Two Dead, Hundreds Hurt—Who Will Stop the Killing on Spring Creek Streets?

Jun 1 - 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

May 31 - 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

May 24 - Two SUVs collided on Belt Parkway. The rear vehicle struck the front one from behind. Three occupants in the front SUV suffered whiplash and neck injuries. The rear driver followed too closely, causing the crash. All were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. The rear SUV, driven by a licensed male, struck the center back end of the front SUV, driven by a licensed female, which had three occupants. The crash caused injuries to the front vehicle's occupants: the driver, 45, and two children, ages 8 and 10, all suffering whiplash and neck injuries. The police identified "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. The occupants were not ejected and were wearing lap belts and harnesses. The rear driver’s failure to maintain a safe distance caused the impact. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631758 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - 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 2023-05-22

May 16 - 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

May 12 - Two sedans crashed westbound on Belt Parkway. Tesla struck Honda from behind. Tesla driver, a 25-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both drivers licensed. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Belt Parkway while traveling west. The front of a 2022 Tesla struck the rear of a 2013 Honda. The 25-year-old female Tesla driver was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash damaged the Tesla’s front and the Honda’s rear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628024 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 2 - Two sedans collided on Belt Parkway. The trailing driver hit the lead vehicle from behind. The 55-year-old driver suffered back injuries and shock. Both drivers were licensed men traveling east. The crash caused front and rear vehicle damage.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on Belt Parkway collided when the trailing vehicle struck the lead vehicle from behind. The 55-year-old male driver of the rear sedan was injured, sustaining back injuries and shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were going straight ahead at the time of impact. The collision caused damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle and the center back end of the lead vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625515 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 29 - Two sedans crashed at Flatlands Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver was injured, suffering whole-body trauma. The collision involved a left turn and straight travel. Unsafe speed and driver distraction contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Flatlands Avenue near Van Siclen Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver, a 42-year-old man making a left turn, was injured with whole-body trauma and experienced shock. The other vehicle, driven by a licensed female driver traveling straight west, struck the left front bumper of the turning sedan. Contributing factors listed include unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction. The injured driver was not ejected and had no visible complaints at the scene. The report highlights driver errors such as unsafe speed and distraction as causes of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624683 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 26 - Two vehicles crashed on Belt Parkway. The sedan changed lanes unsafely and passed too closely. Both drivers were injured. The sedan’s driver suffered head injuries; the passenger hurt her arm. Airbags deployed. Both occupants were in shock.

According to the police report, a 2019 sedan and a 2002 SUV collided on Belt Parkway. The sedan driver, a 44-year-old man, was changing lanes unsafely and passing too closely when the crash occurred. The SUV was traveling straight ahead. The sedan’s driver sustained head injuries and was in shock. The front passenger, a 26-year-old woman, suffered injuries to her elbow and lower arm and complained of pain and nausea. Both occupants were restrained with seat belts and airbags deployed. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling east. The sedan’s driver held a permit. The collision damaged the sedan’s left front quarter panel and demolished the vehicle. The SUV sustained damage to its right front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623773 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 21 - A sedan struck multiple parked cars on Erskine Street in Brooklyn. The front passenger suffered elbow and arm injuries with minor bleeding. The impact damaged the sedan’s front end and several parked vehicles. The passenger was restrained and in shock.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Erskine Street collided with several parked vehicles. The front passenger, a 26-year-old male, was injured with wounds to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, suffering minor bleeding and shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The sedan sustained damage to its center front end, and multiple parked cars were damaged on their left front, left rear, left side doors, and right rear quarter panel. No other persons were injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers of vehicle collisions with parked cars in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622884 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 4 - A sedan slammed into another car’s rear on Pennsylvania Avenue. The young driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Both vehicles took heavy center-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two vehicles traveling north on Pennsylvania Avenue collided. The sedan struck the rear of the vehicle ahead, causing center front and back end damage. The 21-year-old male sedan driver was injured, suffering whiplash and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618021 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Feb 28 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

Feb 28 - 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 2023-02-28

Feb 17 - A 14-year-old girl crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Brooklyn. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and whiplash. The driver impacted the pedestrian with the vehicle’s front center. The girl remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on Erskine Street in Brooklyn. The driver, a licensed female operating a 2012 Nissan SUV, was making a left turn when the vehicle’s center front end struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, along with whiplash. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the vehicle’s movement. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No helmet or signaling issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4607094 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 1 - 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 2023-02-01

Jan 30 - Two SUVs slammed together on Belt Parkway. Both drivers wounded—one in the head, one in the leg. Police blamed driver distraction. Metal twisted. Lives jarred. The road stayed open.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. Both drivers, a 59-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, were injured. The man suffered a head contusion; the woman had abrasions to her knee and lower leg. Both were conscious and restrained. Police listed driver inattention or distraction as the cause. The crash damaged the center back ends of both SUVs. No other contributing factors were reported. The impact left both vehicles and their occupants shaken.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 11 - A 62-year-old man driving an SUV rear-ended a slowing sedan on Belt Parkway. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as causes. Both vehicles damaged at front and rear centers.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male driver in a 2008 SUV traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with a 2022 sedan ahead that was slowing or stopping. The SUV struck the sedan’s center back end with its center front end. The SUV driver was injured, complaining of neck pain and nausea, and experienced shock. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and the SUV driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The sedan driver was also male and alone in the vehicle. The crash caused center front and back end damage to the SUV and sedan respectively.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597136 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19