Clinton Hill: The hits don’t stop

Apr 24 - A 101-year-old woman crossed with the signal. An unlicensed driver turned left and struck her. She died days later. The driver was arrested at the scene. Another deadly crash by an unlicensed driver happened nearby just a week before.

The Brooklyn Paper (April 24, 2025) reports that Taibel Brod, age 101, was hit by a 2023 GMC Yukon while crossing Brooklyn Avenue at Montgomery Street with the walk signal. Police say the driver, Menachem Shagalow, was unlicensed and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to exercise due care, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Brod died from her injuries at Maimonides Medical Center on April 20. The article notes, 'Menachem was arrested at 8:37 p.m. on April 8 shortly after the incident.' This crash follows another fatal collision involving a suspended driver in Brooklyn the previous week. The incidents highlight ongoing dangers from unlicensed drivers and raise questions about enforcement and systemic safety failures.

• Unlicensed Driver Kills Pedestrian in Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-24

Apr 19 - A moped and car collided on Washington Ave. The moped driver suffered hip and leg injuries. Police cite vehicular factors. The crash left the street scarred and the rider hurt.

A moped and a car crashed on Washington Ave near Park Ave in Brooklyn. The 33-year-old moped driver was injured in the hip and upper leg and reported whiplash. According to the police report, 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed to the crash. The moped was struck at the center back end, while the car was damaged at the front. The driver wore a helmet, as noted in the report, but the main cause listed was vehicular error. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807248 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Apr 18 - Two sedans crashed on Park Ave in Brooklyn. Three men injured, arms and shoulders hit. Police say one driver fell asleep. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two sedans collided on Park Ave near Classon Ave in Brooklyn. Three men, ages 33, 50, and 59, suffered arm and shoulder injuries. According to the police report, one driver 'fell asleep,' causing the crash. The impact left all three injured men in shock. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the primary contributing factor. No other driver errors are noted. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose control at the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806574 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Apr 16 - New research from Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets announced a report detailing NYC's top 10 super speeders.

• Road report: Here’s where lead-foot drivers repeatedly get speed-camera tickets in NYC, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-16

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 9 - A school bus tore through a fence in Ditmas Park. An eight-year-old boy and his mother took the brunt. Broken arm. Head and neck wounds. The bus mounted the sidewalk, iron twisted, cinderblock shattered. The driver stayed. The street stayed dangerous.

CBS New York reported on April 9, 2025, that a school bus crashed into a fence at Bedford Avenue and Farragut Road in Brooklyn, injuring an 8-year-old boy and his 43-year-old mother. The article quotes Councilmember Farrah Louis: "It appeared the driver was driving and hit the gas instead of the brakes, trying to avoid another car, and that's how he crashed." No students were on the bus at the time. The victims were hospitalized with serious injuries. Witnesses described the bus waiting for a pedestrian before suddenly jumping the curb and smashing through the fence. The incident highlights ongoing traffic dangers in the area and raises questions about driver error and the need for improved street safety.

• School Bus Slams Fence In Brooklyn, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-09

Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.

On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.

• ‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-03

Apr 2 - A car plowed through families on Ocean Parkway. Three killed. Survivors hurt, shaken, haunted. The driver had a suspended license, dozens of violations, unpaid fines. The city’s streets failed to protect the most vulnerable. Pain lingers. Justice waits.

ABC7 reported on April 2, 2025, that a crash in Brooklyn killed a mother and her two daughters, leaving another family injured and traumatized. The article states, “Shakhzod described ongoing back pain and fears of another accident.” The driver, Miriam Yarimi, had 93 violations, $10,000 in unpaid fines, and a suspended license. She struck an Uber, then hit families crossing Ocean Parkway, flipping her vehicle. Yarimi faces charges including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. The crash exposes systemic failure: a driver with a long record remained on the road. Survivors suffer lasting physical and emotional wounds. The city’s enforcement and oversight remain under scrutiny.

• Brooklyn Crash Leaves Family Scarred, Three Dead, ABC7, Published 2025-04-02

Apr 1 - A mother and two children died on Ocean Parkway. A driver with a suspended license and a record of violations struck them. The road has claimed many lives before. Residents see speeding daily. Calls for change echo. Danger remains.

