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

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-01

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 2023-05-31

A bus struck a sedan at Reid Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan driver, a 53-year-old man, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries and whiplash. The crash involved a disregard for traffic control. Both vehicles were damaged at the front.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Reid Avenue in Brooklyn involving a bus and a sedan. The sedan driver, a 53-year-old man, was injured with upper arm and shoulder trauma and complained of whiplash. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. The bus and sedan both sustained front-end damage. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other occupants were reported injured. The crash highlights the dangers posed by failure to obey traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634682 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Two sedans crashed head-on on Broadway in Brooklyn. A 16-year-old driver suffered knee and lower leg bruises. The collision damaged the front ends of both vehicles. Driver inexperience was a contributing factor. No one was ejected from the vehicles.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Broadway in Brooklyn. The 16-year-old driver of one sedan was injured, sustaining contusions to the knee and lower leg. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before impact, which occurred at the center front end of one sedan and the right front quarter panel of the other. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632671 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan slammed into another on Lewis Avenue. The rear driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited falling asleep as the cause. Metal crumpled. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans traveled north on Lewis Avenue when the rear driver fell asleep and crashed into the car ahead. The 55-year-old woman behind the wheel of the rear sedan was injured, suffering back pain and shock. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the contributing factor. The front sedan took the hit at its center front end; the rear sedan was damaged at its center back. The injured driver wore a harness and was not ejected. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630016 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A motorcycle struck the right side of an SUV on Broadway. Both 17-year-old male drivers suffered shoulder injuries and bruises. The SUV driver was going straight; the motorcycle was making a left turn. Improper lane usage caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2020 Yamaha motorcycle making a left turn collided with the right side doors of a 2022 Dodge SUV traveling west on Broadway. Both drivers, 17-year-old males, were injured with upper arm shoulder contusions and bruises but were conscious and not ejected. The SUV driver was going straight ahead, while the motorcycle was turning left. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor. Both drivers were occupants of their vehicles, with the SUV driver licensed in New York. The motorcycle driver's license status was not provided. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630769 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Pick-up truck struck a 23-year-old woman on a bike. She was ejected, hit her head, and suffered fractures. Police cite traffic control ignored and unsafe speed. The crash left her conscious but badly hurt.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling east collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist heading south on Marcus Garvey Boulevard. The truck hit the bike's left front bumper. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries, including fractures and dislocations. Police list 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as driver errors. The cyclist was unlicensed, but no helmet or signaling factors were noted. She remained conscious after the crash but was seriously injured. The report highlights failures in obeying traffic controls and speed management.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629388 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A southbound SUV struck a parked sedan from behind on Reid Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old man, suffered a back injury and internal complaints. Both vehicles sustained damage at the center rear and right side doors.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male driver in a sedan was parked on Reid Avenue when a southbound SUV collided with the sedan’s center back end. The sedan driver was injured, sustaining back injuries and internal complaints, but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV’s front end impacted the sedan’s rear, damaging the right side doors of the SUV. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified. Both drivers were licensed. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of rear-end collisions involving parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628510 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 35-year-old woman was struck while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Pulaski Street in Brooklyn. The sedan, traveling east, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered internal injuries to her entire body but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old female pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Pulaski Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal when a sedan traveling east failed to yield right-of-way. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian sustained internal injuries to her entire body and was conscious at the scene. The sedan showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed. The driver was licensed in New York and was the sole occupant of the vehicle. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Two vehicles collided on Howard Avenue. An SUV struck the right side of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 30-year-old man, suffered a head injury and concussion. Both drivers were licensed. The SUV had two occupants. The sedan had one.

According to the police report, a 2022 SUV traveling east on Howard Avenue collided with a 2011 sedan traveling north. The SUV impacted the sedan’s right side doors, causing damage there and to the sedan’s front end. The sedan’s driver, a 30-year-old man wearing a lap belt, was injured with a head injury and concussion but remained conscious. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify driver errors or victim fault. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of side-impact collisions between passenger vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628512 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan making an improper U-turn struck another sedan traveling north on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact hit the left rear quarter panel of the turning vehicle and the front center of the other. A rear passenger suffered neck injuries.

