Crash Count for Sunset Park (West)
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 2,487
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 1,556
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 267
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 14
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 11
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Sunset Park (West)?

Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

Sunset Park (West): Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 28, 2025

Blood on the Asphalt

Just weeks ago, two men tried to cross Third Avenue at 52nd Street. They had the light. A BMW ran the red, hit them, and kept going. Both men died in the crosswalk. Their names were Kex Un Chen and Faqui Lin. The street is wide. The cars go fast. The city has known this for years. Since 2018, drivers have killed or seriously injured 80 people on this two-mile stretch, according to Gothamist.

The Toll Grows

In the last twelve months, Sunset Park (West) saw 2 deaths and 528 injuries from traffic crashes. Four people were seriously hurt. Pedestrians, cyclists, children—no one is spared. The dead do not get second chances. The living cross nine lanes to get to school.

Leaders Talk. Streets Stay Deadly.

After the latest deaths, local leaders stood on the corner and spoke. “We wait until someone dies. We wait until a tragedy. We wait to say, ‘oh my gosh, how could this possibly have happened?’ We let this happen time and time again,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes.

Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes said, “We started talking about a plan in 2014 and it’s now 2025. What is going on? We got word last fall that there was a pause, but an indefinite pause and I don’t know what that means. There’s been no conversation, no updates.”

The city promised a redesign. The plan stalled. The street stayed the same. The deaths kept coming.

What Now?

Speed cameras work. Lower speed limits save lives. Local leaders have voted to extend school speed zones and backed bills to curb repeat speeders. But on Third Avenue, the city delays. The cost is paid in blood.

Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand the city finish the job. Streets are for people. Not for waiting on the next obituary.

Take action now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Sunset Park (West) sit politically?
It belongs to borough Brooklyn, community board Brooklyn CB7, city council district District 38, assembly district AD 51 and state senate district SD 26.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in Sunset Park (West)?
Cars and Trucks: 4 deaths, 112 injuries (cars/SUVs/trucks/buses). Motorcycles and Mopeds: 0 deaths, 8 injuries. Bikes: 0 deaths, 14 injuries. (2022–2025 data)
Are these crashes just 'accidents'?
No. Most crashes are preventable. Speeding, failure to yield, and unsafe street design are the main causes. Safer design and enforcement can stop the bloodshed.
What can local politicians do to make streets safer?
They can fund and build safer street designs, lower speed limits, expand speed cameras, and pass laws to stop repeat dangerous drivers. They can demand the city finish delayed safety projects.
What has been done lately to address traffic violence here?
Local leaders have voted to extend school speed zones and supported bills to curb repeat speeders. But the city has stalled on redesigning deadly streets like Third Avenue.
How many people have been killed or injured in Sunset Park (West) recently?
In the last 12 months, 2 people were killed and 528 injured in traffic crashes. Four suffered serious injuries.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Marcela Mitaynes
Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes
District 51
District Office:
4907 4th Ave. Suite 1A, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Legislative Office:
Room 741, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Alexa Avilés
Council Member Alexa Avilés
District 38
District Office:
4417 4th Avenue, Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-439-9012
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1746, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7387
Twitter: AlexaAviles
Andrew Gounardes
State Senator Andrew Gounardes
District 26
District Office:
497 Carroll St. Suite 31, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Legislative Office:
Room 917, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Sunset Park (West) Sunset Park (West) sits in Brooklyn, Precinct 72, District 38, AD 51, SD 26, Brooklyn CB7.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Sunset Park (West)

Distracted Driver Triggers Gowanus Expressway Crash

A distracted driver veered on the Gowanus Expressway. Metal slammed metal. A 39-year-old woman, riding as a passenger, took the brunt. Neck injured. Whiplash. She stayed conscious. System failed her.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash struck the Gowanus Expressway at 17:13. A sedan, SUV, and taxi moved north when a driver, distracted and inattentive, changed lanes unsafely. The collision injured a 39-year-old female passenger. She suffered neck trauma and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. The passenger wore a lap belt. No errors are attributed to her. This crash shows the danger of driver distraction and reckless lane changes on city highways.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729329 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Motorcycle Collides With Sedan on 3 Avenue

