Six Dead, Hundreds Broken—But the Street Never Changes

Jul 22 - Two sedans collided head-on at Rockaway Avenue and Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn. Both drivers suffered contusions and bruises, with injuries to knees and back. The crash caused left front bumper damage to both vehicles. Driver errors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, the crash involved two sedans traveling straight ahead—one southbound on Rockaway Avenue and the other eastbound on Linden Boulevard. Both drivers, a 39-year-old female and a 42-year-old male, were injured but conscious. The female driver sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries, while the male driver suffered back injuries. Both reported contusions and bruises. The point of impact was the left front bumper on both vehicles, indicating a side collision at the intersection. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified' for both drivers, with no mention of failure to yield or other driver errors. Neither driver was ejected, and no safety equipment was used. The crash highlights the dangers of intersection collisions in Brooklyn but does not specify driver fault or victim behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742297 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 20 - Two sedans collided head-on on Rockaway Avenue late at night. Both drivers suffered whiplash and injuries to limbs. The impact damaged the front bumpers. Both drivers were restrained and experienced shock after the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling on Rockaway Avenue collided at 22:37. One vehicle was traveling south, the other west, both going straight ahead before impact. The collision occurred at the left front bumper of the female-driven sedan and the right front bumper of the male-driven sedan. Both drivers, aged 31 and 24, were injured with whiplash and limb injuries—knee, lower leg, foot, shoulder, and upper arm. Both drivers were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for both drivers, with no clear driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding noted. The crash caused vehicle damage localized to the front bumpers. Both drivers experienced shock following the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742291 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 14 - Two SUVs crashed at Wortman Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers were women. One driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury. The impact struck the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center of the other. No ejections reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:30 on Wortman Avenue in Brooklyn involving two sport utility vehicles traveling east and north. Both drivers were licensed women, with one driving a 2013 Infiniti SUV and the other a 2016 Nissan SUV. The Infiniti was struck on the right side doors, sustaining damage to the right rear quarter panel, while the Nissan sustained damage to the center front end. The driver of the Infiniti was injured, suffering contusions and bruises to her elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured driver but does not specify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740482 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 12 - A northbound SUV hit a 22-year-old woman in the roadway. She suffered a back contusion. Police cite driver distraction and alcohol as factors. A parked box truck was also damaged.

According to the police report, a 2013 Chevrolet SUV traveling north on Georgia Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 22-year-old female pedestrian outside an intersection at 11:35 p.m. The pedestrian was conscious but injured, sustaining a back contusion. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Alcohol Involvement' as contributing factors. The SUV's front end hit the pedestrian, and a parked box truck was damaged at its rear. The driver held a permit license and was alone in the vehicle. The focus remains on the driver's distraction and the presence of alcohol in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740484 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 5 - A sedan slammed into another on Stanley Avenue. Alcohol played a role. An 11-year-old boy and a 37-year-old woman suffered back injuries. Both were restrained. The lead car was stopped. Impact struck hard.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Stanley Avenue in Brooklyn at 1:05 a.m. The lead vehicle, stopped in traffic, was hit at its center back end by a following sedan. Alcohol involvement is listed as a contributing factor. The crash injured an 11-year-old male passenger in the rear seat, who suffered back injuries and minor bleeding, and a 37-year-old female driver, who sustained back abrasions. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report highlights driver error related to impaired operation. No contributing victim behaviors are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738498 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 1 - An e-scooter rider suffered a hip and upper leg abrasion after a station wagon passed too closely on New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the scooter’s right rear quarter panel. The rider remained conscious but injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn at 13:54. A 34-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured when a 2004 Toyota SUV, traveling eastbound, passed too closely and impacted the scooter’s right rear quarter panel. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as the contributing factor, highlighting the SUV driver's error. The e-scooter rider sustained abrasions to his hip and upper leg but was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV showed no damage. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. The report does not cite any contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior or safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737436 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 28 - A bus making a left turn struck a 22-year-old bicyclist traveling straight south on Fountain Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist suffered facial contusions and bruises but was conscious and not ejected. Driver inexperience contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred around noon on Fountain Avenue in Brooklyn when a bus was making a left turn and collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead southbound. The point of impact was the bus's right front bumper and the bike's center front end. The 22-year-old male bicyclist sustained facial contusions and bruises and was conscious after the collision. The report cites driver inexperience of the bus operator as a contributing factor, alongside pedestrian/bicyclist confusion. The bicyclist was not ejected from the vehicle, and no damage was reported on the bus. The bicyclist held a learner's permit and was identified as the driver of the bike. This crash highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced drivers making turns in mixed traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736853 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 23 - A motorcycle traveling west collided with a northbound SUV making a left turn on Ashford Street. The motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered head injuries. The SUV’s right front bumper struck the motorcycle’s center front end, causing serious trauma.

