Blood on the Crosswalk: No More Delays, No More Deaths

A taxi struck the rear of a sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at dawn. The sedan’s right rear passenger suffered facial contusions. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors in the crash.

At 4:47 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a taxi collided with the rear of a sedan traveling westbound, according to the police report. The impact was at the sedan’s center front end and the taxi’s center back end. A 22-year-old female occupant seated in the sedan’s right rear suffered facial contusions and was conscious after the crash. The police report identifies driver inattention and following too closely as the primary contributing factors. The injured passenger was secured with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Multiple vehicles were involved, but the critical collision was the rear-end strike by the taxi on the sedan. The report places responsibility on the taxi driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and attention, with no mention of victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794588 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Ford SUV struck the rear of a Honda sedan traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Two 21-year-old male passengers in the sedan suffered contusions. Police cited alcohol involvement as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:10 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A 2019 Ford SUV was parked before the crash and impacted the center back end of a 2010 Honda sedan traveling west. The sedan's center front end sustained damage. Two male occupants, both 21 years old and passengers in the sedan, were injured with contusions and remained conscious. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report identifies alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the collision. The driver errors include failure to maintain control or proper attention, as implied by the alcohol involvement, leading to the SUV striking the sedan from behind. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794126 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Trump killed congestion pricing. The MTA sued. Advocates warn: more cars, more crashes, dirtier air. Transit funding gutted. Disabled riders lose elevators. Streets grow deadlier. Politicians vow to fight. The city braces for gridlock and loss.

""By blocking this successful policy, Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system," he continued. "This means no new station elevators for elderly and disabled riders, and no new subway signals to speed up commutes for working New Yorkers."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On February 19, 2025, the Trump administration withdrew federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program. U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy cited burdens on working-class drivers and questioned the legality of using toll revenue for transit. The MTA immediately filed a lawsuit to challenge the move, arguing the program is settled law and already reduces congestion. State Senators Andrew Gounardes and Zellnor Myrie condemned the action, warning, 'Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system.' The withdrawal aligns with New Jersey's opposition and threatens transit upgrades like elevators for elderly and disabled riders. Local officials and advocates say ending congestion pricing will harm vulnerable road users and worsen street danger.

• Trump Withdraws Federal Approval for Congestion Pricing, Blowing Hole in Transit Budget, as MTA Files Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-19

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

Assembly bill A 5623 would make parking in crosswalks a crime. Drivers who block pedestrian paths face misdemeanor charges. Law aims to keep crossings clear. Pedestrians get space. Streets breathe.

Assembly bill A 5623, titled the "New York State pedestrian right-of-way protection act," was introduced on February 18, 2025. The bill sits at the sponsorship stage. It would make it an unclassified misdemeanor to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a pedestrian right-of-way. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) is the primary sponsor, joined by Scott Gray (District 116) and Joe DeStefano (District 3) as co-sponsors. The bill targets drivers who block crosswalks, aiming to protect pedestrian space and reduce danger at crossings. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 5623, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Assembly bill A 5440 targets reckless drivers. It makes car owners pay when their vehicles run red lights. Cameras catch the lawbreakers. The aim: fewer crashes, safer streets for all.

Assembly bill A 5440 was introduced on February 14, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled "Imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York," seeks to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars violate traffic signals, using camera enforcement. Assembly Member Steven Raga sponsors the bill, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Yudelka Tapia, Karines Reyes, and Marcela Mitaynes as co-sponsors. No safety analyst note is available. The bill aims to curb dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users by making owners answer for violations caught on camera.

• File A 5440, Open States, Published 2025-02-14

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

Senator Gounardes calls for a new tax to save the subway. Riders face crumbling platforms and broken trust. The MTA pleads for billions to repair old lines. Critics demand audits, not taxes. The system teeters. Riders wait. Danger grows.

On February 6, 2025, the council debated funding for the MTA’s $65 billion capital plan. The matter, titled 'To fund NYC subway fixes, MTA must undo decades of distrust,' highlights deep public frustration. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, representing District 26, argued for a new tax to prevent the transit system’s collapse, stating, 'they're going to be a lot more frustrated when the transit system simply falls apart.' The debate included calls for audits and cost reductions from Rep. Mike Lawler, while MTA Chair Janno Lieber promised to prioritize repairs over expansion. The committee has not yet voted. Riders voiced anger over high fares and little visible improvement. The debate exposes years of deferred maintenance and political neglect, leaving vulnerable New Yorkers at risk as the city’s transit backbone erodes.