The New York Post (April 1, 2025) reports that Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn has seen 20 deaths since 2014, with nearly 2,400 injuries since 2012. On March 30, Miriam Yarimi, driving with a suspended license and 93 prior traffic violations, crashed into an Uber and then into a family, killing Natasha Saada and two of her children. A third child remains in critical condition. The article quotes Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives: Ocean Parkway is 'one of Brooklyn's most dangerous roads.' Residents and advocates demand stronger safety measures, including speed-limiting technology for repeat offenders. Mayor Eric Adams is open to lowering the speed limit, but state approval is needed. Despite Vision Zero, Ocean Parkway remains hazardous for pedestrians.

• Ocean Parkway Crash Exposes Deadly Pattern, New York Post, Published 2025-04-01

Mar 31 - A speeding Audi struck a mother and her daughters in a Brooklyn crosswalk. The crash killed three. The youngest son was left fighting for life. The driver, with a long record of violations, now faces manslaughter charges.

According to the New York Post (March 31, 2025), Miriam Yarimi drove her Audi through a Brooklyn crosswalk, killing Natasha Saada and her daughters, Diana and Debra. Saada’s 4-year-old son was critically injured. Police said the victims were 'legally crossing the street in a crosswalk when the driver's speeding Audi struck them.' Yarimi’s car had over 93 traffic violations. She told first responders she was 'possessed' and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation. The article notes Yarimi’s history of paranoid social media posts and erratic behavior. She has been charged with manslaughter. The crash highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians and raises questions about enforcement against repeat traffic offenders.

• Brooklyn Driver Kills Mother, Two Daughters, New York Post, Published 2025-03-31

Mar 30 - A car struck a family in a Brooklyn crosswalk. A mother and two daughters died. Her young son was left in critical condition. The driver faced charges. The street showed the scars. Mourners filled the night.

The New York Times (March 30, 2025) reported a deadly crash at Ocean Parkway and Quentin Road, Brooklyn. Miriam Yarimi, driving with a suspended license, "barreled into a silver Toyota Camry" before veering into a crosswalk and hitting Natasha Saada and her children. Yarimi was charged with manslaughter, reckless driving, and other offenses. The Audi she drove had a record of 99 violations, including red-light and school-zone speeding tickets. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, "This was a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road." The crash highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians and ongoing issues with enforcement and accountability for repeat traffic offenders.

• Brooklyn Crash Kills Mother, Two Children, The New York Times, Published 2025-03-30

Mar 29 - A car slammed through a Brooklyn crosswalk. A mother and two daughters died. Her young son clings to life. Metal and glass scattered. Sirens wailed. The driver, unlicensed, faces manslaughter. Ocean Parkway became a scene of sudden loss.

CBS New York reported on March 29, 2025, that a crash on Ocean Parkway killed a mother and her two daughters, ages 5 and 8, while her 4-year-old son was left in critical condition. Police say a Toyota Camry, turning right, was rear-ended by an Audi sedan. The impact pushed the Camry aside, and the Audi continued forward, striking the family in a crosswalk before overturning. The Audi's driver, Miriam Yarimi, 32, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Police said she was driving on a suspended license. Investigators are examining whether she ran a red light or was speeding. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, 'This was a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road.' The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and questions about enforcement of license suspensions.

• Brooklyn Crash Kills Mother, Two Children, CBS New York, Published 2025-03-29

Mar 25 - A parked sedan was struck on its left side doors in Brooklyn. The driver, a 39-year-old man, suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Limited view contributed to the collision, highlighting risks of obstructed sight lines.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:00 AM near Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. A 2013 BMW sedan was parked when it was struck on the left side doors. The driver, a 39-year-old male occupant, sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor to the collision. Both involved vehicles were parked at the time, with the box truck showing no damage. The driver of the sedan was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The data indicates no driver error beyond limited visibility, emphasizing systemic dangers posed by obstructed views in vehicle environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 23 - Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker sped through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection has seen this before. The system pushes speed. The danger remains.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after an e-bike delivery worker "sped through a stop sign" and struck him as he exited his double-parked car in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene. No arrests were made. The article notes this intersection is known for frequent stop sign violations: "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The piece highlights systemic issues, including delivery app pressures and gaps in e-bike regulation. City data shows e-bikes account for less than 2% of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues. Lawmakers have called for tighter rules, as delivery workers face incentives to rush.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Pedestrian, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

Mar 16 - Sedan slammed van’s rear as it changed lanes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Van driver suffered back injury and whiplash. Police cited improper passing and close following by sedan.

