Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

A 33-year-old female bicyclist was partially ejected and injured in a collision with a right-turning SUV on 57 Street in Brooklyn. The bicyclist suffered back contusions and bruises. The SUV driver was licensed; the bicyclist was unlicensed.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:40 AM on 57 Street in Brooklyn. A 33-year-old female bicyclist, traveling westbound and going straight ahead, collided with a Nissan SUV making a right turn westbound. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained back contusions and bruises, classified as injury severity level 3. The SUV driver was licensed and had two occupants. The bicyclist was unlicensed and was riding without safety equipment. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not cite any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The impact was to the center front end of the bike and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The data highlights the danger posed by turning vehicles to bicyclists, especially when the bicyclist is unlicensed and partially ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two SUVs collided on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn at 5:31 p.m. Both drivers were distracted, causing a crash that injured one man with neck whiplash. The impact damaged the right front quarter panel and left front bumper of the vehicles.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling south on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn collided at 5:31 p.m. Both drivers were cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. One driver was merging while the other was going straight ahead. The point of impact was the right front bumper of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. The crash caused damage to the right front quarter panel and left front bumper. A 47-year-old male driver, wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered a neck injury described as whiplash and was conscious after the crash. The report explicitly identifies driver distraction as the cause, with no other contributing factors noted. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714596 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 58-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a right-turning SUV in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and turned improperly, causing head injuries and bruising to the pedestrian. The vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Brooklyn at 25 Street and 4 Avenue around 3:34 PM. A 58-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when she was hit by a 2018 Ford SUV making a right turn. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front quarter panel. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and contusions but remained conscious. The SUV sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle eastbound. The report focuses on driver errors, specifically failure to yield and improper turning, as the cause of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714572 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 38-year-old male moped driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury in a Brooklyn crash. The collision occurred on 4 Avenue at 8:35 a.m., leaving the driver conscious but injured. The report notes no helmet or safety equipment used.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male moped driver was injured in a crash on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn at 8:35 a.m. The driver, operating a 2023 moped traveling north and going straight ahead, sustained contusions and bruises to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report states the driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The moped's point of impact and damage was the center back end. The driver was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured or involved. The data highlights the vulnerability of the moped driver who suffered injury despite no noted violations or external factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714840 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A motorcyclist was ejected and injured after colliding with a parked sedan on 4 Avenue. The rider suffered contusions and lower leg injuries. The crash exposed risks tied to unlicensed driving and vehicle positioning on city streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:20 on 4 Avenue involving a motorbike and a sedan, both initially parked. The motorbike, driven by a 30-year-old unlicensed male, collided with the left side doors of the sedan. The motorcyclist was ejected and sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries, described as contusions and bruises. The report highlights the motorcyclist's unlicensed status as a critical factor. Both vehicles were traveling south before the collision, which impacted the motorbike's center front end and the sedan's left side doors. The motorcyclist was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714303 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Sedan tried to pass on Hamilton Avenue. Struck a box truck. Passenger in front seat suffered facial abrasions. Driver’s improper lane use and speed caused the crash. Truck was not damaged.

According to the police report, a sedan attempted an improper passing maneuver on Hamilton Avenue in Brooklyn at 1:21 AM. The sedan collided with a box truck traveling in the same direction. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors by the sedan driver. The front passenger, a 35-year-old woman, suffered facial abrasions and was injured. She remained conscious and was not ejected. The box truck was undamaged. Driver errors in lane usage and speed led to the impact, exposing the risks of improper passing on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 58-year-old man suffered upper arm injuries after a sedan struck him in Brooklyn. The driver’s inattention and obstructed view contributed to the crash. The pedestrian was semiconscious and complained of pain and nausea at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling straight ahead in Brooklyn collided with a 58-year-old male pedestrian at approximately 1:32 AM. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his shoulder and upper arm and was semiconscious, complaining of pain and nausea. The report cites the driver’s contributing factors as "View Obstructed/Limited" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The vehicle showed no damage despite striking the pedestrian with its center front end. The driver was licensed and operating a 2014 Honda sedan. The pedestrian’s actions or behaviors were not listed as contributing factors. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and limited visibility in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713234 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

Drivers rack up speed and red light camera tickets. No points. No suspensions. Gianaris backs a bill to yank registrations after five violations. Victims’ families and DOT demand action. The loophole leaves reckless drivers free to kill.

