Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

SUV slammed into turning car on 3 Avenue. Aggressive driving sent two women to the hospital with head injuries. Police report blames road rage. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. Brooklyn streets stay dangerous.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling south on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn struck another vehicle making a left turn at 10:15. The SUV's left front bumper hit the other car, causing center front end damage to the SUV and center back end damage to the other vehicle. The report cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor. Two women in the SUV were injured: the 29-year-old driver suffered a concussion and head injury, and a 46-year-old right rear passenger sustained a head contusion. Both were conscious and wore lap belts. No victim actions were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748062 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old bicyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm after a 2018 SUV collided with his bike’s center front. The crash occurred at 5 Avenue in Brooklyn, with driver inattention and failure to yield cited by police as causes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 20:42 on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a 2018 Subaru SUV and a 25-year-old male bicyclist. The bicyclist was traveling south going straight ahead when the SUV struck the bike’s center front end, impacting the SUV’s right rear quarter panel. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors on the part of the SUV driver. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and was not ejected from his bike. The report also notes 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a factor related to the bicyclist, but the primary driver errors were those of the SUV operator.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743920 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Atlantic Avenue gets a lifeline. New mid-block crossings, concrete islands, and curb extensions aim to slow cars and protect people. Local leaders call it overdue. For years, crashes haunted this corridor. Now, the city moves to put people before traffic.

On July 26, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced major street safety upgrades for Atlantic Avenue in District 33. The project, led by NYC DOT, brings mid-block crossings, concrete pedestrian islands, curb enhancements, and split-phase signals to one of Brooklyn’s deadliest corridors. The matter, titled 'Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor,' highlights years of advocacy after repeated crashes. Restler, who has long pushed for these changes, praised the progress: 'Atlantic Avenue has been extremely dangerous my whole life. I'm excited by the progress we're making in partnership with DOT to expand mid-block crossings and other smart interventions to slow down cars and advance safety in our community.' The announcement follows a deadly crash last spring and is part of the city’s Vision Zero push. Local officials and advocates say these changes mark a crucial step in ending the street’s legacy of danger and death.

• Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-07-26

A 60-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on Hamilton Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider suffered elbow and lower arm injuries with minor bleeding. The crash involved a single bike traveling north, impacting the rider’s left front side.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:05 on Hamilton Avenue in Brooklyn. The injured party was a 60-year-old male bicyclist, who was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with minor bleeding. The bicyclist was the sole occupant and driver of the bike, which was traveling straight ahead northbound. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the bike, with damage to the center front end. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors, nor does it indicate any victim behaviors as contributing causes. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet (motorcycle type) but this was not cited as a factor. The crash highlights the vulnerability of bicyclists to severe injury even without other vehicles involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741552 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Speaker Adams wavers on using new power to lower speed limits. She calls for district input. Advocates warn: patchwork rules endanger lives. Uniform 20 mph limit saves people. Council delays action as streets stay deadly.

On July 19, 2024, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams addressed the Council’s authority under Sammy’s Law, which lets New York City lower its speed limit. The matter, discussed in Streetsblog, quotes Adams: “Each Council member is going to have to weigh in on how they feel it should be enacted or should not be enacted in their district.” Adams hesitated to commit to a citywide 20 mph limit, instead suggesting community-by-community decisions. Eric McClure of StreetsPAC called this approach “chaotic and dangerous,” pushing for a uniform 20 mph limit to save lives. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives urged a comprehensive, data-driven plan. State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Brad Hoylman-Sigal pressed the Council to use its new powers. The Department of Transportation clarified its limited authority. The Council’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Speaker Adams: Council May Not Use its ‘Sammy’s Law’ Power to Lower Speed Limits, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-19

SUV hit e-bike merging on 4 Avenue. E-bike rider, a 28-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Impact was SUV’s right front bumper to bike’s center front. Both vehicles headed north.

According to the police report, a northbound SUV collided with a northbound e-bike merging into traffic on 4 Avenue near 23 Street in Brooklyn at 12:55. The SUV’s right front bumper struck the e-bike’s center front end. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious at the scene. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for both drivers. There is no mention of helmet use or victim fault. The SUV driver was licensed in New York. The crash underscores the danger when large vehicles and e-bikes share busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738996 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided near 551 2 Avenue. A 37-year-old woman suffered bruises and full-body trauma. The Chevrolet started from parking. The Volvo drove straight north. Metal crumpled. Danger at the curb.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed near 551 2 Avenue in Brooklyn at 13:40. A 37-year-old female driver was injured with contusions and trauma to her entire body. She was conscious and wore a lap belt. The Chevrolet sedan was starting from parking when it collided with a Volvo sedan traveling north. The impact struck the Chevrolet's left front quarter panel and the Volvo's center front end. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The police report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured driver. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737970 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An unlicensed, distracted motorcyclist turned right and hit an e-bike rider going straight. The e-bike rider suffered bruises. Driver inattention and improper turn fueled the crash.

According to the police report, an unlicensed 18-year-old motorcycle driver made a right turn on 4th Avenue and struck an e-bike traveling north. The impact hit the motorcycle's left front bumper and the e-bike's center front end, causing injury to the e-bike rider. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was bruised but stayed conscious and was not ejected. The motorcycle driver lacked a valid license. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736120 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 29-year-old male moped driver was ejected and injured on 4 Avenue. He sustained abrasions and lower arm injuries. The vehicle showed no damage. The crash occurred while traveling north, with unspecified contributing factors noted by police.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male driver operating a gas moped on 4 Avenue was ejected from his vehicle and suffered injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The driver was conscious but sustained abrasions. The moped was traveling north and struck an object or surface with its left front bumper, yet the vehicle showed no damage. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified, indicating no clear driver error was identified. The driver was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or injured. The lack of vehicle damage alongside the driver's ejection highlights the severity of the impact on the vulnerable occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Albany lawmakers shut down a last-ditch MTA funding plan after Governor Hochul paused congestion pricing. No replacement for the lost $1 billion. Transit riders and street users face uncertainty. Lawmakers call the move reckless. The city waits. Danger lingers.

On June 7, 2024, the New York State legislative session ended without passing a replacement funding plan for the MTA after Governor Kathy Hochul paused congestion pricing. The matter, described as 'Albany pumps the brakes on MTA funding plan in rebuke of Hochul’s move to ditch congestion pricing,' left the MTA without the $1 billion annual revenue congestion pricing would have provided. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins announced the session’s close without a deal. Lawmakers including State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, State Sen. John Liu, Assemblyman Harvey Epstein, and Assemblyman Tony Simone criticized the governor’s decision and the proposed IOU bailout. Gounardes said, 'I cannot in good conscience ratify a decision that will eliminate a significant, dedicated revenue source for the MTA’s capital plan.' The pause leaves the city’s transit future—and the safety of those who rely on it—uncertain.

• Albany pumps the brakes on MTA funding plan in rebuke of Hochul’s move to ditch congestion pricing, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A 48-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after an SUV driver failed to yield right-of-way at a Brooklyn intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck. The driver was making a left turn at the time.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:35 PM in Brooklyn near 5502 3 Avenue. A 48-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when she was struck by a 2017 Toyota SUV making a left turn. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor attributed to the driver. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle southbound. The SUV showed no damage, indicating impact dynamics that still caused injury despite the absence of visible vehicle damage. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior beyond crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729729 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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