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

A sedan parked on a Brooklyn street struck a southbound e-bike, partially ejecting the bicyclist. The rider suffered upper arm injuries and bruises. Limited view and driver confusion contributed to the collision, exposing dangers in shared road spaces.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:11 near 920 Broadway in Brooklyn. A sedan, parked with its left side doors facing the street, was struck on that side by a southbound e-bike. The bicyclist, a 40-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his shoulder and upper arm, including contusions and bruises. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors, indicating the sedan driver’s limited visibility played a role. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was noted, but no helmet use or crossing signal issues were cited. The collision's impact on the bicyclist highlights the risks posed by obstructed views and driver errors in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794926 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck rolled south on Broadway. A 59-year-old man stood in the road. The truck’s right front struck his head. He fell, unconscious, blood pooling. The truck did not stop. Driver inattention marked the scene.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling south near 1040 Broadway in Brooklyn struck a 59-year-old man who was standing in the roadway. The report states, 'A box truck moved south. A 59-year-old man stood in the road. The truck struck his head. He fell, unconscious. Blood spread on the street. The truck rolled on, untouched.' The pedestrian suffered severe head lacerations and lost consciousness at the scene. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor in the crash. The truck’s right front quarter panel made contact, and the vehicle sustained no damage. The report does not list any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the driver’s inattention, which led to the severe injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794925 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV making a left turn struck a northbound e-bike on Broadway in Brooklyn. The e-bike rider was ejected and suffered a fractured hip and upper leg. Police cited failure to yield and unsafe speed as contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 2019 Nissan SUV was making a left turn on Broadway in Brooklyn at 9:00 AM when it collided with a northbound e-bike traveling straight ahead. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factors from the SUV driver. The 27-year-old male e-bike rider was ejected from his vehicle and sustained a fracture and dislocation to his hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The e-bike rider was not using any safety equipment at the time. The SUV sustained damage to its right front quarter panel, and the e-bike was damaged at the left rear bumper. The collision underscores the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to yield and excessive speed in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793743 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

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

A sedan struck a pedestrian in a Brooklyn crosswalk. The driver was distracted. The man suffered a serious head injury. He was semiconscious at the scene. Impact fell hard. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Broadway in Brooklyn hit a male pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk near Myrtle Avenue around 5 p.m. The pedestrian suffered a serious head injury and was semiconscious when emergency crews arrived. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. The vehicle was going straight ahead at the time of the crash. No information was given about the driver’s license status or the presence of other occupants. The police report cites driver distraction as the cause. No pedestrian fault or other contributing behaviors are mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Broadway in Brooklyn at 10 p.m. Both drivers suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved a left turn and a straight travel path. Driver distraction and ignoring traffic controls were cited as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway near Jefferson Street in Brooklyn at 10 p.m. Two sedans collided: one making a left turn traveling south, the other going straight north. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the turning vehicle and the left side doors of the other. Both drivers, licensed men from New York, were injured with neck pain and whiplash, remaining conscious and restrained by seat belts. The front passenger in the northbound sedan also suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors for both drivers. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision highlights driver errors in attention and failure to obey traffic controls as the primary causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790336 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A 51-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a left turn on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle struck him, causing shock and pain.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Fulton Street in Brooklyn struck a 51-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at an intersection with the signal. The crash occurred at 14:20. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report explicitly cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" by the vehicle driver as the contributing factor. The sedan was making a left turn at the time and impacted the pedestrian at the center front end of the vehicle. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but the primary cause is the driver's failure to yield, underscoring the systemic danger posed by driver errors in yielding right-of-way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries in a Brooklyn collision. The SUV, making a right turn, struck the sedan’s front. Police cite unsafe speed and driver distraction as key factors in the crash on Patchen Avenue.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Patchen Avenue in Brooklyn at 9:54 AM. A 55-year-old female sedan driver was injured, sustaining contusions to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The collision involved a 2024 Toyota SUV traveling north and making a right turn, which impacted the left front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The police report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors to the crash. No contributing factors were attributed to the sedan driver. The incident highlights driver errors—specifically unsafe speed and distraction—leading to a serious injury in a multi-vehicle collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790087 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

E-bike slammed sedan on Fulton. Passenger thrown, leg torn up. Driver’s bad lane move did it. Sedan untouched. Brooklyn street, night, pain left behind.

