Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

Mar 3 - A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. It struck a man crouched in the road. The driver fled. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. Police are still investigating. Brooklyn’s streets claim more lives. The toll grows.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was 'crouched in the street to pick up food' when the northbound truck turned right and hit him, according to NYPD officials. The driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene. No arrests have been made. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The article notes this crash followed two other recent fatal collisions in Brooklyn. The incident underscores persistent dangers for pedestrians and ongoing issues with drivers leaving crash scenes. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian In Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

Mar 2 - A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

Mar 1 - A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-01

Feb 28 - A drunk driver blasted through a red light at 72 mph. He struck Katherine Harris, killing her steps from home. The car crashed on. Blood alcohol twice the limit. The street became a crime scene. Lives shattered in seconds.

NY Daily News reported on February 28, 2025, that Erick Trujillo, 29, was sentenced to three to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. On April 16, 2023, Trujillo drove his Volvo at 72 mph—nearly triple the speed limit—through a red light at Atlantic Ave and Clinton Street in Brooklyn. He struck pedestrian Katherine Harris, 31, killing her instantly, then rear-ended another car and crashed into an outdoor dining shed. Trujillo's blood alcohol level was .17, more than twice the legal limit. The article quotes Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez: "This defendant made a disastrous decision when he got behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated." The case highlights the lethal consequences of impaired driving and excessive speed, underscoring systemic risks for pedestrians in New York City.

• Drunk Driver Speeds, Kills Pedestrian in Brooklyn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-28

Feb 23 - A taxi traveling east struck a parked sedan on southbound 4 Ave in Brooklyn. The impact injured the taxi driver and front passenger, both in shock with severe injuries. The parked vehicle sustained left-side damage. No driver errors were cited.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:45 on 4 Ave in Brooklyn. A taxi, traveling eastbound, collided with a sedan that was parked and facing southbound. The point of impact was the taxi's center front end striking the sedan's center back end, causing damage to the sedan's left side doors. The taxi driver, a 40-year-old male, and a 59-year-old female front passenger were both injured with bodily injuries described as affecting the entire body and chest, respectively. Both occupants were in shock and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The collision involved no ejections or pedestrian victims, focusing on vehicle-to-vehicle impact and occupant injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796424 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 20 - A sedan making a left turn struck a northbound bicyclist on 42nd Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg fractures. Police cite defective brakes on the sedan as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 2023 Ford sedan was making a left turn on 42nd Street in Brooklyn at 9:23 AM when it collided with a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies the sedan driver's defective brakes as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan and the center front end of the bike. The sedan had two occupants, and the driver held a permit license. The bicyclist was conscious but seriously injured. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795245 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 19 - Trump killed congestion pricing. The MTA sued. Advocates warn: more cars, more crashes, dirtier air. Transit funding gutted. Disabled riders lose elevators. Streets grow deadlier. Politicians vow to fight. The city braces for gridlock and loss.

""By blocking this successful policy, Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system," he continued. "This means no new station elevators for elderly and disabled riders, and no new subway signals to speed up commutes for working New Yorkers."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On February 19, 2025, the Trump administration withdrew federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program. U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy cited burdens on working-class drivers and questioned the legality of using toll revenue for transit. The MTA immediately filed a lawsuit to challenge the move, arguing the program is settled law and already reduces congestion. State Senators Andrew Gounardes and Zellnor Myrie condemned the action, warning, 'Trump will be directly responsible for more traffic, more crashes, more polluted air, slower buses and less funding for our transit system.' The withdrawal aligns with New Jersey's opposition and threatens transit upgrades like elevators for elderly and disabled riders. Local officials and advocates say ending congestion pricing will harm vulnerable road users and worsen street danger.

• Trump Withdraws Federal Approval for Congestion Pricing, Blowing Hole in Transit Budget, as MTA Files Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-19

Feb 18 - A distracted driver set off a chain collision on the Gowanus Expressway. An SUV driver suffered back injuries and a concussion. Metal crumpled. Traffic snarled. The danger of inattention cut through the morning rush.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash unfolded at 7:34 AM on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. The collision involved a tractor truck, two SUVs, and a pick-up truck, all traveling east. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. A 33-year-old male SUV driver was injured, sustaining back trauma and a concussion. He was not ejected and wore a lap belt. Impact points show a chain reaction: the tractor truck struck on its left front, other vehicles hit front and rear. All drivers were licensed. No victim actions contributed. The crash exposes the persistent threat of driver distraction on city highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795620 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.

NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.

• BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 14 - A distracted driver triggered a violent crash between an SUV and a sedan on 2 Ave in Brooklyn. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash, restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both vehicles struck front-left bumpers, halting traffic abruptly.

