Dragged to Death: City Lets Kids Bleed for Parking Spots

A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. The driver hit a man crouched for food. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. The driver fled. Police are still searching. Brooklyn’s streets remain deadly for those on foot.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was kneeling in the street to pick up food when the truck, turning right, hit him. According to police, 'the driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene.' The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The article notes this was one of several fatal crashes in Brooklyn that week, highlighting persistent dangers for pedestrians. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene underscores ongoing issues with hit-and-runs and enforcement.

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

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

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

A station wagon SUV struck an e-scooter from behind on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The e-scooter driver suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited the SUV driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:41 PM on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A 33-year-old female e-scooter driver traveling west was struck from behind by a 2024 Buick SUV also traveling west. The SUV driver was cited for 'Following Too Closely,' which led to the rear-end collision. The e-scooter driver sustained abrasions to her knee and lower leg but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV sustained damage to its right rear bumper, while the e-scooter showed no damage. The report explicitly identifies the SUV driver's failure to maintain a safe following distance as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796369 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Delivery workers rallied against Hochul’s e-bike crackdown. Council weighs bills to license e-bikes, raise pay, and study conditions. DOT opposes registration. Advocates warn of criminalization. City Hall silent. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot and bike.

On February 27, 2025, the City Council considered three bills: Intro 606 (register and license all e-bikes), Intro 1133 (expand minimum wage, study delivery worker conditions), and Intro 1135 (set minimum pay for grocery delivery). Intro 606 faces opposition from DOT, which says, 'there is no evidence that registration improves safety.' The matter’s summary warns that Hochul’s plan would let NYPD enforce bike lane speed limits and reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds, requiring licenses and registration. Council members are split: Brad Lander supports regulation targeting app companies, not workers; Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani call for better street design; Michael Blake urges targeted safety solutions and more infrastructure. Advocates like Ligia Guallpa say these measures would criminalize delivery workers and create a 'ticketing-to-deportation pipeline.' The Council press office did not comment. The debate exposes a city divided on how to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Leadership Vacuum: Delivery Workers Oppose Hochul’s E-Bike Plan as Adams Goes AWOL, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-27

A Tesla SUV struck a Chevrolet sedan from behind on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite the SUV driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause. Both vehicles traveled northbound at impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:00 PM on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. A 30-year-old male driver of a 2013 Chevrolet sedan was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The collision involved a 2022 Tesla SUV traveling northbound that struck the sedan from behind. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the sedan. The police report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794272 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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.

""Congestion pricing is working – and is critical for the investments we need to make in our public transit system. We need leadership that's not afraid to stand up for us, or stand up against Donald Trump."" -- Zellnor Myrie

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

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

A taxi struck the rear of a slowing BMW on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The BMW driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and following too closely as causes. The crash highlights dangers of distracted driving in traffic.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:05 on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A taxi, stopped in traffic, rear-ended a BMW that was slowing or stopping. The point of impact was the taxi's center back end hitting the BMW's left rear quarter panel. The BMW driver, a 35-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors from the taxi driver. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision underscores the risks posed by driver distraction and tailgating in urban traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man was struck while crossing with the signal at a Brooklyn intersection. He suffered a back injury and remained conscious. The crash involved an unspecified vehicle. No driver errors or victim faults were noted in the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:00 PM near 1571 St Johns Place in Brooklyn. The victim, a male pedestrian, was crossing the intersection with the signal when he was injured. He sustained a back injury classified as injury severity level 3 and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no contributing factors related to driver error or victim behavior. The involved vehicle is unspecified, and no details on driver actions or license status are provided. The absence of driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless behavior is notable, as is the lack of victim contributing factors. This incident highlights a collision at a controlled crossing without clear fault assigned to the driver or pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793263 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

A pick-up truck hit a parked truck on St Johns Pl in Brooklyn. The driver, a 66-year-old man, suffered neck pain and shock. The moving truck’s front bumper and the parked truck’s rear bumper were damaged.