According to the police report, a sedan struck the left rear quarter panel of a van changing lanes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway near Flushing Avenue at 3:00 AM. The van driver, a 30-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and whiplash. Police listed 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors, pointing to driver error by the sedan operator. The van driver was conscious, not ejected, and wore a lap belt and harness. The sedan’s right front bumper was damaged. The report does not mention any actions by the van driver contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799300 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 15 - BMW rear-ends Tesla near midnight on Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal folds. Four men bleed and reel from whiplash and cuts. Police cite following too closely and unsafe speed. Pain lingers. The road stays cold.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan struck a Tesla sedan from behind on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway just before midnight. The BMW driver was cited for 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed.' Both cars were traveling straight. The impact crushed the Tesla’s rear, injuring four male passengers and drivers. One young man suffered severe facial lacerations; others sustained whiplash, concussion, and shock. All wore seat belts. No contributing factors were attributed to the victims. The crash highlights the danger of driver errors—following too closely and speeding—on New York highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799341 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 15 - A sedan driver disregarded traffic control and collided with a northbound bicyclist on Hall Street in Brooklyn. The 56-year-old female cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan showed no damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:35 on Hall Street in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling south was starting from a parking position when it struck a bicyclist traveling northbound. The contributing factor cited is 'Traffic Control Disregarded' by the sedan driver. The bicyclist, a 56-year-old female, was ejected from her bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report notes the bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, sustained no damage despite the impact occurring at the right front bumper. The collision highlights the dangers posed by drivers ignoring traffic controls, resulting in serious injuries to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799293 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 10 - A sedan turned left on Washington Avenue and hit a woman on an e-scooter head-on. She crashed to the pavement, blood running from her scalp. She stayed conscious, 29, staring skyward in Brooklyn’s night.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Washington Avenue near Myrtle Avenue made a left turn and struck an eastbound e-scooter head-on. The report states, 'The car struck her head-on. She hit the pavement hard. No helmet. Blood ran from her scalp.' The e-scooter rider, a 29-year-old woman, suffered a severe head injury and remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan’s driver’s actions—turning left across the path of the oncoming e-scooter—are central to the collision. The victim was not wearing a helmet, but this is noted only after the driver errors cited by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798536 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 8 - A driver out on bail smashed into a Toyota in Bushwick. The crash killed Hayden Wallace and injured three others. The driver fled, leaving chaos behind. Police tracked him for over a year. Charges stack up, but the loss remains.

NY Daily News (March 8, 2025) reports that Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested after a deadly hit-and-run in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Seabrook had been out on bail for a previous crash involving police. On January 8, 2024, he crashed into a Toyota, killing Hayden Wallace and injuring three others. Seabrook fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The article notes, "All accidents are useless but this one was even more useless because [Seabrook] had so many other offenses." Seabrook faces 23 charges, including manslaughter, leaving the scene, unlicensed driving, and speeding. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and questions about bail and enforcement. Police needed over a year to arrest Seabrook, who had a history of fleeing crashes and driving without a license.

• Repeat Offender Kills Passenger In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-08

Mar 7 - A bus collided with a bicyclist traveling north on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a serious head injury, rendered unconscious. Police cited the bus driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a GMC bus traveling west on Myrtle Avenue struck a northbound bicyclist at approximately 14:15. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained a severe head injury, resulting in unconsciousness and complaints of pain or nausea. The point of impact was the bus’s right front bumper hitting the bike’s right front quarter panel. The report explicitly identifies the bus driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. No other contributing factors were specified. The bus driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798449 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09