Hicks Street. The coalition’s letter called this 'extremely misguided.' Former DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman said the proposals 'don’t improve safety, they don’t improve traffic, and they certainly don’t improve any of the surrounding communities.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon backed a corridor-wide approach and prolonging the cantilever’s life for better planning. The groups urge immediate repairs, less traffic, and more transit. DOT Press Secretary Vin Barone defended the plan, citing federal funding and green space. The community’s message is clear: the city’s current approach puts vulnerable road users at risk and fails to meet safety or environmental needs.

• Civic Groups Slam Mayor’s ‘Car- and Truck-Centric’ BQE Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-18

Aug 18 - Assembly bill A 7979 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers a speed limiter. Lawmakers move to curb repeat danger. No more unchecked speeding. Streets demand it.

Assembly bill A 7979, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Assembly. Introduced August 18, 2023, it 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during an eighteen month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Assemblymember Emily Gallagher leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, Tony Simone, Jo Anne Simon, and others. The bill aims to force chronic speeders to slow down. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear: rein in repeat offenders, protect those outside the car.

• File A 7979, Open States, Published 2023-08-18

Aug 17 - A 21-year-old unlicensed moped driver struck a parked SUV in Brooklyn. The impact fractured his elbow and dislocated his lower arm. Police cited improper passing and passing too closely as contributing factors. The driver was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male moped driver traveling east on Tillary Street collided with a parked SUV. The moped's left front bumper hit the SUV's left rear bumper. The driver, unlicensed and riding without safety equipment, suffered a fractured elbow and dislocated lower arm. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The moped driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other occupants were involved or injured. The crash highlights driver errors related to improper passing maneuvers in a congested Brooklyn street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656153 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 11 - An SUV and an e-bike collided head-on on Flatbush Avenue. The e-bike rider, a 49-year-old man, was ejected and injured with abrasions and upper arm trauma. The road was slippery, contributing to the crash. Both vehicles were traveling north.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male e-bike rider was injured after a collision with a 2020 Chevrolet SUV on Flatbush Avenue. Both vehicles were traveling north and collided front to front. The e-bike rider was ejected and suffered abrasions and upper arm injuries. The report lists slippery pavement as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed; the e-bike rider was unlicensed. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The crash caused center front end damage to both vehicles. The e-bike rider was conscious after the crash. No helmet or signaling factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653701 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 2 - Senate bill S 7621 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets trigger mandatory speed control tech. Sponsors push to curb repeat danger. No votes yet. Streets stay tense.

Senate bill S 7621, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed August 2, 2023, it 'relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill forces drivers with eleven points in eighteen months, or six speed/red light camera tickets in a year, to install speed-limiting devices. No safety analyst note yet. The measure aims to cut repeat speeding and protect those outside the car.

• File S 7621, Open States, Published 2023-08-02

Aug 2 - State Sen. Gounardes and Assembly Member Gallagher push a bill to force repeat speeders to install limiters. The tech would cap speed, targeting drivers with six or more tickets. Advocates say it could cut deaths. Reckless drivers face real consequences.

On August 2, 2023, State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher announced new legislation targeting recidivist reckless drivers. The bill, introduced in the New York State Legislature, would require drivers with at least six speeding tickets in a single year, or 11 points in 18 months, to install speed limiter devices in their vehicles. The matter summary states: "We are going to literally force you to slow down by requiring you to install a speed limiter on your car." Gounardes led the announcement at the Atlantic Avenue intersection where a driver killed Katherine Harris. Gallagher, co-sponsor, said, "Cars and trucks can act as weapons when used recklessly." The bill aims to bypass bureaucratic hurdles and act automatically, modeled after ignition interlock devices for drunk drivers. Advocates and city officials joined the call, citing data that speed limiters can reduce traffic deaths by 37 percent. The bill targets the most dangerous drivers, seeking to end impunity for repeat offenders.

• In-Car Tech Would Force NYC’s Worst Drivers to Slow Down Under New Proposal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-02

Aug 1 - Lawmakers push a bill to force speed-limiting devices on repeat reckless drivers. The measure targets those with a record of speeding and red-light violations. It aims to slow down the worst offenders and curb the rising toll of traffic deaths.

On August 1, 2023, lawmakers introduced a bill requiring speed-limiting devices for repeat reckless drivers. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, targets drivers with six or more automated speed or red light tickets, or eleven license points in 18 months. The measure would force these drivers to install devices that cap speed at five miles per hour above the limit. Gounardes said, 'There is a persistent cohort of drivers... driving on our streets recklessly without any consequences.' The bill was unveiled at the site of a fatal pedestrian crash in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program, which mandates safety courses for repeat offenders, has faced criticism for weak enforcement. This new bill seeks to close those gaps and directly slow down the most dangerous drivers on city streets.

