Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

Speed cameras now run all day, every day in New York City. The law ends the blackout. No more breaks for speeders. State Senator Andrew Gounardes led the charge. The city’s streets stay watched. Vulnerable lives get a fighting chance.

On August 1, 2022, a new law took effect expanding New York City’s speed camera program to operate 24/7. The bill, sponsored in the State Senate by Andrew Gounardes, passed in Albany and was signed by Governor Hochul in June. The measure extends the program for three years and ends the old rule that shut cameras off overnight and on weekends. The Department of Transportation has installed about 2,000 cameras in 750 school zones. The bill’s summary: 'expands the safety technology around the clock.' Gounardes said, 'Your right to speed does not supersede anyone’s rights to live on the streets safely.' Mayor Eric Adams joined advocates to celebrate, stating, 'A city that never sleeps deserves a camera system that won’t take a nap.' DOT data shows 59% of traffic deaths happened during off hours. The expansion aims to close that deadly gap.

• Whoa there! NYC speed cameras now stay on 24/7, amny.com, Published 2022-08-01

A Land Rover barreled down 3rd Avenue. The SUV struck head-on. Metal folded. The airbag burst. The 70-year-old woman behind the wheel took the full force. She died in the seat. Three others survived. The street swallowed another life.

A 70-year-old woman driving a 2020 Land Rover SUV was killed in a head-on crash on 3rd Avenue near Council District 38. According to the police report, the SUV struck head-on, the airbag deployed, and the front end crumpled. The driver, who was not ejected, suffered fatal injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. Three other occupants, including a 50-year-old man and two children, sustained unspecified injuries. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the police report. The report notes the airbag deployed but does not cite it as a contributing factor. The crash left the SUV destroyed and claimed the life of its driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550586 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A driver killed cyclist Wenntwen Porgho at a deadly Bronx intersection. No charges were filed. The spot is known for crashes, yet remains unchanged. Lawmakers blasted the lack of accountability. Another pedestrian, Monica Chen, was killed days earlier. Still, no charges.

On July 21, 2022, a driver killed cyclist Wenntwen Porgho at a dangerous Bronx intersection. The intersection, despite a history of crashes, has not been redesigned. No charges were filed against the driver, even though evidence suggested a failure to yield. Days earlier, Monica Chen, a pedestrian, was killed by a turning driver in Bay Ridge. Again, no charges. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and City Council Member Justin Brannan expressed outrage, stating, "We are both outraged that the epidemic of traffic violence continues and as a result, a 67 year old woman is dead." They pledged to press the Department of Transportation for more safety measures. The NYPD declined comment. The Bronx faces a surge in road deaths. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

• Driver Kills Cyclist in Deadly Bronx Yet is Not Charged — Part of a Surge in Road Violence, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-21

Governor Hochul signed a law forcing new drivers to study pedestrian and cyclist safety. The law adds these topics to pre-licensing courses and written exams. Senator Gounardes pushed the measure. Streets are not just for cars. The law takes effect January.

On July 15, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill mandating that new drivers in New York be tested on pedestrian and cyclist safety awareness. The measure, championed by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, requires pre-licensing courses and written exams to include instruction on the dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians. The bill's summary states it aims to 'educate drivers about the dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians and will create a thoughtful road culture going forward.' Gounardes sponsored the bill, which takes effect in January. Until now, the driver's manual offered only a single page on sharing the road. The law directs the state to consult law enforcement, advocates, and medical experts to shape the curriculum. Hochul said, 'This law will help prevent crashes and save lives.'

• Hochul signs bill mandating new NY drivers be tested on cyclist and pedestrian safety awareness, gothamist.com, Published 2022-07-15

Gov. Hochul signed a law forcing new drivers to learn about pedestrian and cyclist safety. The law closes a deadly gap in driver education. Assemblymember Gallagher and Senator Gounardes led the push. The change targets inexperience behind the wheel. Lives are at stake.

On July 15, 2022, Governor Hochul signed a law requiring cyclist and pedestrian safety awareness in New York's driver licensing process. The bill, led by Assemblymember Emily Gallagher and Senator Andrew Gounardes, updates the five-hour pre-licensing course and driver's manual. The matter summary states: 'The law addresses a longstanding gap in driver education, which had previously left generations of motorists with little awareness of road-sharing with pedestrians and cyclists.' Gov. Hochul said, 'It is common sense to make pedestrian and bike safety education mandatory for drivers.' Gounardes noted that driver instruction had not kept pace with the growing presence of cyclists and micro-mobility users. In 2021, driver inexperience contributed to over 2,500 injury crashes in NYC. The law took 11 years to pass, reflecting persistent advocacy for vulnerable road users.

