Clinton Hill: The hits don’t stop

Mar 5 - A 23-year-old woman crossing Vanderbilt Avenue with the signal was struck by an SUV making a right turn. The vehicle failed to yield right-of-way, causing knee and lower leg injuries. The pedestrian remained conscious despite contusions and bruises.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Vanderbilt Avenue near Fulton Street in Brooklyn around 7:00 PM. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when she was struck by a northbound SUV making a right turn. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor on the driver's part. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious with contusions and bruises. The vehicle showed no damage despite impact at the right front bumper. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The incident highlights a critical driver error in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797043 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 3 - A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. It struck a man crouched in the road. The driver fled. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. Police are still investigating. Brooklyn’s streets claim more lives. The toll grows.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was 'crouched in the street to pick up food' when the northbound truck turned right and hit him, according to NYPD officials. The driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene. No arrests have been made. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The article notes this crash followed two other recent fatal collisions in Brooklyn. The incident underscores persistent dangers for pedestrians and ongoing issues with drivers leaving crash scenes. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian In Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

Mar 2 - A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

Mar 1 - SUV struck a 32-year-old man at Waverly Avenue. Driver’s distraction left the pedestrian with knee and leg injuries. Impact was direct. Streets remain perilous for those on foot.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male pedestrian was hit by a southbound SUV at 143 Waverly Avenue in Brooklyn. The man suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause. The SUV, a 2021 Mazda, struck the pedestrian with its left front quarter panel while going straight. The driver was licensed. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No contributing factors are listed for the pedestrian. This crash highlights the risk posed by distracted drivers to people walking in New York City.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 1 - 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

Feb 22 - A cyclist struck a 76-year-old man crossing Lafayette Avenue. The man suffered a severe head injury and was found unconscious. Police cite driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling east on Lafayette Avenue struck a 76-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury, was unconscious at the scene, and sustained fractures and dislocations. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The cyclist was going straight and hit the pedestrian with the center front end of the bike. No damage was reported to the bike. The incident highlights the danger posed by inattentive cyclists to vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795351 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Feb 18 - 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

Feb 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

Feb 14 - Two drivers collided on Lafayette Avenue. Both suffered head injuries and whiplash. Distraction behind the wheel caused the crash. The impact left both conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, two vehicles collided at 14:31 on Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. A 2015 Nissan sedan struck the rear of a 2012 Honda SUV, both traveling eastbound. Both drivers, a 50-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, sustained head injuries and whiplash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. No other contributing factors are cited. Both drivers remained conscious and were not ejected. The crash highlights the danger of distraction at the wheel, resulting in injuries to both drivers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792709 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Feb 13 - 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

Feb 8 - A sedan traveling north on Washington Avenue collided with a bicyclist heading east at Willoughby Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered upper arm injuries, left in shock and pain. Driver distraction was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Washington Avenue struck a bicyclist traveling east near Willoughby Avenue in Brooklyn at 4:31 a.m. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his shoulder and upper arm, resulting in complaints of pain and nausea and emotional shock. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted in the report. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791847 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Feb 2 - Transit advocates and officials rallied at Grand Central. They demanded Governor Hochul fill a $33 billion gap in the MTA capital plan. Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal called transit vital for the region. Advocates stressed accessibility and equity. The state’s budget leaves riders exposed.

On February 2, 2025, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal joined transit advocates at Grand Central Terminal to push for full funding of the MTA’s 2025-2029 capital plan. The rally targeted Governor Hochul’s $252 billion budget, which omits $33 billion needed for transit upgrades. The event, covered by amny.com, highlighted the matter: 'NYC transit advocates urge Hochul to fully fund MTA Capital Plan with guaranteed state budget revenue.' Hoylman-Sigal said, 'This is about the economic engine for the entire region.' Assembly Member Tony Simone and others demanded investment in transportation deserts and accessible stations. Advocates cited the MTA’s ADA settlement, noting only a quarter of stations are wheelchair-accessible, with the fewest in low-income areas. The rally underscored that without full funding, vulnerable riders—especially those with disabilities—face continued barriers and danger.

• NYC transit advocates urge Hochul to fully fund MTA Capital Plan with guaranteed state budget revenue, amny.com, Published 2025-02-02

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

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

Jan 16 - A northbound SUV struck an e-bike on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries but remained conscious. Both vehicles were traveling straight when impact occurred on their right and left front quarters, respectively.

According to the police report, a 2020 Honda SUV and an e-bike were both traveling northbound on Vanderbilt Avenue near 331 Vanderbilt Ave in Brooklyn at 12:45. The SUV's right front quarter panel collided with the e-bike's left side doors. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists the bicyclist's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact, indicating a collision without clear driver fault noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Jan 16 - 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

Jan 13 - A sedan struck a 16-year-old boy on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn. The teen suffered bruises to his knee and lower leg. No driver errors listed. The car showed no damage. Impact was at the right front quarter.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 16-year-old male pedestrian. The impact occurred at the vehicle's right front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. No driver errors or contributing factors, such as failure to yield or speeding, were listed in the report. The sedan showed no damage, and the driver was alone. No helmet use or crossing signal violations were noted as contributing factors. The report focuses on the collision and injuries, not assigning blame to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787973 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Jan 8 - Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - 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

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill 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.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

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