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

Mar 20 - Two sport utility vehicles collided on Belt Parkway, both traveling east. The female driver of one SUV suffered a head injury and whiplash. Both vehicles were slowing or stopping when the crash occurred, impacting left rear and right front bumpers.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling east on Belt Parkway collided at 10:17 a.m. The female driver of a 2024 Lexus SUV was injured, sustaining a head injury and whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. Both vehicles were slowing or stopping before the collision, which involved impact to the left rear bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash resulted in injury to the driver of one vehicle, highlighting the dangers even in slowing traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800022 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 20 - A 36-year-old woman driving east on Seaview Ave crashed her sedan into a parked tractor truck. She suffered a serious head injury and was trapped unconscious in her vehicle. Police cited driver inattention as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:30 AM on Seaview Ave in Brooklyn. The driver, a 36-year-old woman, was operating a 2007 Nissan sedan traveling east when she collided with a parked 2019 tractor truck. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end against the truck’s left rear bumper. The driver was trapped inside the vehicle, unconscious, and sustained a head injury resulting in a concussion. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving, even when other vehicles are stationary.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803165 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 15 - A sedan slammed its front end on Belt Parkway. The driver and a passenger, both unrestrained, suffered neck and back injuries. Shock and whiplash followed. No driver errors listed. The road left them hurt.

According to the police report, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling west on Belt Parkway crashed, damaging its left front bumper and center front end. The 27-year-old male driver and a 57-year-old female passenger were both injured, suffering neck and back trauma, whiplash, and shock. Both were unrestrained at the time. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The crash happened at 10:30 p.m. The report focuses on the impact and the injuries to the vehicle occupants, with no identified cause or fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 12 - Council bill orders signs at every speed camera. Drivers will see warnings from all directions. Law aims for full sign coverage within a year. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Int 1218-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 12, 2025, by Council Members Chris Banks (primary), Susan Zhuang, and Frank Morano. The bill reads: 'requiring the installation of signs indicating the presence of every speed camera.' If passed, the city must install signs near each speed camera, visible from all approaches, within a year. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. There is no analyst note on its impact for vulnerable road users. The measure focuses on driver awareness, not direct protection for pedestrians or cyclists.

• File Int 1218-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-03-12

Mar 8 - A driver out on bail smashed into a Toyota in Bushwick. The crash killed Hayden Wallace and injured three others. The driver fled, leaving chaos behind. Police tracked him for over a year. Charges stack up, but the loss remains.

NY Daily News (March 8, 2025) reports that Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested after a deadly hit-and-run in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Seabrook had been out on bail for a previous crash involving police. On January 8, 2024, he crashed into a Toyota, killing Hayden Wallace and injuring three others. Seabrook fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The article notes, "All accidents are useless but this one was even more useless because [Seabrook] had so many other offenses." Seabrook faces 23 charges, including manslaughter, leaving the scene, unlicensed driving, and speeding. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and questions about bail and enforcement. Police needed over a year to arrest Seabrook, who had a history of fleeing crashes and driving without a license.

• Repeat Offender Kills Passenger In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-08

Mar 3 - A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. It struck a man crouched in the road. The driver fled. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. Police are still investigating. Brooklyn’s streets claim more lives. The toll grows.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was 'crouched in the street to pick up food' when the northbound truck turned right and hit him, according to NYPD officials. The driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene. No arrests have been made. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The article notes this crash followed two other recent fatal collisions in Brooklyn. The incident underscores persistent dangers for pedestrians and ongoing issues with drivers leaving crash scenes. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian In Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

Mar 2 - A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

Mar 1 - A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-01

Feb 28 - A drunk driver blasted through a red light at 72 mph. He struck Katherine Harris, killing her steps from home. The car crashed on. Blood alcohol twice the limit. The street became a crime scene. Lives shattered in seconds.

NY Daily News reported on February 28, 2025, that Erick Trujillo, 29, was sentenced to three to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. On April 16, 2023, Trujillo drove his Volvo at 72 mph—nearly triple the speed limit—through a red light at Atlantic Ave and Clinton Street in Brooklyn. He struck pedestrian Katherine Harris, 31, killing her instantly, then rear-ended another car and crashed into an outdoor dining shed. Trujillo's blood alcohol level was .17, more than twice the legal limit. The article quotes Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez: "This defendant made a disastrous decision when he got behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated." The case highlights the lethal consequences of impaired driving and excessive speed, underscoring systemic risks for pedestrians in New York City.

• Drunk Driver Speeds, Kills Pedestrian in Brooklyn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-28

Feb 22 - A 75-year-old woman crossing Van Siclen Ave was struck by a BMW backing into a parked position. The vehicle hit her center back end, causing knee and lower leg abrasions. The driver’s unsafe backing led to the injury.

According to the police report, a 75-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Van Siclen Ave in Brooklyn at 1:30 PM. The BMW, traveling north and entering a parked position, struck her with its center back end. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Backing Unsafely' as the contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication of pedestrian fault or contributing factors on her part. The incident highlights the danger posed by drivers failing to safely back their vehicles, resulting in harm to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 18 - 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

Feb 16 - A BMW SUV hurtled east on Belt Parkway, speed unchecked. The driver, unbelted, lost control on slick pavement. Metal twisted, glass burst. Thrown from the wreck, his head struck hard. Alone, he died on the frozen asphalt.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV traveling eastbound on Belt Parkway crashed while moving at unsafe speed on slippery pavement. The sole occupant, a 41-year-old male driver, was ejected from the vehicle and killed, suffering fatal head injuries. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The SUV was described as 'demolished' at the point of impact. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt, but the police report attributes the crash primarily to excessive speed and hazardous road conditions. No other vehicles or road users were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the crash and the systemic danger posed by high speeds, especially under adverse conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793436 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.

Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.

• File Int 1195-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 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

Feb 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

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

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

Jan 19 - Two parked sedans collided on Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn. A rear passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. No driver errors listed. The crash left both vehicles with bumper damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided while parked on Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:56 PM. Both vehicles were stationary before the crash. The first sedan, driven by a licensed woman, was hit at the center front end, damaging the left front bumper. The second sedan, driven by a licensed man, was struck at the center back end, damaging the right rear bumper. A 33-year-old male passenger in the left rear seat was injured, suffering neck injuries and whiplash, but remained conscious. The police report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. No victim actions are cited as causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786909 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 16 - SUV struck sedan’s rear on Pennsylvania Ave. Sedan driver, 31, suffered back injury and whiplash. Police cite SUV driver for following too closely. Both drivers alone. Night crash. Metal and pain.

According to the police report, an SUV rear-ended a sedan at 7:00 PM on Pennsylvania Avenue near Belt Parkway in Brooklyn. The SUV hit the sedan’s center back end while both traveled east. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the SUV driver's error. The 31-year-old female sedan driver was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash, but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The SUV driver, operating with a permit, was alone in her vehicle. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage. No actions by the sedan driver contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786879 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 8 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 3 - A 75-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries when a sedan making a left turn failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was not in the roadway and sustained contusions. The driver caused the collision by ignoring right-of-way rules.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 75-year-old female pedestrian at 3:45 PM. The pedestrian was located outside the roadway and suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises. The driver, a licensed male operating a 2012 Chevrolet sedan, was making a left turn at the time of impact. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian. No damage was reported to the vehicle, and no other contributing factors were noted. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. The collision highlights driver error in yielding, with no fault attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783871 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04