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

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 distracted driver collided with another vehicle on 6th Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact injured a 76-year-old male driver, causing contusions and arm injuries. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage in the northbound and eastbound collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:41 AM on 6th Avenue in Brooklyn involving a sedan traveling north and an SUV traveling east. The collision was caused by driver inattention or distraction, as cited under contributing factors. The 76-year-old male driver of the sedan was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers at the points of impact. The report highlights driver distraction as the primary cause, with no other contributing factors or victim behaviors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783092 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan engaged in a police pursuit struck a parked SUV on 7 Ave. The sedan’s driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. Improper turning and other vehicular errors contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 2013 Ford sedan traveling south on 7 Ave was involved in a police pursuit before colliding with a parked 2014 Toyota SUV. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the SUV. The sedan’s driver, a 29-year-old male occupant, sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Other Vehicular' factors as contributing causes, indicating driver error during the pursuit. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The pick-up truck involved was traveling south going straight ahead with no damage and an unlicensed driver, but it was not the point of impact. The crash underscores the dangers posed by high-risk police pursuits and improper vehicle maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782748 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 18-year-old male driver suffered facial injuries and shock after a high-speed crash on a Belt Parkway ramp. The sedan struck with its right front bumper, sustaining damage. Police cited unsafe speed and driver distraction as key factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:12 AM on a Belt Parkway ramp involving a 2024 Honda sedan traveling east. The sole occupant, an 18-year-old male driver, was injured with facial trauma and minor bleeding, and experienced shock. The vehicle sustained damage to the right front bumper, the point of impact. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The driver held a permit license from New York and was not ejected from the vehicle. There is no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement. The collision highlights the dangers of excessive speed and distracted driving on highway ramps.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council moves to test bold pavement markings at crash sites. Five spots per borough. Focus: places where drivers have killed or maimed. Report to follow. Streets marked for danger.

Int 1154-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024. The bill orders a pilot for high visibility pavement markings—at least five locations per borough. The city must target streets with high injury or fatality counts from bad driving. The matter title reads: 'establishing a high visibility pavement marking pilot program.' Council Member Yusef Salaam leads, joined by Menin, De La Rosa, Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Brannan, and Hanif. The law demands a report on results and challenges. The aim: mark danger, force drivers to see, and push the city to act where blood has already been spilled.

• File Int 1154-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

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

Two elderly men suffered head injuries crossing a marked crosswalk. The SUV driver, traveling west, struck them with the vehicle’s left front quarter panel. Glare and limited visibility obstructed the driver’s view, contributing to the crash.

According to the police report, a 2023 Hyundai SUV, driven by a licensed male driver from Florida, was traveling west on 97th Street when it struck two male pedestrians, ages 67 and 73, at a marked crosswalk without a crossing signal. Both pedestrians were crossing at the intersection and sustained head injuries classified as injury severity 3, with abrasions reported. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front quarter panel. The report cites glare and obstructed or limited view as contributing factors, indicating the driver’s impaired ability to see the pedestrians. No vehicle damage was noted. The report does not list any pedestrian fault or contributing pedestrian behaviors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by environmental conditions affecting driver visibility.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778256 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 15-year-old boy crossing with the signal suffered facial injuries after a sedan failed to yield right-of-way. The impact struck the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock with minor bleeding at a Brooklyn intersection.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 82 Street and 6 Avenue in Brooklyn around 7:30 a.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2022 Toyota sedan traveling west struck him with its right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing. The pedestrian sustained facial injuries and was reported in shock with minor bleeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. Vehicle damage was limited to the right front bumper. The report focuses on the driver’s failure to yield, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777752 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Three cars smashed on Belt Parkway at night. Aggressive driving and road rage fueled chaos. A 60-year-old SUV driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Metal twisted. Impact marks show violence and speed.

According to the police report, three vehicles collided on Belt Parkway at 22:44. Two SUVs and a sedan, all westbound, were involved. Police cite aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors. A 60-year-old woman driving an SUV was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. She was not ejected and stayed conscious. Her SUV took front-end damage after hitting the left rear quarter panel. Another SUV, passing, struck her vehicle's right front quarter. The sedan was hit on its left side doors. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as driver errors. No contributing factors are linked to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776971 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

MTA’s congestion pricing plan splits New Yorkers. Council Member Holden calls it betrayal. Poll shows narrow support. Some see a cash grab, others hope for better transit. The $9 fee hits drivers. The city waits for the impact.

On November 18, 2024, the MTA approved congestion pricing, set to start January 5, 2025. The plan charges $9 for cars and $14.40 for trucks entering Manhattan below 60th Street. amNew York Metro polled nearly 3,000 residents: 53.8% support, 44.9% oppose. The matter, titled 'Here’s how New Yorkers really feel about congestion pricing,' reveals sharp divides. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) condemned the move, calling it a 'blatant political move and a shameless betrayal of New Yorkers.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes backed the plan, citing needed transit upgrades. The bill’s impact on vulnerable road users was not assessed. The debate centers on funding transit versus burdening drivers. The city stands at a crossroads.

• Here’s how New Yorkers really feel about congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-12-03

A 23-year-old man suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation after an SUV struck him at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver disregarded traffic control and was inattentive, hitting the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Gatling Place and 92nd Street in Brooklyn around 5:27 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 Jeep SUV traveling north struck him with the center front end. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated lower arm and hand but remained conscious. The report cites the driver’s failure to obey traffic control devices and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The crash highlights driver errors—traffic control disregard and distraction—as the cause of serious injury to a lawful pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774911 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A city worker crashed into three cars in Bed-Stuy. She dragged a person, struck a car with a pregnant woman, and tried to flee. No life-threatening injuries. Police arrested her near the scene. Charges include assault and reckless endangerment.

