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

Two SUVs slammed together on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Four people hurt. Neck injuries. Whiplash. Metal twisted at the center. Police report lists no driver errors.

According to the police report, two station wagon/SUVs, both heading east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, collided. The crash struck the center front and back ends of the vehicles. Four people were injured: two drivers, aged 39 and 54, and two passengers, aged 46 and 50. All suffered neck injuries and whiplash. One driver also had a shoulder and upper arm injury. The report lists all contributing factors as unspecified. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight ahead before the crash. No ejections occurred. The police report does not cite any driver errors or victim actions as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786266 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Two sedans collided on Van Brunt Street in Brooklyn. Alcohol involvement and aggressive driving by one driver led to a violent impact. A 5-year-old passenger and the 46-year-old driver suffered chest and leg injuries. Both were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Van Brunt Street collided at 19:38. The crash involved alcohol and aggressive driving by one driver, identified as contributing factors. The 5-year-old right rear passenger was injured with chest trauma and whiplash, protected by a child restraint and airbag deployment. The 46-year-old female driver of the other sedan sustained knee and lower leg injuries with whiplash, also protected by an airbag and seatbelt. Both occupants were conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as driver errors leading to the crash. Vehicle damage was centered on the front end of one sedan and the rear end of the other, indicating a rear-end collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785642 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Steel and illness met on the expressway. A 73-year-old man lost control, his Ford SUV veering left, crushing into a Lexus. He died belted in his seat, chest shattered. The road did not forgive. The system did not protect.

A 73-year-old man died after losing consciousness behind the wheel of his Ford SUV on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, according to the police report. The vehicle veered left and collided with a Lexus, with the impact crushing the front of both vehicles. The police report lists 'Illness' and 'Lost Consciousness' as contributing factors. The man, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered fatal chest injuries and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report states, 'A 73-year-old man lost consciousness at the wheel. His Ford SUV veered left, crushing into a Lexus.' No driver errors such as distraction or speeding are cited beyond the medical emergency. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when a driver becomes incapacitated at speed. The system offered no safeguard for the driver or others on the road.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785728 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Two sedans crashed hard on Nevins Street. Both drivers and a front passenger hurt. Police cite traffic control ignored. Metal twisted at front and right side. Night air thick with shock and pain.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 21:17 on Nevins Street in Brooklyn. The crash injured a 19-year-old male driver, a 46-year-old female driver, and a 20-year-old female front passenger. All suffered shock and pain. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the cause for both vehicles, showing both drivers failed to obey signals or signs. No victim actions contributed. The impact crushed the left front bumper of one sedan and the right side doors of the other, marking the violence of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cyclist crashed on Henry Street. No protected bike lanes. The driver sped off. The street stayed the same. Neighbors rallied. The council member listened. The injury was harsh. The system failed. Brooklyn’s gap in bike safety remains wide.

On January 9, 2025, Streetsblog NYC published an essay detailing a crash on Henry Street in Brooklyn. The piece, titled 'A Brush With Danger Made Me Exhibit A in My Fight for Better Bike Lanes in Brooklyn,' describes the lack of protected bike lanes in Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. The author recounts merging into traffic, being closely followed by a driver, and crashing on a wet, greasy iron grid. The car sped away. Passersby helped. The cyclist suffered a broken collarbone. The essay notes, 'Our area of Brooklyn is a major hole in the borough's protected bike lane network.' Council Member Shahana Hanif attended a community meeting on the issue. The call is clear: Brooklyn’s streets favor cars, not people. The absence of protected lanes leaves cyclists exposed and injured. The system’s neglect is the danger.

• ESSAY: A Brush With Danger Made Me Exhibit A in My Fight for Better Bike Lanes in Brooklyn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-09

Assembly bill A 1236 hits Albany. It targets drivers who block bike lanes. The bill adds a mandatory surcharge. Money goes to the court. Cyclists get no relief until cars clear the lane.