• State lawmakers unveil bill to put speed limiting devices in reckless drivers’ cars, amny.com, Published 2023-08-01

Jul 28 - A Nissan SUV hit a Nissan sedan on Gold Street in Brooklyn. The sedan was making a left turn when the SUV struck its right side doors. A 46-year-old front-seat passenger suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. Driver failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2015 Nissan SUV traveling north on Gold Street struck the right side doors of a 2017 Nissan sedan making a left turn. The collision injured a 46-year-old female front passenger in the sedan, who sustained contusions and bruises to her shoulder and upper arm. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The impact damaged the left front bumper of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653573 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 28 - A sedan struck a 23-year-old bicyclist on Tillary Street. The cyclist was ejected, scraped, and hurt. Police cite traffic control disregarded. Impact was violent. Both front ends smashed. Cyclist conscious, injured.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Tillary Street collided head-on with a southbound 23-year-old male bicyclist. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions over his entire body. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, showing the driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The sedan's front center hit the bike's front center. The bicyclist wore a helmet but was still injured. Both vehicles sustained significant front-end damage. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651528 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 26 - A 27-year-old male SUV driver changed lanes unsafely on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The SUV’s left front bumper struck the rear center of a slowing pickup truck. The SUV driver suffered back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred when the SUV driver was changing lanes unsafely and following too closely. The SUV’s left front bumper collided with the center back end of the pickup truck, which was slowing or stopping. The SUV driver, a 27-year-old male occupant, sustained back injuries and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe lane changing and following too closely as contributing factors. The pickup truck driver was not reported injured. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652136 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 25 - A sedan stopped in traffic on Adams Street was struck from behind by another sedan traveling north. The rear driver suffered neck injuries and bruising. Both drivers were female and licensed. The crash involved driver inexperience as a factor.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old female driver was injured when her sedan was rear-ended on Adams Street in Brooklyn. The striking vehicle, also a sedan driven by a licensed female driver, hit the center back end of the stopped car. The injured driver suffered neck contusions and bruises but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling north, with the lead car stopped in traffic and the following car going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - Two SUVs crashed while traveling north on Flatbush Avenue Extension. One driver changed lanes improperly, striking the other vehicle. A 70-year-old passenger suffered a head contusion. Both vehicles sustained front quarter panel damage in the collision.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Flatbush Avenue Extension. One driver was changing lanes improperly, which led to the crash. The collision involved the right front quarter panel of one SUV and the left front quarter panel of the other. A 70-year-old male passenger in the struck vehicle was injured, suffering a head contusion. He was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed. The injured passenger was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 21 - New York stands firm on congestion pricing. New Jersey sues. Assemblymember Carroll calls the suit a stunt. Officials defend the plan’s review. The fight is sharp. Streets remain dangerous. Vulnerable road users wait for real change.

On July 21, 2023, Assemblymember Robert Carroll (District 44) responded to New Jersey’s lawsuit against New York’s congestion pricing plan. The matter, titled “New York Doubles Down on Congestion Pricing After New Jersey Sues,” saw Carroll label the suit a 'stunt' and accuse Governor Murphy of ignoring environmental and quality-of-life concerns. State Senator Andrew Gounardes called the lawsuit a cynical move to control New York’s roads. MTA officials, including John McCarthy, defended the environmental review, citing extensive outreach and public hearings. The bill’s status is an official response to legal challenge, not a council vote or committee action. No direct safety impact assessment for vulnerable road users was provided. The debate underscores the ongoing struggle to make streets safer for those outside cars.

• New York Doubles Down on Congestion Pricing After New Jersey Sues, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-07-21

Jul 21 - New York leaders stand firm on congestion pricing. They dismiss New Jersey’s lawsuit as political theater. Officials say the environmental review was thorough. The MTA promises mitigation for affected communities. The fight centers on who controls city streets and who pays the price.

On July 21, 2023, New York officials responded to a lawsuit from New Jersey over congestion pricing. The matter, titled 'New York Doubles Down on Congestion Pricing After New Jersey Sues,' saw Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assemblymember Robert Carroll defend the plan. Gounardes called the suit 'a cynical attempt' by New Jersey to interfere. Carroll labeled it 'a stunt.' MTA spokesperson John McCarthy said the environmental assessment 'covered every conceivable potential traffic, air quality, social and economic effect.' The MTA also pledged mitigation for environmental justice communities. The bill’s status is active, with strong support from New York’s leadership and ongoing opposition from New Jersey.

• New York Doubles Down on Congestion Pricing After New Jersey Sues, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-21

Jul 18 - Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Jul 18 - Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Jul 17 - A tractor truck struck a parked sedan on Nevins Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver and front passenger suffered neck injuries. The truck’s right front bumper made impact. Both sedan occupants wore seat belts and suffered whiplash.

According to the police report, a 2018 Mack tractor truck traveling south collided with a parked 2020 Infiniti sedan on Nevins Street, Brooklyn. The truck’s right front bumper hit the sedan. The sedan’s driver, 55, and front passenger, 58, both conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses, suffered neck injuries described as whiplash. The report lists "Oversized Vehicle" and "Passing Too Closely" as contributing factors. The truck driver was licensed in New Jersey and was going straight ahead before the crash. The sedan was stationary at the time. No ejections occurred. The crash highlights dangers posed by large vehicles passing too close to parked cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646907 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 15 - A 57-year-old male bicyclist was struck on Washington Street by a southbound SUV making a left turn. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The driver was distracted. The cyclist remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a 57-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on Washington Street was hit by a southbound SUV making a left turn. The SUV's center front end struck the cyclist, causing abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain proper attention during the turn. The bicyclist's actions were also noted as a factor, but no helmet or signaling issues were mentioned. The SUV driver was licensed and driving a 2020 model vehicle. The crash caused damage to the SUV's front end and the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645604 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19