A motorcycle making a left turn collided with a sedan traveling straight on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Both vehicles sustained front quarter panel damage in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:46 on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. A motorcycle was making a left turn when it collided with a sedan traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the motorcycle and the right front quarter panel of the sedan. The motorcycle driver, a 24-year-old male, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles northbound. The report lists the motorcycle driver's contributing factors as unspecified and does not cite any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729289 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
S 9718
Gounardes votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.

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.


2
Improper Lane Change Causes Collision on Gowanus Expy

Two male drivers collided on the Gowanus Expressway at dawn. Both suffered upper arm injuries and whiplash. Police cited improper passing and lane usage as the cause. Vehicles struck front ends during an eastbound lane change maneuver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:25 AM on the Gowanus Expressway involving a 2020 Mazda SUV and a 2009 BMW sedan, both traveling eastbound. The SUV driver was changing lanes when the collision happened, impacting the left front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. Both drivers, males, sustained upper arm injuries and whiplash but were conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the primary contributing factor for both drivers. This indicates driver error in lane management led to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727503 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Hits E-Scooter on 3rd Avenue

SUV slammed into e-scooter’s back end on 3rd Avenue. Rider, 29, left with raw knees and battered legs. Metal met flesh. Brooklyn street, another wound.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV heading north on 3 Avenue struck a westbound e-scooter at 35 Street in Brooklyn. The SUV’s right front quarter panel hit the e-scooter’s center back end. The e-scooter driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and not ejected. The report lists all contributing factors as unspecified, with no direct cause assigned to the e-scooter driver. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report. The crash underscores the danger when heavy vehicles cross paths with vulnerable riders.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727496 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Dump Truck Slams Parked Sedan on 20th Street

A dump truck hit a parked sedan’s rear in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 51-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention. The crash exposes the threat heavy trucks pose on city streets.

According to the police report, a dump truck traveling west on 20th Street in Brooklyn struck the left rear bumper of a parked 2018 Toyota sedan at 10:22 a.m. The sedan’s 51-year-old female driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. She was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. The dump truck’s right front bumper hit the sedan’s left rear. The driver of the sedan was wearing a lap belt. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of distracted driving by operators of large vehicles in dense urban areas.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726963 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Broken Pavement Sends Moped Rider to Death

A 66-year-old woman rode her moped west on 39th Street. The street gave way. She flew, struck her head, and died alone on the asphalt. No helmet. The city’s broken ground claimed her last breath.

A 66-year-old woman was killed while riding a moped westbound on 39th Street, near Council District 38, according to the police report. The report states, 'The pavement broke beneath her.' She was ejected from the moped, struck her head, and died at the scene. Police list 'Pavement Defective' as the primary contributing factor. The victim was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the systemic failure of the roadway. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of neglected infrastructure, as the defective pavement directly led to the fatal ejection and head injury.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726907 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Turning Pickup Crushes E-Bike Rider on 4th Avenue

A pickup truck turned left across 4th Avenue, striking a 49-year-old man on an e-bike. Thrown and crushed, he died in the street. The twisted bike and bloodied truck marked the violence of the city’s roads.

A 49-year-old man riding an e-bike was killed at the intersection of 4th Avenue and 53rd Street in Brooklyn when a pickup truck turned left and struck him, according to the police report. The report states the e-bike rider was 'thrown' and 'crushed,' dying at the scene. Both the pickup truck and the e-bike were cited for 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pickup, a 2007 Chevrolet, was making a left turn when it collided with the e-bike, which was traveling straight. The police report describes the aftermath: 'The bike lay twisted. The truck bore blood and silence.' The e-bike rider was ejected and suffered crush injuries to the entire body. The data does not specify helmet use or other victim behaviors as contributing factors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers fail to yield to vulnerable road users.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726906 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
4
Unconscious SUV Driver Plows Into Seven Cars

