No More Widows for Van Buren: Lower the Speed, Save a Life

A Brooklyn SUV driver made a right turn and struck an e-bike rider passing westbound on Lewis Avenue. The e-bike rider suffered knee and lower leg contusions. According to the police report, failure to yield right-of-way caused the collision.

At 8:25 PM on Lewis Avenue in Brooklyn, a 2018 Jeep SUV was making a right turn when it collided with a westbound e-bike rider passing by, according to the police report. The e-bike rider, a 42-year-old male, sustained contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor in the crash. The SUV showed no visible damage, and the e-bike also had no reported damage. The driver of the SUV was licensed and traveling westbound. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724493 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A male pedestrian suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries after being struck while crossing against the signal on Marcus Garvey Boulevard. The driver disregarded traffic control, causing a collision outside an intersection in Brooklyn’s 11206 zip code.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:50 on Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Brooklyn. The pedestrian, a male, was crossing against the signal when the collision happened. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the primary contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the shoulder and upper arm, including whiplash, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was not at an intersection at the time of the crash. The vehicle involved is unspecified in type and details, but the driver’s failure to comply with traffic control measures directly contributed to the incident. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited by the police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725450 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 13-year-old boy suffered a head contusion after a sedan traveling west on Fulton Street struck him as he emerged from behind a parked vehicle. The impact was to the car’s left front bumper. The boy was conscious and injured.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Fulton Street at 16:46 when a 2020 Buick sedan traveling west struck him with the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle when the collision occurred. The boy sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The sedan had no reported damage. The report does not specify any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield, nor does it list any pedestrian contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The circumstances highlight the dangers posed when pedestrians emerge unexpectedly from behind parked vehicles, creating blind spots for drivers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726552 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Metal shrieked at Ralph and Gates. Two cars collided head-on. A 20-year-old driver, belted in, suffered head trauma and crushing pain. The cause: driver inattention. The street fell silent in the aftermath.

A sedan and an SUV collided head-on at the corner of Ralph Avenue and Gates Avenue in Brooklyn just before midnight, according to the police report. The report states that a 20-year-old male driver, secured by a lap belt and harness, remained conscious but sustained head trauma and crush injuries. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor in the crash. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before impact, with damage concentrated at the front ends. The narrative describes the moment: 'Metal screamed. A 20-year-old driver, belted in, stayed conscious through head trauma and crushing pain. The cause: inattention.' No other contributing factors are cited. The report makes clear that driver distraction led directly to the violent collision and resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan hit an 11-year-old girl riding her bike north on Bainbridge Street. She suffered knee and leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention. The crash left the child hurt, the car undamaged.

According to the police report, a northbound sedan struck an 11-year-old girl riding her bike on Bainbridge Street in Brooklyn at 21:21. The child was injured in her knee, lower leg, and foot, suffering abrasions. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause. The sedan’s right front bumper hit the bicyclist. The girl was not ejected and remained conscious. No damage was reported to the car. The report does not list lack of safety equipment as a contributing factor. This crash shows the danger inattentive drivers pose to young cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721932 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Tesla SUV and a Lexus sedan collided on Fulton Street at 5:30 p.m. The SUV was parked while the sedan was passing. A 20-year-old male passenger suffered a back contusion. Driver inattention was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Fulton Street at 17:30. A 2023 Tesla SUV was parked when it was struck on the left rear quarter panel by a 2007 Lexus sedan traveling west and passing. The sedan's right front quarter panel was the point of impact. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The injured party was a 20-year-old male occupant seated in the right rear passenger position of the SUV, who sustained a back contusion but was conscious and not ejected. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721976 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A motorcycle driver suffered neck injuries and shock after passing too closely to a box truck on Broadway. The crash caused pain and nausea but no vehicle damage. The truck driver was licensed; the motorcyclist was unlicensed.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:15 on Broadway near Van Buren Street. The collision involved a 2023 motorcycle traveling northeast and a 2022 box truck traveling northwest. The contributing factor cited was "Passing Too Closely," indicating the motorcycle driver’s unsafe proximity to the truck. The motorcycle driver, a 46-year-old male, was injured with neck pain and experienced shock, reporting complaints of pain and nausea. He was not ejected but was unlicensed at the time of the crash. The box truck, driven by a licensed male driver from New York, sustained no damage and had two occupants. The report lists no damage to either vehicle and no other contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of close passing maneuvers and unlicensed operation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719700 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 33-year-old woman suffered upper leg injuries after a sedan struck her at an intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to pay attention, hitting the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The victim was left in shock and pain.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northwest on Hancock Street in Brooklyn struck a 33-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection near Ralph Avenue at 9:57 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, making a left turn, impacted her with the left front bumper. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and from South Carolina. The collision highlights the critical role of driver distraction in causing harm to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two sedans slammed together on Halsey Street. Both drivers, women aged 55, suffered head and arm injuries. Police cited unsafe speed and traffic control disregard. Whiplash complaints followed the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 9:59 AM on Halsey Street near Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers, women aged 55, were injured—one with head trauma, the other with shoulder and upper arm injuries. Both were conscious and wore lap belts. Police listed 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors for both drivers. The crash caused whiplash complaints and damage to the vehicles' front ends. No pedestrians were involved. The report highlights driver error as the cause of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719083 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