Gothamist (2024-11-27) reports a New York City Housing Authority employee crashed into three vehicles near Gates Avenue and Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Brooklyn. Police say the driver, Tanisha Simpson, "swiped an oncoming car," dragged a person trying to get her information, and hit another car with a pregnant woman inside. She then struck a third, unoccupied vehicle before being arrested by city sheriffs nearby. The pregnant woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Simpson faces charges of reckless endangerment, assault, and leaving the scene. The incident highlights ongoing risks at busy intersections and underscores the consequences of fleeing after a crash.

• Driver Drags Person, Hits Pregnant Woman, Gothamist, Published 2024-11-27

A sedan stopped in traffic was struck from behind by a distracted driver. The impact caused injuries to the driver of the rear vehicle, who suffered whole-body trauma and shock. The crash unfolded in the afternoon on 79th Street.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:15 on 79th Street when a sedan stopped in traffic was rear-ended by another vehicle traveling eastbound. The driver of the striking vehicle, a 41-year-old woman, was injured with bodily trauma affecting her entire body and experienced shock. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The striking vehicle sustained damage to its center front end, while the rear-ended sedan was damaged at its center back end. The injured driver was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing factors related to the victim. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction leading to rear-end collisions in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774419 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Honda sedan veered off 68th Street, smashing into two parked cars. Steel tore. Noon sun glared. A 70-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man, both belted, suffered neck wounds and amputations. Distraction at the wheel. Then, silence.

According to the police report, a Honda sedan traveling south on 68th Street near Ridge Boulevard veered into two parked vehicles—a Kia and a Chevrolet. The crash occurred at 12:37 p.m. The report states that 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was the primary contributing factor. The impact left the 36-year-old male driver and a 70-year-old female passenger, both wearing lap belts, with severe neck injuries and amputations. The narrative describes the scene: 'Steel split. A 70-year-old woman and 36-year-old man, both belted, suffered neck wounds and amputations. Noon sun burned down. Distraction behind the wheel. Then, silence.' No contributing factors are attributed to the victims. The data centers driver distraction as the cause, with no indication of any error or action by the injured occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775022 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Bay Ridge’s parks and promenade get $30 million for repairs and upgrades. Community Board 10 approves. New lighting, wider paths, and more green space promised. Council Member Justin Brannan funds and supports. Cyclists and pedestrians get safer, smoother routes. No timeline yet.

On November 25, 2024, City Council Member Justin Brannan and Community Board 10 announced approval and funding for major upgrades to the Bay Ridge Promenade and Leif Ericson Park. The Parks Committee and full board both voted unanimously for the $30 million overhaul, which includes $20.97 million for the Shore Road Promenade and $9.25 million for Leif Ericson Park. The project, described as 'Destination: Greenways!', will expand green space, separate bike and pedestrian lanes, add lighting, and install new amenities. Brannan, a key funder and supporter, said, 'Our local parks are the lungs of our city.' The overhaul aims to improve recreational cycling, repair pothole-ridden paths, and increase accessibility. Board members raised concerns about safety and sanitation, which the Parks Department pledged to address in final designs. No construction timeline has been set.

• Bay Ridge community board greenlights $30M facelift for Shore Road Promenade, Leif Ericson Park, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-11-25

A 23-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV made a left turn and struck him at an intersection. The driver’s inexperience and distraction caused the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 91 Street near 4 Avenue in Brooklyn at 8:13 PM. A 2018 Nissan SUV was making a left turn when it struck a 23-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper, which sustained damage. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but was not ejected from the roadway. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors at intersections, particularly involving inexperienced drivers making turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi struck a sedan executing a U-turn on 3 Ave in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side doors took the impact. A 68-year-old passenger in the sedan suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited the taxi driver’s failure to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:50 on 3 Ave near Bay Ridge Pkwy in Brooklyn. A taxi traveling north with three occupants collided with a sedan also traveling north but making a U-turn. The point of impact was the taxi’s right front bumper striking the sedan’s left side doors. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver did not yield appropriately to the sedan. A 68-year-old male passenger in the sedan was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772354 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck two children crossing 66 Street in Brooklyn. Both suffered abrasions and injuries to face and arm. Driver distraction caused the crash, with victims crossing against the signal. Impact was at the vehicle’s center back end.

According to the police report, a 2014 Ford sedan was making a left turn on 66 Street in Brooklyn at 18:15 when it struck two child occupants, ages 7 and 12. Both children were injured with abrasions—one to the face, the other to the elbow and lower arm—and remained conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The children were crossing against the signal and were not at an intersection when struck. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicle, which sustained damage there. Neither child was ejected from the vehicle, and neither was using safety equipment. The driver was licensed and operating the sedan eastbound. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and failure to yield during left turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772148 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Governor Hochul cuts the congestion toll to $9. The move aims to beat a Trump block. Experts warn the lower fee will not cut traffic like the original $15 plan. Urgency grows as the MTA stalls projects. Vulnerable road users wait for relief.

""It’s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it,"" -- Andrew Gounardes

On November 8, 2024, State Senator Andrew Gounardes responded to Governor Hochul’s revised congestion pricing plan. The new proposal drops the peak toll from $15 to $9. The plan’s status is pending, with urgency to implement before a new presidential administration. Gounardes stressed, “It’s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it.” The bill aims to fund the MTA’s 2020-2024 capital plan, but economist Charles Komanoff warns, “You don’t get the immediate traffic speed gain that a $15 toll would give.” The measure is meant to reduce traffic and improve transit, but the lower toll means less impact. The MTA has already paused $16 billion in work. The focus is on starting the program, but advocates note the diluted toll will not deliver the same safety and quality-of-life gains for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Analysis: Hochul's $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won't Reduce Traffic as Much, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-11-08