• Gov. Hochul Signs Law Adding Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety Awareness to Driver’s License Requirements, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-15

A 29-year-old woman bicyclist was partially ejected and injured in a crash with an SUV on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bike struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. She suffered abrasions and upper arm injuries. Traffic control was disregarded.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female bicyclist traveling south on 4 Avenue collided with a 2003 Chevrolet SUV traveling east. The bike impacted the SUV’s left rear quarter panel, causing the bicyclist to be partially ejected and sustain abrasions and upper arm injuries. The bicyclist was conscious and injured but not wearing safety equipment. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor twice, indicating failure to obey traffic signals or signs. The report also notes "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion," but the primary driver error cited is disregarding traffic control. No helmet or signaling factors were mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4544759 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 20-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on 14 Street near Hamilton Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The crash involved a Ford vehicle and was caused by driver distraction.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected during a collision on 14 Street near Hamilton Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist suffered contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The crash involved a Ford vehicle traveling north and a bicyclist making a left turn northwest. The point of impact was the right rear quarter panel of the Ford and the center front end of the bike. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but sustained serious injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Drunk drivers who kill a parent may pay child support for up to 18 years. Lawmakers Gounardes and Meeks push bills to force accountability. Few drivers face these charges now. The aim: make killers pay, not just serve time.

""If you drive recklessly, you are going to be held accountable,"" -- Andrew Gounardes

Senate bill, drafted by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Demond Meeks, would require convicted drunk drivers who kill a custodial parent to pay child support until the victim’s children turn 18. The proposal, announced July 8, 2022, mirrors a Tennessee law. The bill targets drivers convicted of vehicular manslaughter (first or second degree) or aggravated vehicular homicide. Gounardes said, 'If you drive recklessly, you are going to be held accountable.' He stressed the lack of accountability and financial compensation for victims’ families. The bill is limited to drunk drivers for now, but Gounardes hopes to expand it to all reckless drivers who kill. Few drivers are convicted under these charges in New York City. The measure sends a clear message: kill a parent, pay for it—literally and for years.

• Drunk Drivers Who Kill Could Be Paying for their Crime for Almost 20 Years, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-08

A 63-year-old woman was struck while walking outside an intersection in Brooklyn. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee and lower leg. The driver showed inattention and distraction. The pedestrian was conscious but injured severely.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old female pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being hit by a vehicle while walking outside an intersection. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, indicating the driver failed to maintain focus. The vehicle was traveling straight ahead and showed no damage, suggesting the impact was significant to the pedestrian but not the vehicle. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No safety equipment or helmet was mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4544021 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 31-year-old woman was hit by an SUV while crossing 34 Street at 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered a facial abrasion but remained conscious. The SUV was making a left turn at the time of impact. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing 34 Street at 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2022 Honda SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained a facial abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The SUV sustained no damage. The pedestrian was not ejected and no safety equipment is noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543353 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A van made an improper right turn on 3 Avenue and struck a northbound bicyclist. The cyclist, a 36-year-old man wearing a helmet, suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The van’s right front bumper hit the bike’s left side.

According to the police report, a van traveling south on 3 Avenue was making a right turn when it collided with a bicyclist traveling north straight ahead. The bicyclist, a 36-year-old man wearing a helmet, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The point of impact was the van’s right front bumper and the bike’s left side doors. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as a contributing factor for the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543354 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A moving SUV hit a parked SUV on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver of the parked vehicle, a 31-year-old woman, suffered unspecified injuries and shock. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a 2019 Volkswagen SUV was parked on 3 Avenue when it was struck on the left front bumper by a 2006 Honda SUV traveling north. The Honda SUV impacted the right side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver of the parked SUV, a 31-year-old woman, was injured with unspecified severity and experienced shock. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The parked vehicle was stationary at the time of collision. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The driver of the parked SUV was restrained with a lap belt and was not ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542683 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

An e-bike struck a sedan at 3rd Avenue and 52nd Street. The rider flew off, leg shattered, paralyzed, helmet on. Brakes failed. The street stayed hard and unforgiving. Metal met flesh. The system failed the vulnerable.

