Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

A 26-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured in Brooklyn. The SUV made a right turn and struck the scooter’s left front quarter panel. The rider suffered facial abrasions. Driver errors included improper lane usage and unsafe speed.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured after a collision with a 2003 Acura SUV in Brooklyn on 42 Street near 4 Avenue. The SUV was making a right turn while the e-scooter was traveling straight north. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the scooter and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The injured rider suffered abrasions to the face but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver errors as "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Unsafe Speed" for the scooter driver, as well as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" for the SUV driver. No helmet or signaling issues were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629654 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A 25-year-old male driver suffered knee and lower leg fractures after a collision on 4 Avenue. The sedan, making a left turn, struck an unknown party. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause. The driver was conscious and injured.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male driver was injured while making a left turn on 4 Avenue. The sedan collided with an unknown party, resulting in fractures and dislocations to the driver's knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The driver was conscious and not using any safety equipment at the time. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact to the center front end. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626603 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A driver killed Katherine Harris on Atlantic Avenue. Politicians demand mid-block crossings, daylighted intersections, and curb extensions. They call the street a speedway. They blame city inaction. They vow to push for changes. The city promises only to study.

On May 1, 2023, after the death of Katherine Harris, Brooklyn Heights Council Member Lincoln Restler and State Senator Andrew Gounardes called for urgent safety fixes on Atlantic Avenue. At a rally, Restler said, "It is wrong how deadly this strip is." The officials demand mid-block crossings, daylighted intersections, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, and safer pedestrian space near BQE ramps. Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized city resistance to reallocating street space, saying, "They drag their feet because they don’t want to do the inevitable." The Department of Transportation has agreed only to study new crosswalks. The bill is not yet formal legislation but marks a push for action after years of delay. No safety analyst assessment is available.

• In Wake of Death, Pols Want Mid-Block Crossings, Safer Atlantic Ave., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-01

Sammy’s Law, which lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph, failed to make the state budget. The Council now holds the power. Lawmakers stall. Streets stay deadly. Victims’ families and advocates demand action. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, named for 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. The bill failed to enter the 2023 state budget, shifting responsibility to the City Council. In 2021, the Council backed a home rule message 42-6, but the Assembly blocked it. Last year, the Council reversed course and failed to pass the message. This session, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez introduced a resolution urging passage, with 10 sponsors. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers must hold a hearing before a vote. Speaker Adrienne Adams and Brooks-Powers have not signed on, citing negotiations. The bill’s summary states: 'Life-saving legislation that would allow New York City to set speed limits below 25 miles per hour failed to make it into this year's state budget.' Data show slower speeds save lives. Advocates and victims’ families keep pushing. The Council’s inaction keeps streets dangerous.

• With ‘Sammy’s Law’ Not in the State Budget, It’s Up to the City Council to Push It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-01

A sedan traveling south on 3 Avenue struck a right rear passenger during an unsafe lane change. The 9-year-old girl suffered neck injuries and shock. The driver was licensed. The crash caused right front bumper damage to the sedan.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn was involved in a crash caused by unsafe lane changing. The collision impacted the right front bumper of the sedan. A 9-year-old female occupant seated in the right rear passenger position was injured, suffering neck pain and shock. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The driver, a licensed female from New York, was going straight ahead before the crash. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625709 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Senator Gounardes wants steeper fines for repeat speed camera violations. The bill targets drivers who ignore warnings. It aims to hit reckless behavior in the wallet. No direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists yet.

Senate bill S 6425 was introduced on April 19, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, proposes 'increasing fines for subsequent speed camera violations in the city of New York.' Gounardes leads the push to penalize repeat offenders. The legislation is not yet assigned to a committee. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The bill’s intent is clear: escalate penalties for those who keep speeding, but its effect on street safety remains unmeasured.

• File S 6425, Open States, Published 2023-04-19

A tractor truck hit a sedan’s right side on the Gowanus Expressway. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old woman, suffered facial injuries and bleeding. Driver inattention and other vehicular factors fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a tractor truck and a sedan collided on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. The truck struck the sedan’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old woman, was injured in the face and suffered minor bleeding. She was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and other vehicular factors as contributing causes. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before impact. The crash underscores driver errors, including inattention and unspecified vehicular issues.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Senator Gounardes’s bill would end car-first reviews. It targets a 15% cut in vehicle miles by 2050. The plan favors safer streets, less pollution, and more ways to get around. Advocates say it’s overdue. The old system kept streets dangerous.

State Bill S1234, introduced by Senator Andrew Gounardes on April 12, 2023, aims to overhaul New York’s environmental review process. The bill, now before the legislature, would replace the outdated 'level of service' metric—focused on driver delay—with a mandate to reduce total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 15 percent by 2050. The bill summary states: 'By eliminating the relevance of level of service as a metric and utilizing vehicle miles traveled reduction instead, we can provide a new criteria for determining the significance of transportation impacts.' Gounardes, the bill’s sponsor, argues this shift will cut emissions and promote safer, multimodal streets. Advocates like Jon Orcutt and Sara Lind back the measure, calling it a long-overdue update that could finally let safety and climate take priority over car traffic. The bill follows California’s lead and could set a national example.

