Six Dead in Crown Heights—And Politicians Still Look Away

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-01

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 2023-05-31

A moped struck a 10-year-old boy crossing Brooklyn Avenue at a marked crosswalk. The child suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited the moped driver for disregarding traffic control and failing to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a moped traveling southwest on Brooklyn Avenue struck a 10-year-old pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk. The child sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists the driver’s errors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The moped showed no damage, and the pedestrian was not at fault. No safety equipment or signals were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers ignoring traffic controls and failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633257 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A taxi struck the rear of a vehicle on Troy Avenue. Two rear passengers in the taxi suffered back contusions and shock. The taxi driver was inattentive and followed too closely. Both injured passengers wore lap belts and were not ejected.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Troy Avenue rear-ended another vehicle going straight ahead. Two male rear passengers in the taxi, ages 37 and 46, were injured with back contusions and experienced shock. Both passengers were restrained with lap belts and were not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors to the crash. The taxi sustained damage to its center back end, while the other vehicle was hit on its left front bumper. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631128 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A scooter rider suffered a head injury in a collision with an SUV on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The SUV driver was distracted. The scooter driver was incoherent after the crash. Both vehicles struck front to front. The scooter rider was not ejected.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old male scooter driver was injured in a crash with a 2018 SUV on Eastern Parkway near Troy Avenue in Brooklyn. The scooter rider sustained a head injury and was incoherent after the collision. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was traveling east and the scooter rider north when their vehicles collided front to front. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The scooter driver was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The crash caused center front end damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633333 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 13-year-old girl was struck while crossing Utica Avenue with the signal. The driver disregarded traffic control and failed to yield right-of-way. The girl suffered a shoulder contusion and remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Utica Avenue and Union Street in Brooklyn. She was crossing with the pedestrian signal when the collision occurred. The driver, traveling south and going straight ahead, struck her with the vehicle's right front bumper. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained an upper arm and shoulder contusion but was conscious after the crash. The vehicle showed no damage. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633623 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

Two SUVs and two sedans collided on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. A 19-year-old female passenger suffered facial contusions. Both drivers were distracted. The injured occupant was restrained and conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn involving two SUVs and two sedans all traveling eastbound. The crash injured a 19-year-old female passenger seated in the middle front seat of a sedan. She sustained facial contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers involved. The point of impact included left rear and center back ends of vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The injured occupant was not ejected and remained conscious throughout.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628472 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 62-year-old man was struck while crossing Schenectady Avenue with the signal. He suffered a back contusion and remained conscious. The vehicle involved is unspecified. No driver errors or contributing factors were noted in the report.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Schenectady Avenue at an intersection with the pedestrian signal. He sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no driver contributing factors such as failure to yield or speeding were listed. The pedestrian was crossing legally with the signal. The report does not indicate any driver errors or other contributing factors. No safety equipment or other conditions were noted. The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing lawfully.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625875 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A BMW sped east on Eastern Parkway. The driver lost focus. Metal smashed. The driver’s leg crushed. Two passengers hurt. Rain slicked the road. Three injured. The night echoed with the sound of steel.

A BMW sedan crashed on Eastern Parkway near Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the 24-year-old driver became distracted and lost control. The car struck an object, crushing the driver’s leg. Two passengers were also injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The BMW’s left side doors took the brunt of the impact. All three occupants were hurt. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left three people injured inside the car.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625853 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 49-year-old man was hit while crossing Schenectady Avenue with the signal. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Schenectady Avenue. The 49-year-old male was crossing with the signal when a vehicle making a left turn struck him. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash and was not cited for any contributing factors. Vehicle damage was centered on the front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620872 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans collided on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn late at night. A 37-year-old female driver suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries. Airbag deployed. No ejection. No visible complaints. Shock reported. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Eastern Parkway near Rochester Avenue in Brooklyn at 11:49 p.m. The 37-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining upper arm and shoulder injuries. She was not ejected from the vehicle, and the airbag deployed. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The female driver was in shock but had no visible complaints. One sedan was traveling north, the other south, both were parked before the crash. Damage occurred to the center front end and right side doors of the vehicles. No other persons were injured or involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618108 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 26-year-old male bicyclist suffered facial abrasions after an SUV struck him on Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash occurred at 8:44 p.m. The driver showed inattention and disregarded traffic control. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on Franklin Avenue collided with a southbound e-bike. The 26-year-old male bicyclist sustained facial abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including inattention and disregarding traffic control. The bicyclist’s contributing factor was pedestrian/bicyclist confusion, but no helmet or signaling issues were noted. The SUV’s right front bumper struck the center back end of the e-bike. The SUV driver was licensed in New York and had two occupants. The bicyclist was not ejected and suffered moderate injury. The crash highlights driver distraction and failure to obey traffic signals as key causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616538 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

A sedan struck an SUV at Nostrand and Crown. Metal twisted. A 56-year-old man, trapped behind the wheel, died with crushed legs. Traffic control was ignored. The street did not stop. The crash left silence and broken glass in Brooklyn.

A deadly crash unfolded at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Crown Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a sedan slammed into a sport utility vehicle. The impact trapped a 56-year-old male driver behind the wheel. He suffered severe leg injuries and died at the scene. The report states, 'Traffic control was ignored. The street did not stop.' The official contributing factor listed is 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' No evidence in the report suggests any error or fault by the victim. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when drivers ignore traffic controls at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612732 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

SUV slammed into sedan’s rear at Sullivan Place. Both drivers hurt. Failure to yield and blocked view fueled the crash. Metal twisted. Neck injuries followed. Brooklyn streets stay dangerous.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling north collided with the left rear quarter panel of a Lexus sedan heading west at 131 Sullivan Place in Brooklyn. Both drivers, a 40-year-old man in the SUV and a 49-year-old woman in the sedan, suffered neck injuries described as whiplash. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The SUV driver’s failure to yield and limited visibility were key errors leading to the crash. Both vehicles sustained damage: the SUV’s front end and the sedan’s left rear quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612409 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 19-year-old woman was struck by a taxi making a left turn on Montgomery Street. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and shock. The impact damaged the taxi's left front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling southwest on Montgomery Street made a left turn and struck a 19-year-old female pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The taxi's left front quarter panel was damaged on impact. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating a 2021 Toyota taxi. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and failure to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613430 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan and a tractor truck collided on Albany Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s front passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved improper lane usage by the sedan driver. Both vehicles were traveling south when the impact occurred.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Albany Avenue in Brooklyn involving a sedan and a tractor truck, both traveling south. The sedan’s front passenger, a 29-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver’s lane use error led to the crash. The tractor truck struck the sedan’s right front bumper with its center back end. No ejections occurred. The driver of the sedan was licensed and female; the truck driver was licensed and male. The crash caused damage to the sedan’s right front bumper and the truck’s center back end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611695 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07