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

An e-bike and SUV collided on Atlantic Avenue. The rider, eighteen, was thrown and hurt. Police cite driver distraction and improper lane use. The crash left the cyclist with leg injuries. Metal, speed, and inattention met on Brooklyn pavement.

An eighteen-year-old e-bike rider was injured in a crash with an SUV at 1545 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling west when they collided. The e-bike rider was partially ejected and suffered abrasions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The report does not mention any safety equipment used by the rider. The impact struck the left front of the e-bike and the right front of the SUV. No injuries to the SUV occupant were reported. The crash highlights the danger when drivers lose focus and fail to maintain proper lane discipline.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817177 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped and SUV crashed on Broadway near Vernon Avenue. The moped driver suffered leg injuries. Police cite unsafe speed and driver distraction. The crash left one hurt and others shaken. Metal met metal. Danger lingered in the street.

A moped and a station wagon/SUV collided on Broadway at Vernon Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash involved unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction. The 21-year-old moped driver was injured, suffering pain and trauma to his leg. Two occupants of the SUV, including the 25-year-old driver and a 29-year-old front passenger, were also involved but their injuries were unspecified. The report states, 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors for both drivers. The moped driver was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary causes listed are driver errors. The impact left one person hurt and exposed the persistent risks faced by vulnerable road users on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816232 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.

Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.

• File Int 1287-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-28

Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-05-27

A pregnant woman stepped from her car after a crash. The other driver floored it, struck her, dragged her, then fled. She died at the hospital. The driver vanished into the night. Police search. Grief lingers on Van Buren Street.

According to the New York Post (published May 26, 2025), Tiffany Cifuni, 32, was killed after a minor collision at Van Buren Street and Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Brooklyn. Cifuni exited her Toyota 4Runner to check for damage. The driver of a Chevy Trax then accelerated, struck her from behind, dragged her, and sped away against traffic on a one-way street. The article states, "the driver of the Trax gunned it and struck Cifuni from behind, dragging her before speeding away." The suspect crashed into two more vehicles before fleeing on foot, leaving behind a car with temporary plates. The driver remains at large. The incident highlights the lethal risk of hit-and-run drivers and the dangers posed by unchecked reckless driving on city streets.

• Pregnant Woman Killed In Brooklyn Hit-And-Run, New York Post, Published 2025-05-26

A pregnant woman stood in the street after a fender bender. The other driver hit her, dragged her, then sped off. She died at the scene. The driver fled on foot. Family waits for answers. The street holds the silence.

ABC7 reported on May 25, 2025, that a 32-year-old pregnant woman was killed in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, after a traffic incident at Van Buren Street and Marcus Garvey Boulevard. The article states, "Authorities say a female driver slammed into the victim as she stood in the roadway after a traffic incident." The victim, Tiffany Cifuni, had exited her SUV following a minor collision and approached the other vehicle. The driver then accelerated, dragging Cifuni and driving the wrong way before striking parked cars and fleeing on foot. The crash highlights the dangers of post-collision interactions and reckless driving. Police continue to search for the suspect.

• Pregnant Woman Killed In Brooklyn Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-25

A woman walking outside the intersection was struck and killed by an SUV late at night on Marcus Garvey Boulevard. The crash left her with fatal crush injuries. No driver errors were specified in the police report. The street stayed deadly and silent.

A 32-year-old woman was killed while walking on Marcus Garvey Boulevard near Van Buren Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was not at an intersection when an SUV struck her, causing fatal crush injuries to her entire body. The crash involved a 2024 Jeep SUV traveling east and two parked vehicles. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian's death is recorded as 'Apparent Death' with 'Crush Injuries.' No mention of helmet or signaling is included in the report. The data shows the persistent danger for pedestrians on city streets, even late at night.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815727 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cyclist struck on Broadway. She suffered a bruised leg. Police cite traffic control ignored and unsafe speed. The crash left her conscious but hurt.

A 31-year-old woman riding a bike was injured on Broadway at Marcus Garvey Blvd in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash involved a cyclist and an unspecified vehicle. The cyclist suffered a contusion to her lower leg and was partially ejected but remained conscious. Police list 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The report also notes 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' No safety equipment was used by the cyclist. The crash highlights the dangers when traffic controls are ignored and speed is unsafe.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817501 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans crashed on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn. Drivers and a child passenger were hurt. Police cite distraction and cell phone use. Metal twisted. Shock and pain followed. The street stayed silent after the impact.

Two sedans collided at 1090 Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both drivers and a child passenger suffered injuries. One driver, a 55-year-old man, sustained leg injuries. The other, a 24-year-old woman, suffered a head injury. A young child riding as a passenger was also hurt. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Cell Phone (hand-Held)' as contributing factors. The report notes that both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before the crash. The force of the impact left metal bent and people in shock. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report does not mention any other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815376 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans met in Brooklyn. Metal struck metal. A woman, driving, took the worst of it. Her back and insides hurt. The street stayed busy. The system failed to protect. No clear cause named. The danger remains.