• To fund NYC subway fixes, MTA must undo decades of distrust, gothamist.com, Published 2025-02-06

A 59-year-old man suffered severe leg injuries while crossing 3 Ave with the signal. The crash left him conscious but fractured. The police report notes no driver errors or contributing factors, highlighting systemic risks at this Brooklyn intersection.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 3 Ave and 16 St in Brooklyn at 13:57. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, resulting in fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The victim was conscious after the crash. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle actions are provided. The absence of driver error in the report underscores potential systemic dangers at this intersection that remain unaddressed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A driver fell asleep on the Gowanus Ramp. Cars crashed. A one-year-old girl, strapped in the back seat, took a blow to the head. She suffered whiplash. The road turned brutal in a blink.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash erupted at 10:35 on the Gowanus Ramp in Brooklyn. The report states a driver fell asleep, causing a chain collision involving SUVs, a sedan, and a box truck. A one-year-old female passenger, secured in a child restraint in the left rear seat, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Her injuries were classified as severity level 3. The police report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the primary driver error. No contributing factors related to the victim were noted. This crash highlights the danger of driver fatigue on New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789882 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pick-up truck struck a stopped sedan on Bay Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 24-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite the truck driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Bay Street in Brooklyn at 14:26. A pick-up truck traveling east rear-ended a sedan that was stopped in traffic. The impact struck the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the truck. The sedan’s driver, a 24-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash, wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. Both drivers were licensed and traveling eastbound. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights driver error in maintaining safe following distance, resulting in injury to the sedan occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789347 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27

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 27-year-old man suffered chest injuries and shock after a sedan made a right turn and struck him in a marked crosswalk. The impact hit the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal at the time of collision.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on Court Street made a right turn and struck a 27-year-old male pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper, which sustained damage. The pedestrian suffered chest injuries and was in shock but had no visible complaints. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and does not identify any driver errors explicitly. The pedestrian was at the intersection, crossing when the collision occurred. No driver license or occupant information was provided. The crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles at intersections where pedestrians are present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788061 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Speed cameras slash reckless driving. At school zones, speeding drops 94 percent. But the program expires soon. DOT Commissioner Rodriguez urges Albany to act. State Sen. Gounardes backs expansion. Cameras save lives. Delay risks more deaths. Lawmakers hold the key.

Bill to reauthorize New York City's speed camera program is pending in Albany. The program, covering 750 school zones, needs state approval before June. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez calls speed cameras 'one of the most effective tools' to stop deadly driving. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who sponsored the last reauthorization, says, 'my bill to expand the speed camera program has saved lives.' The city wants stronger penalties for repeat offenders and action on license plate fraud, which lets millions of violations go unpunished. The report shows cameras cut speeding by 94 percent and reduce injuries and deaths. The program faces political hurdles, but the evidence is clear: speed cameras protect people on foot and bike. Lawmakers must decide whether to keep this life-saving tool.

• DOT to Albany: Don’t Forget to Reauthorize Our Life-Saving Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-24

Senator Gounardes pushes S 2504. The bill hikes fines for repeat speed camera violations. It targets reckless drivers. The aim: slow cars, save lives. No direct safety impact noted yet.

Senate bill S 2504 was introduced on January 21, 2025, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, proposes 'increasing fines for subsequent speed camera violations in the city of New York.' No committee referral or vote has occurred yet. Gounardes leads the push to penalize repeat offenders. There is no formal safety analyst note on the impact for vulnerable road users at this stage.

• File S 2504, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Assembly bill A 2642 orders new safety tech in every car. The DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for change. Streets could see fewer crashes. The fight for safer roads moves to Albany.

Assembly Bill A 2642, now in sponsorship, would require advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill, introduced January 21, 2025, directs the DMV commissioner to set rules and regulations. The matter reads: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Brian Cunningham leads as primary sponsor, joined by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt life-saving tech. No safety analyst has yet assessed its direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 2642, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

A sedan following too closely rear-ended another sedan on Union Street in Brooklyn. The impact injured a 26-year-old rear passenger with neck whiplash. Slippery pavement worsened the crash, highlighting driver error and hazardous road conditions.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:25 on Union Street in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling east slowed or stopped, while another sedan, also traveling east, failed to maintain a safe distance and rear-ended the first vehicle. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as the primary driver error contributing to the collision. Additionally, "Pavement Slippery" was noted as a factor worsening the crash. The impact was centered on the front end of the striking vehicle and the rear end of the struck vehicle. A 26-year-old male rear passenger in the struck sedan sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing behavior. The crash underscores the dangers of tailgating combined with poor road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786857 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old moped driver was ejected and suffered a head injury after an SUV struck the rear of his vehicle on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver followed too closely and was inattentive, causing the violent collision.

According to the police report, at 18:40 on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn, a 2021 SUV traveling north rear-ended a stopped 2024 moped also heading north. The moped driver, a 25-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained a head injury, experiencing shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The SUV had four occupants and struck the moped at its center front end, damaging the vehicle's front. The report cites the SUV driver's errors as 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' directly contributing to the crash. The moped was stopped in traffic when the SUV struck its center back end. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver inattention and tailgating in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786776 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04