Six Dead in Crown Heights—And Politicians Still Look Away

A sedan slammed into stopped traffic on Eastern Parkway. Two men inside suffered whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. The crash left both injured, conscious, and shaken.

According to the police report, a crash unfolded on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn at 6 p.m. Two sedans and an SUV were involved. A sedan, stopped in traffic, was struck from behind by another vehicle. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. A 29-year-old male driver and a 28-year-old male passenger in the struck sedan suffered neck and head injuries, described as whiplash. Both were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The impact points—center front and back—show a chain-reaction collision. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792536 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV driver ran the light on Eastern Parkway. The crash hurled a young motorcyclist onto the street. His leg shattered. He lay unconscious. The SUV’s front end crumpled. The bike was wrecked. Streets stayed loud. Sirens cut the air.

According to the police report, a 2020 Ford SUV struck a 2024 Jiajue motorcycle at Eastern Parkway and Washington Avenue in Brooklyn at 11:55 AM. The SUV driver, unlicensed and holding a North Carolina license, disregarded traffic control. The SUV hit the motorcycle’s right side, ejecting the 21-year-old rider. The motorcyclist suffered severe injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations, and was found unconscious. The motorcycle was demolished. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and the SUV driver’s unlicensed status as key factors in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791062 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 20-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and passed too closely, causing abrasions and injury to the pedestrian’s lower arm and hand.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on President Street in Brooklyn struck a 20-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and passing too closely as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but enough to cause injury. The pedestrian was conscious and did not contribute to the crash. This collision highlights driver errors in yielding and spatial awareness as the primary causes of harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790037 - 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

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Two sedans collided on Bedford Ave in Brooklyn. The rear vehicle struck the front car’s left rear bumper. The front driver suffered a head injury and whiplash, remaining conscious. Police cite following too closely as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:17 on Bedford Ave in Brooklyn. Two sedans traveling westbound collided when the rear vehicle impacted the center back end of the front sedan, damaging its left rear bumper. The front vehicle’s driver, a 30-year-old male, sustained a head injury and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the collision. Both drivers were male; the rear driver held a permit license, while the front driver was licensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and driver error in maintaining safe following distances.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786019 - 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

A 19-year-old driver suffered full-body injuries after a collision on Washington Ave. The crash involved a pick-up truck making a left turn and a sedan traveling straight. Driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way caused the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Washington Ave near Eastern Pkwy in Brooklyn at 3:00 PM. A pick-up truck was making a left turn when it collided with a sedan traveling southbound. The 19-year-old sedan driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained contusions and injuries to the entire body but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, both attributed to the sedan driver. The pick-up truck driver was licensed and traveling northbound. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the right front bumper of the truck and the left front bumper of the sedan. This crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and failure to yield in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785254 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

A white Audi struck Michael Foster on Caton Avenue. The car dragged him for blocks. The driver never stopped. Foster died in the street. The Audi vanished into the night. No arrests. The city’s danger stays.

NY Daily News reported on January 1, 2025, that Michael Foster, 64, was killed after a white Audi hit him on Caton Ave. near Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The driver, described as speeding, dragged Foster for half a mile before leaving him near Linden Blvd. and Nostrand Ave. The article quotes a witness: "I saw him at the stop light. He would go out to the cars and beg for change." The driver fled the scene and has not been caught. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians in city streets and the ongoing issue of hit-and-run drivers evading responsibility.

• Audi Driver Drags Man Half Mile, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-01

A sedan struck a cyclist on Kingston Ave. The rider suffered a back contusion. Police cite failure to yield and driver distraction. The crash left the cyclist conscious but hurt.

A sedan collided with a cyclist at Kingston Ave and President St in Brooklyn. The 32-year-old woman riding the bike was injured, suffering a back contusion but remained conscious. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The cyclist was traveling straight when the sedan struck. No injuries were reported for the sedan's occupants. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812431 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 72-year-old woman suffered severe leg injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a right turn. The impact fractured and dislocated her knee and lower leg. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the collision at a Brooklyn intersection.

According to the police report, a 72-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Troy Ave and Carroll St in Brooklyn around 7 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2014 Toyota sedan, traveling north and making a right turn, struck her. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to her knee and lower leg, classified as a serious injury. The sedan showed no damage despite the impact occurring at the center front end. The driver, a licensed female from New York, failed to yield to the pedestrian legally crossing the street, directly causing the collision and the victim's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782868 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pick-up slammed into a sedan’s rear on Eastern Parkway. A 36-year-old woman in the back seat took the hit. Head injury. Whiplash. Police blame driver distraction. Brooklyn street, midday, danger in plain sight.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck rear-ended a sedan on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn at 12:15 p.m. Both vehicles were heading west. The impact struck the sedan’s center back end. A 36-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat suffered a head injury and whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary cause. No victim actions contributed. The crash shows the risk when drivers lose focus, leaving passengers to bear the harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781788 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two pedestrians crossing with the signal on Washington Ave were struck by a sedan making a left turn. Both suffered serious injuries and shock. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision without visible vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a 2013 Honda sedan traveling west on Washington Ave was making a left turn when it struck two pedestrians at the intersection. Both pedestrians, a 62-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, were crossing with the signal but were injured, suffering back and full-body injuries respectively, and were in shock. The report explicitly cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor to the crash. There was no damage to the vehicle, indicating a low-speed impact. The pedestrians were not cited for any contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. This collision highlights the dangers posed by drivers failing to yield at intersections, resulting in serious harm to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780037 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Metal groaned on Nostrand Avenue. Two cars trapped, one stacked atop the other. A bus driver, a woman, a girl—hurt but alive. Emergency crews worked fast. The street bore the scars. The cause stayed hidden in the wreckage.

NY Daily News reported on December 18, 2024, that a multi-vehicle crash at Nostrand Ave. and Park Ave. in Brooklyn left three people injured. The article states, 'Three people were injured, including an MTA bus driver and a young girl, in a collision that pinned two cars between a box truck and a city bus.' Footage showed two vehicles sandwiched between the bus and truck, with one car stacked atop another. The injured included a 59-year-old MTA driver, a 33-year-old woman, and a 9-year-old girl. All were hospitalized in stable condition. The cause of the crash was not determined at the time of reporting. The incident highlights the risks at busy intersections and the dangers posed by large vehicles in dense urban traffic.

• Cars Crushed Between Bus And Truck, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-18