Six Dead in Crown Heights—And Politicians Still Look Away

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

A moped and sedan collided on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver, unlicensed and traveling east, struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel. The moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Limited view contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn involving a moped and a sedan. The moped driver, a 35-year-old male, was injured with contusions and bruises to his knee and lower leg. The moped driver was unlicensed and traveling straight east when he struck the left front quarter panel of a southbound sedan. The report lists "View Obstructed/Limited" as a contributing factor. No ejection occurred, and the driver was conscious at the scene. The sedan driver was licensed and female. The crash caused damage to the center front end of the moped and the left front quarter panel of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530454 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two vehicles crashed on Crown Street in Brooklyn. The SUV driver, a 56-year-old man, suffered chest injuries and was semiconscious. Police cited driver inattention and traffic control disregard as causes. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Crown Street involving a 2004 SUV traveling west and a 2015 sedan traveling south. The SUV driver, a 56-year-old man, was injured with chest trauma and was semiconscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and traffic control disregard as contributing factors. The SUV's right front quarter panel and the sedan's center front end were damaged. Both drivers were licensed. The injured driver was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. No other injuries or victims were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4529305 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sedan veered south on Nostrand Avenue. The car’s right front slammed into a 49-year-old man walking with traffic. His leg split open. He stayed conscious. The driver failed to see, failed to yield, failed to stop.

A sedan traveling south on Nostrand Avenue struck a 49-year-old man who was walking along the roadway with traffic. According to the police report, the sedan changed lanes and its right front hit the pedestrian, causing severe lacerations to his leg. The man remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver did not see the pedestrian and did not stop in time. The impact tore flesh and left the victim with serious injuries. No other vehicles or persons were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4528807 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A man tried to cross Eastern Parkway. A Mercedes struck him. He fell. His head hit the pavement. He died at Kings County Hospital. The driver stayed. Police gave few details. No charges. Another pedestrian lost. The street remains deadly.

On May 17, 2022, a man died after a Mercedes driver hit him on Eastern Parkway near Franklin Avenue. The incident happened around 9 p.m. in the rain. Police said the 41-year-old woman driving the black 2014 Mercedes GL 550 'came into contact' with the pedestrian. He suffered severe head trauma and died at Kings County Hospital. The driver remained at the scene and was not charged. The NYPD released little information, citing the Department of Transportation’s oversight of the Collision Investigation Squad. This fatality comes weeks after another deadly crash nearby involving a police officer. Attorney General Letitia James has opened a review of that earlier case. Smith’s sister criticized the NYPD for withholding information. The city’s streets remain dangerous for those on foot.

• Man Killed on Eastern Parkway by Mercedes Driver, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-17

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

A sedan struck a 32-year-old male e-bicyclist on Eastern Parkway. The rider was ejected and suffered knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The driver disregarded traffic control. The bicyclist was conscious but bruised, without protective gear.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Eastern Parkway collided with an e-bike traveling south. The e-bicyclist, a 32-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan's point of impact was the center front end, while the e-bike was struck on the right front bumper. The driver of the sedan was licensed in Florida, and the bicyclist was licensed in New York. The crash left the bicyclist injured but conscious.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4529714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

An 81-year-old woman crossing Albany Avenue with the signal was struck by a sedan making a left turn. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. The vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, an 81-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Albany Avenue at an intersection in Brooklyn. She was struck by a westbound sedan making a left turn. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle's point of impact was the left front bumper, but it sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2005 Honda sedan. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4525405 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Taxi turned left on Eastern Parkway. Sedan going straight struck the taxi. Sedan driver, 25, bruised face. Alcohol involved. Both cars damaged right side. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on Eastern Parkway made a left turn and collided with a sedan heading east. The sedan's right front bumper hit the taxi's right rear quarter panel. The 25-year-old sedan driver suffered facial bruises. Alcohol involvement was listed as a contributing factor. The report highlights driver error in the taxi's left turn. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. Both vehicles sustained damage on their right sides.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4520906 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 27-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a fractured, dislocated face after an SUV made a left turn on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. The crash involved failure to yield and unsafe speed. The bicyclist was conscious but seriously injured.

According to the police report, a 2018 SUV was making a left turn westbound on Eastern Parkway when it collided with a 27-year-old male bicyclist traveling eastbound straight ahead. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained a fractured and dislocated facial injury. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed. The bicyclist's contributing factor was noted as pedestrian/bicyclist confusion, but the primary driver errors were failure to yield and unsafe speed. The SUV struck the bicyclist at the right front quarter panel, causing serious injury. The bicyclist was conscious at the scene. No mention of helmet use or signaling was recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4521210 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

An NYPD officer killed Ronald Smith on Eastern Parkway. Witnesses say the cop sped and ran a red. The NYPD hid details. The officer now sits on modified duty. Council Member Hudson demands firing. Investigations crawl. The city pays for silence.

On April 7, 2022, an NYPD officer fatally struck Ronald Smith, 53, on Eastern Parkway. The officer, accused of speeding and running a red light, was placed on modified duty. The Internal Affairs Bureau and the state Attorney General opened investigations. The NYPD refused to release crash details or the officer's name. Council Member Crystal Hudson issued a blistering statement demanding the officer's termination, not desk duty. The matter summary states, 'The police officer who was driving the NYPD vehicle that fatally struck a man...has been placed on modified duty.' The NYPD's lack of transparency is routine. Truths surface only after lawsuits. In 2020, vehicle crashes cost the city $142 million. Police settlements are a heavy burden. The system shields its own, leaving families to seek answers in court.

• NYPD Driver Who Killed Man on Eastern Parkway is Placed on Modified Duty, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-15

A westbound sedan struck a stopped car on Eastern Parkway. The driver lost consciousness and was injured. Both cars took heavy front and rear damage. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old male driver lost consciousness while heading west on Eastern Parkway and crashed into a stopped sedan. The impact hit the center front of the moving car and the center back of the stopped car. The driver was injured and found unconscious, secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Lost Consciousness" as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. Both vehicles were sedans, with the striking car moving straight and the other stopped in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4517681 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08