An SUV making a right turn struck a 27-year-old male pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered hip and upper leg injuries and was left in shock. The driver disregarded traffic control, causing the collision at an intersection.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk on Dodworth Street at 17:07. The pedestrian was struck by a northbound SUV making a right turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian suffered injuries to the hip and upper leg and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The vehicle sustained no damage. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were noted. The collision underscores the dangers posed when drivers fail to obey traffic controls at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716940 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A northbound SUV hit a 9-year-old girl crossing outside a crosswalk in Brooklyn. The girl suffered a hip and upper leg contusion but remained conscious. The vehicle's right front bumper took the impact, revealing a failure to avoid the pedestrian.

According to the police report, a 1999 SUV traveling north on Lewis Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 9-year-old female pedestrian crossing the street outside a crosswalk. The impact occurred at the vehicle's right front bumper, causing contusions and bruising to the girl's hip and upper leg. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and sustained injury severity level 3. The report lists no explicit contributing factors for the driver, but the collision with a pedestrian crossing without a signal or crosswalk indicates a failure to yield or properly observe the pedestrian. No driver errors such as speeding or impairment were noted, and the pedestrian's actions were unspecified as contributing factors. The incident underscores the danger posed by vehicles failing to detect or yield to pedestrians outside designated crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715678 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

An 8-year-old boy was injured crossing Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. The vehicle struck him with its front center while traveling north. The child suffered back contusions and was left in shock. The crash occurred off intersection, without a crossing signal.

According to the police report, an 8-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn at 21:09. The child was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when a vehicle traveling north struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and was in shock, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The absence of detailed vehicle type and driver information limits identification of specific driver errors, but the collision’s nature highlights the dangers posed to pedestrians crossing outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

A one-year-old girl suffered back contusions after being struck by a sedan traveling east near 400 Decatur Street, Brooklyn. The driver showed no damage to the vehicle. The toddler was conscious but injured, with unspecified contributing factors noted.

According to the police report, a one-year-old female pedestrian was injured in a collision with a 2023 Tesla sedan traveling east near 400 Decatur Street in Brooklyn at 6:00 PM. The child sustained back contusions and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle, occupied by three people and driven by a licensed male driver, showed no damage and was going straight ahead at the time of the incident. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited. The toddler's actions in the roadway were categorized as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' but no further details or victim behaviors were identified as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712522 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

A moped rider was ejected and injured after an SUV made an improper left turn on Broadway in Brooklyn. The driver’s inattention caused a violent collision, striking the moped head-on. The rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:01 on Broadway near Palmetto Street in Brooklyn. The SUV driver was making a left turn when the collision happened, with the contributing factors listed as "Turning Improperly" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The moped rider, an 18-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report notes the rider was traveling straight north when the SUV struck him at the center front end. The SUV had three occupants, and the driver was licensed in New York. The police report highlights the driver's failure to maintain attention and improper turning as the primary causes, with no contributing factors attributed to the victim. The rider was left in shock and complained of pain and nausea following the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710751 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan making a left turn on Saratoga Avenue struck two pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. Both pedestrians suffered severe lower leg fractures and were left in shock. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision and injuries.

According to the police report, a 2005 sedan was making a left turn traveling east on Saratoga Avenue when it struck two pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. Both pedestrians, a 1-year-old boy and a 33-year-old woman, sustained severe injuries including fractures and dislocations to their knees, lower legs, and feet. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver, who was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time. The vehicle impacted the pedestrians at the center front end, yet the sedan sustained no damage. Both victims were found in shock. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrians’ actions, focusing solely on the driver's failure to yield as the cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710283 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan parked on Broadway struck a bicyclist traveling east. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. The rider remained conscious despite serious injuries.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male bicyclist was injured after a 2011 BMW sedan struck him on Broadway at 2:30 p.m. The sedan was parked prior to the crash and impacted the bicyclist on the left side doors. The bicyclist, traveling east going straight ahead, was ejected from his bike and sustained a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. The bicyclist was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors such as victim behavior were noted. The incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708937 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07