An e-bike rider collided with a sedan at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 52nd Street in Brooklyn. The crash left the 27-year-old e-bike rider ejected, suffering a shattered leg and reporting paralysis. According to the police report, 'The brakes had failed.' The e-bike's defective brakes are listed as a contributing factor. The rider was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. The sedan driver, a 37-year-old man, was not reported injured. Both vehicles were traveling straight before the collision. The crash underscores the danger when mechanical failure meets city speed and steel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541853 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

An e-bike rider was injured when a 2011 Honda SUV made a right turn on 4 Avenue. The SUV struck the bike’s left front bumper with its right front bumper. The cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The driver failed to yield.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male e-bike rider was injured after a collision with a 2011 Honda SUV on 4 Avenue. The SUV was making a right turn while the e-bike was traveling north straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the e-bike and the right front bumper of the SUV. The cyclist sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, but this was not cited as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540553 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 22-year-old man was injured after a pick-up truck struck him on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian emerged from behind a parked vehicle. The unlicensed driver made a right turn with limited view, hitting the pedestrian with the truck’s front center.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn after emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle. The crash involved a 2018 RAM pick-up truck traveling south, driven by an unlicensed male driver making a right turn. The point of impact was the truck’s center front end. The report lists the contributing factor as "View Obstructed/Limited," which impaired the driver's ability to see the pedestrian. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The driver’s unlicensed status and limited visibility were key elements in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540909 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Governor Hochul signed the bill. Speed cameras in New York City now operate around the clock. No more nighttime gaps. Deborah Glick backed the measure. The law aims to slow cars, protect people, and keep streets safer for everyone.

On June 24, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill extending and expanding New York City's speed camera program. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymember Deborah Glick (District 66) and Senator Andrew Gounardes, allows speed cameras to operate 24/7 in up to 750 school zones. The bill was set to expire but now runs through July 1, 2025. The matter summary states: 'New York City is now able to operate its speed cameras 24 hours a day.' Glick, who sponsored the bill, dismissed criticism that cameras are a cash grab, saying, 'The city isn't in the car with you... If you don't want to get a ticket, don't speed.' Mayor Eric Adams called the cameras a deterrent, not a punishment. Advocates say the law will slow cars and protect pedestrians, especially children. The bill passed just before the legislative session ended, closing a deadly loophole in city enforcement.

• NYC speed cameras can now operate 24/7, gothamist.com, Published 2022-06-24

Governor Hochul signed a bill making school zone speed cameras run all day, every day. No more gaps. Crashes and injuries near schools drove the change. The law dropped tougher penalties, but sponsors vow to keep fighting. Streets stay dangerous. Cameras now never sleep.

On June 24, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill expanding New York City's school zone speed camera program to operate 24/7, year-round. The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Deborah Glick and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, was passed after statistics showed rising crashes and injuries near schools. The matter summary: 'The city's school zone speed cameras will now operate 24/7 year-round.' Hochul cited student deaths and the need for constant protection. Mayor Adams called the program a national model, noting, '72 percent of fatalities have been happening when the cameras were off.' The bill was weakened from its original form, dropping escalating fines and stricter penalties for repeat offenders due to City Council concerns. Glick and Gounardes pledged to push for stronger measures. A separate bill to expand red light cameras failed. The new law closes deadly loopholes but leaves enforcement gaps for repeat offenders.

• Hochul Signs Speed Camera Bill, Citing Streetsblog’s Coverage of Unsafe School Streets, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-24

A 34-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The box truck was parked. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment and complained of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on 4 Avenue collided with a parked box truck. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify driver errors or violations by the truck driver. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash and experienced shock and complaints of pain and nausea. The box truck was stationary and occupied by two people. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the bicycle, which suffered damage to its center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4539829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A Ford SUV struck a Honda sedan on 2 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan was making a left turn when the SUV hit its left side. Three occupants in the sedan suffered whiplash and bruises. The crash involved disregarded traffic control.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling north struck a Honda sedan traveling south on 2 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan was making a left turn when the SUV collided with its left side doors. Three occupants in the sedan, including the 23-year-old male driver and two female passengers aged 16 and 38, were injured with whiplash and contusions. None were ejected from the vehicle. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor for all injured occupants. The SUV driver was going straight ahead, while the sedan driver was making a left turn. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the left side of the sedan and the left front bumper of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4536269 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 26-year-old man driving a sedan on the Gowanus Expressway fell asleep behind the wheel. The car was demolished in a front-end collision. The driver suffered a head abrasion but remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male driver fell asleep while driving a 2016 sedan northeast on the Gowanus Expressway. The vehicle was changing lanes when it crashed, sustaining severe front-end damage. The driver was injured, suffering a head abrasion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The driver was not using any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4536403 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14