• State Bill Seeks to Alter Environmental Review So it Doesn’t Only Care About Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-12

Two SUVs crashed on Hamilton Avenue. One driver turned improperly. The other went straight. A 65-year-old man suffered an elbow abrasion. Airbag deployed. Both drivers were licensed men. Damage hit front left and center front of vehicles.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Hamilton Avenue. One driver, a 65-year-old man, was injured with an abrasion to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as a contributing factor. One SUV was making a left turn while the other was traveling straight. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and had an airbag deploy. Both drivers were licensed men. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the turning vehicle and the center front end of the other. The crash caused damage to the left front quarter panel and center front end of the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 44-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected on the Gowanus Expressway. He suffered chest injuries and was in shock. The crash involved impact to the motorcycle’s left front bumper. The rider wore a helmet but was seriously hurt.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected during a crash on the Gowanus Expressway. The motorcycle, traveling west and going straight ahead, struck an object or surface with its left front bumper, causing center front end damage. The driver sustained chest injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the dangers motorcyclists face even when traveling straight and wearing protective gear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618820 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Two sedans collided on 51 Street in Brooklyn. Both vehicles were parked before impact. One driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries and minor burns. The crash caused damage to the rear of one vehicle. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 51 Street in Brooklyn. Both vehicles were parked prior to the crash. The driver of one sedan, a female occupant, sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, along with minor burns. She was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver. The collision caused damage to the center back end of one vehicle, while the other showed no damage. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The report does not specify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621410 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Senator Gounardes wants a 25-cent fee on every online package. The money would fund city infrastructure. Trucks crowd streets. Packages pile up. The bill aims to slow the flood. City Hall will review. Delivery giants face new rules. Streets stay dangerous.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill on March 23, 2023, proposing a 25-cent surcharge on every online delivery package in New York City. The bill, now under review, aims to raise $226 million yearly for city infrastructure. Gounardes said, "We're proposing an infrastructure fund to help pay for some of the capital costs to mitigate some of the consequences of last-mile trucking, and freight growth." The bill responds to a surge in daily package deliveries, now at 2.3 million, and forecasts of 200,000 trucks a day by 2045. Gounardes, the bill's sponsor, wants the city—not the MTA—to control the funds. City Hall has not taken a position but said it welcomes ideas to limit emissions and advance infrastructure. The bill joins other efforts to regulate last-mile delivery and warehouse placement. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• State Senator Seeks Online Delivery Charge to Fund City Infrastructure, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-23

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

A 20-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 4 Avenue when an SUV making a right turn hit him. The cyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries but was conscious and wearing a helmet. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male bicyclist riding north on 4 Avenue was struck by a northbound SUV making a right turn. The bicyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The SUV's right front quarter panel impacted the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The driver’s error in yielding caused the collision. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617113 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Albany lawmakers plug the MTA’s budget hole and block a fare hike. They launch a free bus pilot but refuse funds for more frequent service. Riders wait. Advocates warn: infrequent buses and trains leave New Yorkers stranded, exposed, and at risk.

On March 14, 2023, state legislators proposed a budget to fill the MTA’s fiscal deficit, avoid a fare hike, and fund a pilot for free buses. The bill, still under negotiation before the April 1 deadline, does not include the $300 million sought to boost off-peak bus and subway service to every six minutes. The matter summary reads: 'Legislators in Albany have proposed a budget to fill the MTA's fiscal hole, avert a fare hike, and fund a small pilot of free buses across New York City.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Andrew Gounardes pledged to keep fighting for better frequency. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised stable funding. Advocates like Betsy Plum criticized the omission: 'The legislature's budget ignores millions of riders stranded 12, 15, 20 minutes or more on subway platforms and at bus stops.' The budget’s failure to expand service leaves vulnerable riders waiting longer, exposed to danger and delay.

• State Legislators Fill MTA Fiscal Hole, Reject Fare Hike — But Don’t Expand Service, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-14

Albany lawmakers plug the MTA’s budget hole and block a fare hike. They launch a free bus pilot but refuse to fund more frequent service. Riders wait. The streets stay dangerous. The system limps on. Vulnerable New Yorkers are left behind.

On March 14, 2023, state legislators proposed a budget to address the MTA’s fiscal crisis. The plan, discussed in committee, fills the funding gap and stops a fare hike. It launches a free bus pilot in low-income and commercial districts. The bill, backed by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, does not include the $300 million needed to run buses and subways every six minutes off-peak. The matter summary states: 'Legislators in Albany have proposed a budget to fill the MTA's fiscal hole, avert a fare hike, and fund a small pilot of free buses.' Hoylman-Sigal supported ending Madison Square Garden’s tax break to help fund transit. Advocates and lawmakers like Zohran Mamdani blasted the omission, warning that infrequent service leaves riders stranded and exposed. The budget keeps the system afloat but fails to deliver safer, more reliable transit for those most at risk.

• State Legislators Fill MTA Fiscal Hole, Reject Fare Hike — But Don’t Expand Service, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-03-14

A 14-year-old e-scooter rider was ejected and injured on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan driver made a right turn and struck the scooter. The rider suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured and ejected during a collision with a sedan on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan, traveling west and making a right turn, struck the e-scooter traveling south. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper and the scooter's center front end. The rider suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users when drivers fail to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611824 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13