According to the police report, the crash occurred around 12:40 a.m. on 2 Ave near 65 St in Brooklyn. The collision involved a 2023 SUV traveling south and a 2008 sedan heading north. The SUV was stopped in traffic when the crash happened. The point of impact was the left front bumper on both vehicles. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain proper focus. The sedan driver, a 48-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but was not ejected and was conscious. He was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed. The data highlights driver error as the cause, with no victim fault noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792498 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 14 - Assembly bill A 5440 targets reckless drivers. It makes car owners pay when their vehicles run red lights. Cameras catch the lawbreakers. The aim: fewer crashes, safer streets for all.

Assembly bill A 5440 was introduced on February 14, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled "Imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York," seeks to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars violate traffic signals, using camera enforcement. Assembly Member Steven Raga sponsors the bill, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Yudelka Tapia, Karines Reyes, and Marcela Mitaynes as co-sponsors. No safety analyst note is available. The bill aims to curb dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users by making owners answer for violations caught on camera.

• File A 5440, Open States, Published 2025-02-14

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 12 - A 26-year-old driver and 32-year-old passenger were injured when a 2023 Jeep SUV struck the right rear bumper of a station wagon merging eastbound on the Gowanus Expressway. Both occupants suffered shock and moderate injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:15 AM on the Gowanus Expressway. A 2023 Jeep SUV traveling eastbound went straight ahead and collided with the right rear bumper of a station wagon merging eastbound. The station wagon driver, 26, and front passenger, 32, both male, were injured and experienced shock. The driver sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as moderate severity. The passenger's injuries were unspecified but also moderate. The report lists no explicit contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both vehicle occupants were not ejected and used safety equipment as noted for the passenger. The collision highlights risks during merging maneuvers on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792314 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 7 - A 17-year-old crossing 4 Avenue with the signal was struck by a northbound car. He suffered severe injuries to his whole body. The car hit him head-on. He was semiconscious, in pain, and nauseous.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male pedestrian was crossing 4 Avenue at 35 Street in Brooklyn with the signal when a northbound passenger vehicle struck him with its center front end at 8:45 AM. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body and was semiconscious, complaining of pain and nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not cite any explicit driver errors. The vehicle was traveling straight ahead before impact and sustained damage to its center front end. The pedestrian's lawful crossing is noted. The crash underscores the persistent risk to pedestrians, even when following traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 1 - A moped driver without a license collided with a box truck while traveling west on 49th Street in Brooklyn. The rider was ejected, suffered head injuries, and was left in shock. The truck was merging with no reported damage.

According to the police report, a moped driver traveling west on 49th Street in Brooklyn collided with a box truck that was merging. The moped's front center end struck the truck's left front bumper. The moped driver, a 54-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained head injuries with an injury severity level of 3. He was reported to be in shock. The moped driver was unlicensed according to the report. The box truck, also traveling west, showed no damage and was merging at the time of the crash. The report lists no contributing factors for the truck driver, while the moped driver's contributing factors are unspecified. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement was noted, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790338 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 27 - Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 24 - Speed cameras slash reckless driving. At school zones, speeding drops 94 percent. But the program expires soon. DOT Commissioner Rodriguez urges Albany to act. State Sen. Gounardes backs expansion. Cameras save lives. Delay risks more deaths. Lawmakers hold the key.

Bill to reauthorize New York City's speed camera program is pending in Albany. The program, covering 750 school zones, needs state approval before June. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez calls speed cameras 'one of the most effective tools' to stop deadly driving. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who sponsored the last reauthorization, says, 'my bill to expand the speed camera program has saved lives.' The city wants stronger penalties for repeat offenders and action on license plate fraud, which lets millions of violations go unpunished. The report shows cameras cut speeding by 94 percent and reduce injuries and deaths. The program faces political hurdles, but the evidence is clear: speed cameras protect people on foot and bike. Lawmakers must decide whether to keep this life-saving tool.

• DOT to Albany: Don’t Forget to Reauthorize Our Life-Saving Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-24

Jan 21 - Senator Gounardes pushes S 2504. The bill hikes fines for repeat speed camera violations. It targets reckless drivers. The aim: slow cars, save lives. No direct safety impact noted yet.

Senate bill S 2504 was introduced on January 21, 2025, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, proposes 'increasing fines for subsequent speed camera violations in the city of New York.' No committee referral or vote has occurred yet. Gounardes leads the push to penalize repeat offenders. There is no formal safety analyst note on the impact for vulnerable road users at this stage.

• File S 2504, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 18 - A female sedan driver suffered head injuries and whiplash after a rear-end collision on the Gowanus Expressway. The crash involved two vehicles traveling southbound. The driver was conscious and protected by an airbag, but the impact left her injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:38 on the Gowanus Expressway involving two southbound vehicles. A 30-year-old female sedan driver, with a permit license, was injured with head trauma and whiplash. The airbag deployed during the collision, and she was not ejected from the vehicle. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of the sedan, indicating a rear-end collision. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify driver errors or victim behaviors. The female driver was conscious after the crash, but sustained serious injuries. The collision caused damage to the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the other vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19