A 51-year-old man lost consciousness on the Gowanus Expressway. His SUV slammed into seven vehicles. Metal twisted. Glass flew. He died at the scene. Several others suffered neck injuries as traffic crawled past the wreckage.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old man driving a station wagon/SUV westbound on the Gowanus Expressway lost consciousness behind the wheel. The report states, "His SUV struck seven cars. Metal tore. Glass scattered. Airbags bloomed." The driver died, "strapped in his seat, still and silent, as traffic crawled past the wreckage." The sole contributing factor listed is "Lost Consciousness." No driver errors are cited for the other vehicles. Multiple occupants in the struck cars suffered neck injuries, consistent with whiplash. The crash triggered a chain reaction across seven vehicles, leaving one dead and several injured.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725083 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Slams Parked SUV on Prospect Avenue

A sedan hit a parked SUV in Brooklyn. The SUV’s 65-year-old driver was knocked unconscious. The crash set off a chain of impacts among parked cars. Streets turned brutal. No cause listed.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Prospect Avenue struck the center back end of a parked SUV. The SUV’s 65-year-old male driver was injured and rendered unconscious. The report lists his injury severity as serious. Multiple parked vehicles were damaged in the crash. The sedan’s pre-crash action was 'Going Straight Ahead,' while the SUV was 'Parked.' The police report does not specify any contributing factors for the collision. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or list helmet or signal use as a factor.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725325 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Gounardes Backs Safety Boosting Bill to Cut Driving

State leaders urge passage of A4120/S1981 to slash driving by one-fifth. The bill aims to shift funding from highways to transit, cycling, and walking. Advocates say fewer cars mean fewer deaths. The clock ticks toward the session’s end.

Bill A4120/S1981, now before the New York State Legislature, seeks a 20% reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2050. The measure is championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and backed by a coalition of local officials. On May 15, 2024, a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins called for swift passage before the session ends in June. The letter states, 'The state Legislature should pass the law before the end of this session in June, which could pivot transportation funding toward more beneficial uses like mass transit and biking and walking infrastructure.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as a key recipient. The bill would force agencies to prioritize projects for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders over highway expansion. Advocates argue this shift will save lives, cut pollution, and undo harms from car-centric planning.


Gounardes Supports City Control and Redevelopment of Brooklyn Terminal

New York City seizes the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Officials promise a modern port and mixed-use hub. Council Member Alexa Avilés joins the task force. Critics warn of more trucks if Red Hook shrinks. The city pledges community input. Impact on street safety remains unclear.

On May 15, 2024, New York City announced it will take control of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, launching a major redevelopment plan. The project, described as a 'modern maritime port and mixed-use community hub,' aims to overhaul the industrial waterfront with new housing and shipping facilities. Council Member Alexa Avilés, representing District 38, serves as vice chair of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Taskforce, leading community engagement. The plan includes an $80 million city investment and a $15 million state investment in cold storage to reduce truck traffic. Rep. Jerry Nadler criticized the move, warning that shrinking the Red Hook Container Port could increase truck traffic and harm jobs. The final vision will be shaped by community input. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users has been released.


Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting 20 Percent Vehicle Miles Cut

Albany lawmakers urge a 20% cut in driving by 2050. The bill would shift funds from highways to transit, biking, and walking. Electeds from Brooklyn to Buffalo back the move. Streets could change. Fewer cars. More space for people. Lives at stake.

Bill A4120/S1981 aims to cut vehicle miles traveled in New York by 20% by 2050. On May 15, 2024, more than a dozen local officials sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, urging passage before session’s end in June. The letter, organized by Local Progress, states: 'This means projects that expanded cycling infrastructure, pedestrian walkways, and public transit were prioritized over outdated highway expansions and lane widening.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the bill. Alex Marion, Syracuse city auditor, signed on, saying, 'If we can reduce the vehicle miles traveled, we can look at the space of streets differently.' The bill would force planners to consider car miles in every project, shifting focus from car movement to safer, people-first streets. The policy could help undo decades of harm from highways that split communities and reinforce segregation.