According to the police report, an e-bike collided with a sedan on Fulton Street near Schenectady Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:30 p.m. The crash left a 49-year-old female e-bike passenger injured, with abrasions and trauma to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was partially ejected but remained conscious. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the main contributing factor, attributed to the e-bike operator. The sedan, driven by a licensed woman, showed no damage. No other errors are cited. The passenger wore no safety equipment, but the report does not list this as a cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789800 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 66-year-old woman suffered lower leg injuries after a convertible struck her at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal, left injured and in shock.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2007 Toyota convertible struck her at the intersection of Fulton Street and Albany Avenue in Brooklyn at 2:35 p.m. The vehicle was traveling northeast and making a left turn when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper, which sustained damage. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and was located at the intersection when hit. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the driver. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. No pedestrian errors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789019 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cargo van struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide in Brooklyn. Gil died. The driver turned left, hit them in the crosswalk. No charges filed. Gil survived war and disaster, but not New York traffic. Another senior lost to city streets.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. A man driving a cargo van made a left turn and struck Gil and her home health aide. The aide survived; Gil did not. Police made no arrests or charges. The article notes, 'She was a very active lady.' Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn that month. Transportation Alternatives highlighted that 46 senior pedestrians died in city crashes last year. The crash underscores the ongoing risk to older New Yorkers at crosswalks and the lack of driver accountability in such incidents.

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

A 29-year-old man crossing Malcolm X Blvd with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The impact caused contusions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, according to police.

At approximately 4:00 PM on Malcolm X Blvd in Brooklyn, a 29-year-old male pedestrian was injured when an SUV making a left turn struck him. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when the collision occurred. The vehicle, a 2010 Lexus SUV traveling southwest, impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor attributed to the driver. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions beyond the driver’s failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789144 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted driver collided with two sedans on Gates Avenue, injuring three occupants. The impact caused head and neck injuries, including whiplash. All victims were conscious and restrained. Driver inattention was cited as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Gates Avenue in Brooklyn at 10:30 AM. The collision involved three sedans. The driver of one sedan was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' which was listed twice as a contributing factor. The crash injured three occupants: a 53-year-old female driver, a 49-year-old male driver, and a 72-year-old female front passenger. All were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. Injuries included head trauma and whiplash, with injury severity rated at level 3. The report notes the impact points on the vehicles, including left side doors and front bumpers, indicating a multi-vehicle collision. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787280 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bus lunged from its parking spot on Fulton. Metal struck flesh. A 47-year-old woman on an e-scooter flew, body torn, blood pooling beneath the streetlamp. Shock and lacerations marked the aftermath. Driver inattention shaped the night’s violence.

According to the police report, a bus moved from its parked position near 1922 Fulton Street in Brooklyn at 22:10. An e-scooter, operated by a 47-year-old woman, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The report states, 'A bus lunged from its parking spot. The e-scooter turned left. Metal struck flesh.' The woman was ejected from her scooter, sustaining severe lacerations and shock, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor in the crash. The bus's center front end struck the left side doors of the e-scooter. The victim was unlicensed and unshielded, but the report does not cite these as contributing factors. The impact left her torn and shaking beneath a streetlamp, underscoring the consequences of driver inattention in a city street environment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785969 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit an SUV at Marcus Garvey Blvd and Monroe St. Three sedan occupants suffered neck injuries. Both drivers ignored traffic controls. Inexperience and disregard fueled the crash.

According to the police report, at 22:55 on Marcus Garvey Blvd near Monroe St in Brooklyn, a sedan traveling south collided with an SUV traveling west. Both drivers held permit licenses and disregarded traffic controls, as cited in the report. The sedan's front end struck the right side doors of the SUV. Three people in the sedan, including the driver and two passengers, sustained neck injuries and whiplash. All were conscious and not ejected. Driver inexperience was also listed as a contributing factor. The report highlights that ignoring traffic controls and lack of experience led to this violent impact and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786378 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan driver with a permit turned right and struck a northbound motorcycle on Myrtle Ave. The motorcyclist, age 55, suffered leg injuries. Both vehicles took front-end damage. The crash exposed a gap in street safety.

According to the police report, a sedan with a permit driver made a right turn on Myrtle Ave at Lewis Ave in Brooklyn and collided with a northbound motorcycle. The 55-year-old motorcycle driver was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. The sedan driver was making a right turn while the motorcycle was going straight. The motorcycle driver wore a helmet. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage. No actions by the motorcycle driver contributed to the crash, and the report does not blame the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786633 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04