Assembly bill A 1236 was introduced on January 9, 2025. It sits at the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to violations and a mandatory surcharge for parking in a bicycle lane,' would require drivers who block bike lanes to pay a mandatory surcharge to the court that finds them liable. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) leads as primary sponsor, joined by Deborah Glick (District 66) and Tony Simone (District 75) as co-sponsors. The bill aims to penalize drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking bike lanes, but its impact depends on enforcement and driver behavior. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 1236, Open States, Published 2025-01-09

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

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill 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.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill 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.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Two SUVs collided head-on at Smith Street, injuring a 38-year-old male driver. The impact caused neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the contributing factor. Both vehicles sustained front and rear quarter panel damage.

According to the police report, at 11:42 a.m., two SUVs traveling on Smith Street collided. One SUV was heading north and struck the other SUV's right rear quarter panel while going straight ahead. The driver of one SUV, a 38-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The collision caused center front end damage to one vehicle and left rear quarter panel damage to the other. No ejections occurred. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver error and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783308 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A white Audi struck Michael Foster on Caton Avenue. The car dragged him for blocks. The driver never stopped. Foster died in the street. The Audi vanished into the night. No arrests. The city’s danger stays.

NY Daily News reported on January 1, 2025, that Michael Foster, 64, was killed after a white Audi hit him on Caton Ave. near Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The driver, described as speeding, dragged Foster for half a mile before leaving him near Linden Blvd. and Nostrand Ave. The article quotes a witness: "I saw him at the stop light. He would go out to the cars and beg for change." The driver fled the scene and has not been caught. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians in city streets and the ongoing issue of hit-and-run drivers evading responsibility.

• Audi Driver Drags Man Half Mile, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-01

Multiple SUVs and sedans collided in a chain-reaction crash on the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. Drivers were stopped or moving straight ahead when impact occurred. One driver suffered a neck contusion and incoherence, highlighting the crash’s violent force.

According to the police report, a chain-reaction crash occurred on the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel involving multiple vehicles, including SUVs and sedans. The vehicles were traveling northbound, with some stopped in traffic and others going straight ahead. The point of impact was primarily center back end and center front end collisions, indicating rear-end impacts between vehicles. One driver, a 34-year-old male occupant, was injured with a neck contusion and was incoherent after the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injured driver was not ejected and was wearing unknown safety equipment. The crash’s violent force is evident from the injury severity and vehicle damage descriptions. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved or blamed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782970 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped driver was partially ejected and injured in a collision with a sedan on 3 Ave in Brooklyn. The driver suffered bruises and arm injuries. Confusion and pedestrian error contributed to the crash, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 3 Ave in Brooklyn involving a 2023 moped and a 2003 sedan. The moped driver, a 36-year-old male with a permit license, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, struck the moped on its left front bumper while both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors were explicitly noted. The moped sustained damage to its center front end. The injured driver remained conscious after the impact. The report does not attribute fault to the moped driver but highlights confusion as a key factor in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783963 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An 82-year-old woman crossing with the signal was injured when an SUV made a left turn and struck her at the intersection. She suffered a hip and upper leg contusion but remained conscious. The driver’s turning maneuver caused the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:35 in Brooklyn on Henry Street near Carroll Street. An 82-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when a 2024 Kia SUV traveling east made a left turn. The vehicle struck the pedestrian on the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruise to her hip and upper leg and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no explicit contributing factors for the driver, but the collision happened during the driver’s left turn, indicating a failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian’s actions were not cited as contributing factors. This crash highlights the danger posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782936 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided head-to-rear on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The front passenger and driver of one vehicle suffered head injuries and shock. Driver inattention and distraction contributed to the crash. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:12 on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway involving two sedans traveling eastbound. The collision was a rear-end impact, with one vehicle striking the center front end of the other. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The front passenger, a 25-year-old female, and the driver, a 28-year-old female, both sustained head injuries and were in shock, with complaints of pain or nausea. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. Vehicle damage was noted on the center front end of one sedan and the center back end of the other. The driver errors cited focus on inattention and distraction, emphasizing systemic dangers on the expressway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780101 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04