According to the police report, a 2024 Toyota pick-up truck traveling east on St Johns Pl near Albany Ave struck a parked 2014 Toyota pick-up truck. The moving truck’s right front bumper hit the parked truck’s left rear bumper. The 66-year-old driver of the moving vehicle was injured, reporting neck pain and shock. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver. No other people were involved. The parked vehicle was stationary. The crash points to a failure in vehicle control or awareness by the moving driver. No victim actions or behaviors contributed to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan rear-ended another sedan on Rogers Ave in Brooklyn. The crash injured a 75-year-old rear-seat passenger, causing head trauma and whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the primary driver error in this multi-vehicle collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Rogers Ave in Brooklyn at 8:40 AM. Two sedans traveling north collided, with the striking vehicle impacting the center back end of the lead vehicle. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the collision. A 75-year-old male occupant in the right rear seat of the struck vehicle suffered head injuries and whiplash, wearing a lap belt at the time. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The impact point and vehicle damage confirm a rear-end collision. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the injured passenger's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and driver inattention on Brooklyn streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cargo van struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide in Brooklyn. Gil died. The driver turned left, hit them in the crosswalk. No charges filed. Gil survived war and disaster, but not New York traffic. Another senior lost to city streets.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. A man driving a cargo van made a left turn and struck Gil and her home health aide. The aide survived; Gil did not. Police made no arrests or charges. The article notes, 'She was a very active lady.' Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn that month. Transportation Alternatives highlighted that 46 senior pedestrians died in city crashes last year. The crash underscores the ongoing risk to older New Yorkers at crosswalks and the lack of driver accountability in such incidents.

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

Assembly bill A 2642 orders new safety tech in every car. The DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for change. Streets could see fewer crashes. The fight for safer roads moves to Albany.

Assembly Bill A 2642, now in sponsorship, would require advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill, introduced January 21, 2025, directs the DMV commissioner to set rules and regulations. The matter reads: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Brian Cunningham leads as primary sponsor, joined by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt life-saving tech. No safety analyst has yet assessed its direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 2642, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

A taxi making a right turn hit a northbound bicyclist on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver inattention was cited as a contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Bedford Avenue near Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:20 p.m. A taxi traveling northwest was making a right turn when it struck a northbound bicyclist going straight ahead. The bicyclist, a 38-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected from his bike and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the taxi driver and the bicyclist. The taxi's left front quarter panel made contact with the center front end of the bicycle. The taxi driver was licensed, while the bicyclist held a permit. The taxi sustained no damage, underscoring the severity of impact on the vulnerable rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck driver made an improper lane change on Utica Avenue, colliding with a parked sedan. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited passing or lane usage errors and driver distraction as causes of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Utica Avenue near Sterling Place in Brooklyn at 14:48. A box truck traveling west was making a right turn when it struck the left front quarter panel of a parked sedan facing south. The sedan’s female driver, age 30, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors linked to the box truck driver. The sedan driver was not cited with any contributing factors. Vehicle damage was noted on the right front quarter panel of the truck and left front bumper of the sedan. The crash highlights the dangers of improper lane changes and distracted driving in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786833 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A dump truck slammed into the right rear bumper of a sedan traveling north on Rochester Avenue. Both drivers were injured, suffering shock and moderate injuries to chest and back. The crash stemmed from the truck following too closely.

According to the police report, a dump truck and a sedan were both traveling north on Rochester Avenue in Brooklyn when the dump truck struck the right rear bumper of the sedan. The collision occurred at 8:10 AM. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the dump truck operator. The sedan carried two male occupants: a 44-year-old driver and a 60-year-old front passenger. Both were injured, experiencing shock and bodily injuries to the back and chest respectively. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and were not ejected from the vehicle. The dump truck driver was licensed in New York, while the sedan driver held a North Carolina license. Vehicle damage was confined to the right front bumper of the dump truck and the right rear bumper of the sedan. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785995 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13