According to the police report, at 10:16 AM on Ashford Street in Brooklyn, a motorcycle traveling west struck a northbound SUV making a left turn. The point of impact was the SUV's right front bumper and the motorcycle's center front end. The motorcycle driver, a 37-year-old male occupant, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained head injuries classified as contusions and bruises. The driver was conscious but injured, and was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the SUV driver’s left turn maneuver as a critical element in the collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash underscores the dangers posed by turning vehicles to motorcyclists, with the impact and ejection causing severe injury to the vulnerable rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734911 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 22 - A parked Toyota sedan stood silent on Pennsylvania Avenue. Its left side crushed. Inside, a man unmoving. A baby beside him, lifeless. The street, heavy with loss, bore witness to sudden violence and the silence that followed.

According to the police report, a Toyota sedan was parked near 656 Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn when its left side was struck and crumpled inward. Inside the vehicle, a male occupant and an infant were found. The report states the infant showed no signs of life, and the man did not move. The narrative describes the scene as silent and still, with the street 'holding its breath.' The parked sedan was not in motion at the time of the crash, and the impact targeted the left side doors. The police report does not specify any driver errors or contributing factors from the striking vehicle, listing them as 'Unspecified.' No mention is made of victim behavior as a contributing factor. The data centers the violence inflicted upon vulnerable occupants by the force of a moving vehicle against a stationary car.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734909 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 20 - A 22-year-old male sedan driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after colliding with parked vehicles on New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact damaged the left front bumper of his car and the right front bumpers of two parked sedans.

According to the police report, at 16:47 on New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn, a 22-year-old male driver of a 2019 BMW sedan traveling east collided with two parked sedans. The report states the driver's vehicle sustained damage to the left front bumper, while the parked 2021 Nissan and 2015 BMW sedans were damaged on their right front bumpers and right side doors, respectively. The driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The collision highlights risks posed by vehicle operation near parked cars and the resulting injuries to vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736328 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 20 - A sedan hit a 3-year-old boy crossing New Lots Avenue. The child suffered a facial injury and concussion. The driver went straight. No driver errors listed. The crash left the boy conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a 3-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan at the intersection of New Lots Avenue and New Jersey Avenue in Brooklyn. The child was crossing against the signal when the vehicle hit him with its right front bumper. He suffered a facial injury and concussion but remained conscious. The report does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The only contributing factor listed is the pedestrian crossing against the signal. No other violations or factors are noted in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734437 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 17 - A 49-year-old woman crossing New Lots Avenue was struck by a speeding vehicle traveling west. She suffered bruises and full-body injuries. The driver’s unsafe speed caused the crash, highlighting dangers for pedestrians outside intersections.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at 17:30 on New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn. The 49-year-old woman was crossing outside an intersection when a vehicle traveling west struck her. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to her entire body but remained conscious. The vehicle was going straight ahead before the collision. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident underscores the risk posed by drivers exceeding safe speeds, especially to pedestrians crossing away from intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734436 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 15 - Two parked vehicles smashed on Ashford Street. Metal twisted. Four people hurt—drivers and passengers. Bruises, cuts, broken bones. No warning. No escape. Shock and pain in the evening air.

According to the police report, a collision struck at 19:57 on Ashford Street, Brooklyn, involving a Ford SUV and a Dodge pickup truck. Both vehicles were parked. The SUV's right rear was hit; the pickup's front end crumpled. Four occupants—two drivers, two front passengers—were injured. Injuries ranged from contusions and abrasions to a fracture. One passenger was in shock. All drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists only unspecified contributing factors for all injured. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are named. No mention of helmet or signal use. The crash shows danger can strike even when vehicles stand still.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733226 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 9 - A Tesla hit a parked sedan on Elton Street in Brooklyn. The driver, a 45-year-old woman, suffered whole-body injuries and shock. Both cars were damaged. Driver error remains unspecified.

According to the police report, a 2023 Tesla traveling north on Elton Street struck a parked 2005 Subaru at 6:19 AM in Brooklyn. The Tesla's right front bumper hit the Subaru's left front bumper, damaging both vehicles. The 45-year-old female Tesla driver suffered injuries to her entire body and was in shock. The report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor for the driver, indicating driver error without further detail. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash underscores the danger when moving vehicles collide with parked cars, with the precise driver error left unclear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731133 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03