Two sedans collided at 1545 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 49-year-old woman driving one sedan was injured, suffering back and internal injuries. Other occupants, including a 56-year-old front passenger and additional registrants, were listed but not reported as injured. Both vehicles were traveling east and going straight ahead when the crash happened. The report does not specify any contributing factors or driver errors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The impact left one driver hurt, while the system’s silence on cause leaves the risk unaddressed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815089 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man crossed Fulton Street. A Ford Explorer hit him. The driver sped off. The man died at the hospital. The street stayed quiet. Police searched for the car. The city counted another lost life.

ABC7 reported on May 17, 2025, that a 55-year-old man was killed while crossing Fulton Street at Washington Avenue in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. According to police, 'a burgundy Ford Explorer with Pennsylvania license plates struck and killed the 55-year-old man.' The driver did not remain at the scene. The crash happened just before 12:30 a.m. The victim was taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident highlights the ongoing danger faced by pedestrians and the persistent problem of hit-and-run drivers in New York City.

• Driver Flees After Brooklyn Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-17

A motorcycle slammed into SUVs on Park Ave. The rider’s leg broke. Police cite failure to yield and unsafe speed. Metal and bone twisted in the street.

A 27-year-old motorcycle driver was injured after colliding with multiple SUVs near 857 Park Ave in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash involved a motorcycle and several parked and moving SUVs. The rider suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg. Police listed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The report notes the rider wore a helmet. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813370 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car struck Larry Maxwell, 72, on Sutter Avenue. The driver had just crashed into another vehicle and fled. Maxwell died at Brookdale Hospital. The driver did not stop. Police are still searching. No arrests. The street stayed quiet.

NY Daily News reported on May 15, 2025, that Larry Maxwell, 72, was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The article states, “An elderly man was mowed down and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Brooklyn on May 10, just seconds after the same driver smashed into a nearby vehicle.” The driver first collided with a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, then continued on and struck Maxwell near Sutter Ave. and Osborn St. The Malibu’s occupants were uninjured and remained at the scene. The driver who killed Maxwell fled and remains unidentified. The NYPD Highway District collision investigation squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The case highlights the lethal risk of fleeing drivers and the ongoing challenge of enforcement.

• Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Brooklyn Elder, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-15

Two cars crashed at Patchen and Hancock. Three adults hurt. Children shaken. Police cite traffic control ignored. Steel and glass, pain and fear, all in a Brooklyn afternoon.

A sedan and an SUV collided at Patchen Avenue and Hancock Street in Brooklyn. Three adults suffered injuries, including head, neck, and arm trauma. Several children, ages 6 to 8, were passengers; their injuries were unspecified. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was listed as a contributing factor. The crash left both vehicles damaged. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention any other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a cyclist on Throop Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered a leg injury. The crash left metal and blood on the street. Police cited confusion as a factor.

A sedan and a bike collided at 299 Throop Avenue in Brooklyn. The 30-year-old male cyclist was injured, suffering abrasions and a leg wound. According to the police report, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was listed as a contributing factor. The sedan’s right front quarter panel took the impact. No injuries were reported for the sedan’s occupants, including a child passenger. The crash highlights the danger cyclists face on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812780 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding unlicensed motorcyclist slammed into a parked vehicle on Dekalb Ave. He broke his arm. Aggressive driving and unsafe speed fueled the crash.

A 31-year-old man riding a motorcycle crashed into a parked vehicle at 918 Dekalb Ave in Brooklyn. He suffered a fractured arm and dislocation. According to the police report, the driver was unlicensed and traveling at unsafe speed. Aggressive driving and road rage were also listed as contributing factors. The motorcycle struck the center back end of the parked vehicle while changing lanes. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811578 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV hit e-bike at Dekalb and Malcolm X. Cyclist thrown, head injured. Police cite driver inattention. Streets left another body broken.

An SUV and an e-bike collided at Dekalb Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard in Brooklyn. The e-bike rider, a 40-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a head injury. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. The cyclist wore a helmet. The SUV's left front quarter panel took the impact. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupants. The crash underscores the danger faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811515 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi hit a man crossing Herkimer Street. The pedestrian suffered a head injury. Police cite failure to yield. The street stayed quiet. The danger was not.

A taxi struck a 58-year-old man as he crossed Herkimer Street at Kingston Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian, walking in a marked crosswalk, suffered a head injury. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No other injuries were reported. The crash highlights the risk pedestrians face at intersections when drivers do not yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811029 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06