According to the police report, a sedan registered in Florida was making an improper U-turn on Ralph Avenue when it collided with a Pennsylvania-registered sedan traveling straight north. The collision impacted the left rear quarter panel of the turning vehicle and the front center of the other. A 35-year-old male occupant in the right rear seat of the turning sedan was injured, sustaining neck trauma and internal complaints. The report lists driver errors including "Turning Improperly," "Following Too Closely," and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The injured passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other occupants were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

DOT plans a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. Cyclists and pedestrians back the move. Critics question safety gains. DOT cites data: protected lanes cut injuries. Council Member Chi Oss supports the upgrade. Installation set for late 2023.

On April 28, 2023, the Department of Transportation presented its plan to upgrade Bedford Avenue’s painted bike lane to a protected lane, covering Bergen Street to Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn. The proposal went before Community Boards 8 and 3, both in high-injury areas with little bike infrastructure. The DOT’s summary: 'upgrade the Bedford Avenue bike lane from a painted lane to a protected bike lane.' Council Member Chi Oss supports the project, though he did not attend the meeting. Former Assembly Member Tremaine Wright and Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman questioned the safety benefits, but DOT officials countered with data showing a 21% drop in pedestrian injuries where protected lanes exist. Community voices demanded safer streets. The city plans to install the new lane in the second half of 2023.

• DOT’s Long-Awaited Bedford Avenue Protected Bike Lane Has Widespread Support (Except for The Usual Critics), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-28

A man riding along Lafayette Avenue was struck. The driver followed too closely and drove at unsafe speed. The pedestrian suffered a back contusion. The vehicle showed no damage. The crash happened eastbound late at night.

According to the police report, a male pedestrian riding along Lafayette Avenue was injured in a crash caused by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The pedestrian suffered a back contusion and remained conscious. The report lists the driver's errors as "Following Too Closely" and "Unsafe Speed." The vehicle showed no damage and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was riding with traffic. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623748 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 66-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and injured on Fulton Street. The crash involved two eastbound vehicles traveling straight. The bicyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries. The driver failed to keep right, causing the impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Fulton Street involving two eastbound vehicles, one a bike driven by a 66-year-old man. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Failure to Keep Right" as a contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the bike and the right front bumper of the other vehicle. The bicyclist remained conscious but injured. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622604 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 24-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured at Broadway and Lewis Avenue. The sedan driver made a left turn and struck the cyclist. The bicyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries. Driver inattention caused the collision.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male bicyclist was injured after being struck by a sedan making a left turn on Broadway near Lewis Avenue. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, impacted the bicyclist with its left front bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620887 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 32-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered bruises over his entire body. The bike was demolished on impact. The crash occurred on Broadway. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on Broadway was involved in a crash resulting in his ejection from the bike. He sustained contusions and bruises over his entire body. The bike was demolished at the point of impact. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the driver error contributing to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. The report does not specify other vehicles involved or additional details about the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620756 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Motorscooter struck parked sedan on Quincy Street. Eighteen-year-old rider ejected, injured in leg and foot. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe speed. Sedan damaged, no other injuries reported.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male driving a motorscooter east on Quincy Street collided with a parked sedan. The impact ejected the rider, causing injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Police list driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The sedan, registered in New York and occupied by two people, was stationary and struck on its right side doors. The scooter's front end took the brunt of the crash. No safety equipment was used by the scooter driver. No injuries were reported among the sedan occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616654 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Brooklyn’s Age-Friendly Task Force released ten sharp recommendations. The focus: safer sidewalks, better bus driver training, and more housing for older adults. Council Member Crystal Hudson backed the push. The plan aims to cut danger for Brooklyn’s aging population.

On March 27, 2023, the Age-Friendly Brooklyn Task Force released ten policy recommendations to make Brooklyn safer and more inclusive for its 352,000 residents aged 65 and older. The initiative, supported by Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the City Council Committee on Aging, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, narrows 33 ideas to ten urgent actions. The report calls to 'ensure safe, clean, well-maintained sidewalks with well-lit intersections,' and to 'provide training to MTA bus drivers on working with older riders and riders with disabilities.' Hudson stated, 'We have to do all we can to ensure that our communities are responsive to the needs of our aging population.' The recommendations target housing, transportation, and public safety, aiming to reduce risks for older pedestrians and transit users.

• BP’s Age-Friendly Task Force releases 10 recommendations for an age-inclusive Brooklyn, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-03-27