Gounardes Backs Safety Boosting Red Light Camera Renewal

Gov. Hochul backs renewing New York City’s small red light camera program. She stops short of supporting expansion. The city’s power over street safety grows, but Albany holds the reins. Vulnerable road users wait as lawmakers debate control and coverage.

On May 10, 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly supported reauthorizing New York City’s red light camera program, which is set to expire in December. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would renew the program for six years and expand cameras from 150 to 1,325 intersections. Hochul, at a ceremony for 'Sammy’s Law,' said, 'local governments should be making these decisions,' but did not endorse the expansion. The Adams administration and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have pushed for more cameras. Hochul’s stance signals support for local control over traffic enforcement, but leaves the fate of a broader camera rollout uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while Albany debates the city’s authority to protect its streets.


Distracted Driver Crashes Into Parked Sedan

Two sedans collided on a Brooklyn street late at night. A driver starting from parking hit a parked vehicle on its left side. The driver of the moving car was injured, unconscious, and suffered full-body trauma despite safety restraints.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:50 in Brooklyn near 4 Avenue. A sedan registered in New York, driven by a licensed female driver, was starting from parking when it struck a parked sedan registered in Texas on the left side doors. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles involved. The injured party was the driver of the moving sedan, a 23-year-old female occupant who was unconscious and sustained injuries to her entire body. She was not ejected and had an airbag deployed along with lap belt and harness restraints. The collision caused damage to the left side doors of both vehicles. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the victim's behavior.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Turns Left, Strikes Eastbound Bicyclist

A sedan making a left turn collided with an eastbound bicyclist on 65 Street near 3 Avenue. The bicyclist suffered facial abrasions but remained conscious. Driver inattention or distraction caused the crash, damaging the sedan’s left front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 2007 Honda sedan was traveling north on 65 Street and making a left turn when it struck a bicyclist traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist, a 44-year-old man, sustained abrasions to his face but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. The sedan’s driver was licensed in New York. No contributing factors were listed for the bicyclist. The collision caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the sedan. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721278 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Backing Unsafely Strikes Elderly Pedestrian

A 77-year-old man suffered a fractured hip and leg after an SUV backing westward hit him in Brooklyn. The driver’s unsafe backing and distraction caused the crash, leaving the pedestrian injured and conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2008 Ford SUV backed unsafely in Brooklyn near 142 44 Street at 2:51 AM. The vehicle was traveling west and struck the pedestrian with its center back end. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated upper leg and hip injury, classified as injury severity 3, and remained conscious. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe backing maneuvers combined with driver distraction, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Two-Vehicle Collision Injures Brooklyn SUV Driver

A westbound SUV struck a northbound sedan on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver, a 22-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage. Police cited other vehicular factors as contributing causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:38 AM on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a westbound 2020 Toyota SUV and a northbound 2021 Audi sedan. The SUV driver, a 22-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The point of impact was the SUV's center front end and the sedan's right side doors. Police identified 'Other Vehicular' factors twice as contributing causes, indicating driver errors related to vehicle operation. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report does not list any pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim behaviors contributing to the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719594 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Strikes 17-Year-Old Bicyclist on 55 Street

A 17-year-old bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion after a sedan struck him on 55 Street. The driver’s improper lane usage caused the collision. The bicyclist was conscious but injured, with no helmet reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:50 on 55 Street involving a sedan traveling south and a westbound bicycle. The sedan driver, licensed in Florida, was going straight ahead but committed 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' which the report cites as the contributing factor. The 17-year-old male bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained a head contusion, classified as injury severity 3. The bicyclist was conscious at the scene but was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan showed no damage, while the bike sustained center front end damage. The report highlights the driver’s lane misuse as the cause, focusing on systemic danger from vehicle operation errors without attributing fault to the bicyclist.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720421 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Int 0857-2024
Avilés co-sponsors bill to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.