Bay Ridge Bleeds—City Shrugs. Demand Action Before Another Family Mourns.

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

SUV driver failed to yield. Struck 16-year-old girl crossing with signal. She suffered knee and leg injuries. Brooklyn intersection. Driver error. No vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old girl was crossing 85th Street at Colonial Road in Brooklyn with the signal when a Honda SUV making a left turn struck her with its front center. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the cause. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The vehicle had no damage. The report lists no contributing factors for the pedestrian, focusing solely on the driver’s failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798049 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turning left struck a 48-year-old woman crossing at 68th Street and 3rd Avenue. She suffered head injuries. Police cite driver’s failure to yield as the crash cause.

According to the police report, a 2023 Nissan sedan traveling south on 68th Street made a left turn and struck a 48-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with 3rd Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal and suffered head injuries and contusions. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The driver was licensed and operating legally. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795332 - 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.

""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

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

Two SUVs collided head-on on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The driver of one vehicle, a 62-year-old man, suffered head injuries and was semiconscious with minor bleeding. Police cited driver fatigue as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:10 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway involving two SUVs traveling westbound. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead when they collided. The driver of one SUV, a 62-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and was semiconscious with minor bleeding. The report notes that the driver was wearing a lap belt and the airbag deployed. The primary contributing factor identified by police was driver fatigue or drowsiness. There were no indications of victim fault or other contributing factors listed. The impact points were the right front bumper on one vehicle and the center front end on the other, indicating a direct collision. This crash highlights the dangers of fatigued driving on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792255 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted SUV driver changing lanes struck two sedans traveling east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The impact injured a 33-year-old male sedan driver, who suffered chest contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 10:44. A 2022 Lexus SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was changing lanes when it impacted the left rear quarter panel of the SUV and the right front quarter panels of two sedans traveling east. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, specifically noting 'Outside Car Distraction' for the injured sedan driver. The injured occupant, a 33-year-old male sedan driver, was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness, sustaining chest contusions. The collision highlights the dangers of lane changes distracted by external factors, leading to multi-vehicle impacts and serious occupant injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791988 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senator Gounardes calls for a new tax to save the subway. Riders face crumbling platforms and broken trust. The MTA pleads for billions to repair old lines. Critics demand audits, not taxes. The system teeters. Riders wait. Danger grows.

On February 6, 2025, the council debated funding for the MTA’s $65 billion capital plan. The matter, titled 'To fund NYC subway fixes, MTA must undo decades of distrust,' highlights deep public frustration. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, representing District 26, argued for a new tax to prevent the transit system’s collapse, stating, 'they're going to be a lot more frustrated when the transit system simply falls apart.' The debate included calls for audits and cost reductions from Rep. Mike Lawler, while MTA Chair Janno Lieber promised to prioritize repairs over expansion. The committee has not yet voted. Riders voiced anger over high fares and little visible improvement. The debate exposes years of deferred maintenance and political neglect, leaving vulnerable New Yorkers at risk as the city’s transit backbone erodes.

• To fund NYC subway fixes, MTA must undo decades of distrust, gothamist.com, Published 2025-02-06

A 24-year-old man suffered a fractured knee and dislocated lower leg after a collision involving two SUVs in Brooklyn. According to the police report, defective brakes on one vehicle contributed to the crash, resulting in serious pedestrian injuries.

At 14:05 in Brooklyn, a collision involving two sport utility vehicles caused serious injury to a 24-year-old male pedestrian. According to the police report, the contributing factor was 'Brakes Defective' on one of the vehicles. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated injury to his knee and lower leg, classified as injury severity 3. The report notes the pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt. One SUV was traveling east going straight ahead, while the other was parked. The impact occurred at the center back end of the parked vehicle and the left front bumper of the moving SUV. Driver errors cited include the defective brakes, which directly contributed to the collision and subsequent pedestrian injury. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790235 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

A taxi struck a sedan from behind on Brooklyn’s 72nd Street. The sedan’s female passenger suffered a back contusion. Both vehicles traveled westbound. The crash involved disregard for traffic control, according to the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 72nd Street in Brooklyn at 8:58 AM. A 2022 taxi, traveling westbound, collided with the rear center of a 2012 sedan also heading west. The impact was at the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the taxi. The sedan carried one female driver, and the taxi had two occupants. A 42-year-old female passenger in the sedan was injured, sustaining a back contusion and classified with injury severity level 3. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor twice, indicating driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers of driver failure to obey traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787348 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

Two SUVs crashed on 92nd Street in Brooklyn. A distracted driver struck a turning car. Both drivers suffered neck injuries. Passengers were hurt. Driver inattention and unsafe speed caused the wreck.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 21:48 on 92nd Street near Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The eastbound SUV, driven by a man, struck the right side of a southbound SUV making a left turn. The report lists Driver Inattention/Distraction and Unsafe Speed as contributing factors. The eastbound driver suffered a neck contusion. A 62-year-old passenger in the turning SUV sustained whiplash. Both were restrained and conscious after the crash. The report highlights driver distraction and unsafe speed as the causes of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787331 - 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 tractor truck slammed into the back of an SUV traveling east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The SUV driver suffered head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and restrained. The crash was caused by the truck following too closely.

According to the police report, the crash occurred shortly after midnight on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A tractor truck traveling east struck the center back end of a 2021 SUV, also heading east. The truck's point of impact was its center front end, indicating a rear-end collision. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, pointing to the truck driver's error. The SUV driver, a 38-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was secured by a lap belt and harness. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing behaviors from the SUV driver. This collision highlights the dangers of tailgating on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784584 - 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 crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Two pedestrians suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after an SUV failed to yield while making a left turn on Senator Street. Both were conscious and injured at the intersection, highlighting driver failure to yield right-of-way as the critical factor.

According to the police report, a 2020 BMW SUV, traveling east and making a left turn on Senator Street, struck two pedestrians crossing at an intersection without a signal. Both pedestrians, aged 26 and 32, sustained abrasions to their knees and lower legs and were conscious at the scene. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor in the crash. The SUV's point of impact was the center front end, and despite the collision, the vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. Both pedestrians were crossing without a signal or crosswalk indication, but the report emphasizes driver error—specifically failure to yield—as the cause. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrians were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784385 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04