Queens Senator Michael Gianaris, with Assemblymember William Magnarelli, introduced a bill to suspend vehicle registrations after five speed or red light camera violations in one year. The measure remains in committee. The bill responds to a fatal flaw: 'We have no mechanism right now, under law, to crack down on extremely reckless drivers,' said Brooklyn State Sen. Andrew Gounardes. The current law lets drivers rack up dozens of camera tickets and keep driving, since no points are added to licenses. Gianaris’s bill aims to close this loophole. DOT and crash victims’ families, including Juliane Williams, whose daughter was killed by a speeding driver, press for stronger penalties and expansion of the red light camera program. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program expired with little effect. The city’s vulnerable road users remain at risk while repeat offenders face few real consequences.

• FATAL FLAW: NYC reckless motorists can keep driving no matter how many speed camera tickets they get, amny.com, Published 2024-03-24

An SUV traveling south struck multiple parked vehicles on 2 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver suffered a head injury and whiplash. Police cite unsafe speed as the cause. The impact damaged the SUV’s front and the left sides of parked cars and trailers.

According to the police report, at 1:40 AM in Brooklyn, an SUV driver traveling south on 2 Avenue collided with several parked vehicles, including a trailer, another SUV, a sedan, and a van. The point of impact was the SUV’s center front end and the left side doors of the parked vehicles. The driver, a 45-year-old male occupant, sustained a head injury and complained of whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused significant damage to the SUV’s front and the left side of the parked vehicles, highlighting the dangers of speeding in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711833 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A female driver suffered severe leg injuries in a Brooklyn crash. The sedan’s defective brakes caused a front-end collision. The driver, conscious and restrained by a lap belt, sustained fractures and dislocations to her lower extremities.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old female driver was injured in a collision on Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:30 AM. The vehicle involved was a 2006 Honda sedan traveling west, which struck an object or vehicle with its center front end. The report cites 'Brakes Defective' as the contributing factor to the crash, indicating a mechanical failure in the vehicle's braking system. The driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. She sustained fractures, dislocations, and distorted injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The driver was conscious after the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by vehicle maintenance failures.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Council bill orders DOT to repair broken curbs during street resurfacing. Hazardous curbs trip, trap, and injure. The fix is overdue. Pedestrians need solid ground. Council moves to force action.

Int 0724-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 19, 2024, the bill commands DOT to repair broken curbs that pose safety hazards during any resurfacing project. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... requiring that the department of transportation repair broken curbs as part of resurfacing projects.' Council Members Schulman, Gennaro (primary), Gutiérrez, Louis, Brewer, and Avilés sponsor the measure. The bill targets a simple danger: shattered curbs that trip and injure. If passed, DOT must fix these hazards as routine, not afterthought. The law would take effect 120 days after enactment.

• File Int 0724-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

SUV driver, distracted, struck a 29-year-old cyclist on 4th Avenue. Cyclist ejected, suffered full-body injuries and shock. Driver ignored traffic control. Streets failed the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male bicyclist traveling south on 4th Avenue in Brooklyn was struck by an eastbound 2005 Toyota SUV at 19:45. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The cyclist was ejected from his bike, suffered injuries to his entire body, and entered shock with pain and nausea. The SUV, driven by a permit holder, hit the cyclist with its center front end but sustained no damage. This crash underscores the severe risk posed by distracted driving and failure to obey traffic controls to people on bikes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709954 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two male drivers suffered whiplash and eye and neck injuries in a multi-SUV crash on the Gowanus Expressway. The collision involved lane changing and driver inattention. Both vehicles sustained left-side damage in the northbound lanes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Gowanus Expressway at 13:43 involving three SUVs traveling northbound. One SUV, driven by a 58-year-old male with a learner's permit, was changing lanes when it collided with another SUV going straight ahead. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors for the 58-year-old driver. Both drivers were injured: the older driver suffered an eye injury and whiplash, while the younger driver, 18, also experienced whiplash and neck injury. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the lane-changing SUV and the left rear bumper of the struck vehicle. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the left front quarter panel and left rear bumper, confirming a side-impact collision. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709750 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07