The Blood Doesn’t Lie: Dyker Heights Demands Safer Streets Now

Drunk drivers who kill a parent may pay child support for up to 18 years. Lawmakers Gounardes and Meeks push bills to force accountability. Few drivers face these charges now. The aim: make killers pay, not just serve time.

""If you drive recklessly, you are going to be held accountable,"" -- Andrew Gounardes

Senate bill, drafted by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Demond Meeks, would require convicted drunk drivers who kill a custodial parent to pay child support until the victim’s children turn 18. The proposal, announced July 8, 2022, mirrors a Tennessee law. The bill targets drivers convicted of vehicular manslaughter (first or second degree) or aggravated vehicular homicide. Gounardes said, 'If you drive recklessly, you are going to be held accountable.' He stressed the lack of accountability and financial compensation for victims’ families. The bill is limited to drunk drivers for now, but Gounardes hopes to expand it to all reckless drivers who kill. Few drivers are convicted under these charges in New York City. The measure sends a clear message: kill a parent, pay for it—literally and for years.

• Drunk Drivers Who Kill Could Be Paying for their Crime for Almost 20 Years, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-08

A 43-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the scooter’s right front quarter panel. The rider suffered a fractured shoulder and dislocation. The SUV driver was distracted. Both vehicles traveled straight at impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 66 Street in Brooklyn involving a 2019 SUV and an e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 43-year-old man, was injured with a fractured and dislocated shoulder. The SUV struck the scooter on its right front quarter panel while both vehicles were traveling straight. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for the SUV driver. The e-scooter rider was not ejected and remained conscious. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in shared road spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542566 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two SUVs crashed on 67 Street in Brooklyn. The impact struck the center front end of one vehicle and the right rear quarter panel of the other. A 32-year-old male driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 67 Street in Brooklyn. The first vehicle was hit at its center front end, while the second was struck on its right rear quarter panel. A 32-year-old male driver, wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with contusions and bruises to his knee and lower leg. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542567 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 51-year-old man was struck while walking outside an intersection in Brooklyn. The sedan backed unsafely, hitting the pedestrian. He suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The driver caused the crash by failing to back safely.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2022 Ford sedan backed unsafely in Brooklyn near 1241 67 Street. The pedestrian was outside an intersection, performing other actions in the roadway, when the vehicle struck him. The crash resulted in fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error. The sedan showed no damage, suggesting the impact was from the vehicle's rear movement. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained serious injuries. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Governor Hochul signed the bill. Speed cameras in New York City now operate around the clock. No more nighttime gaps. Deborah Glick backed the measure. The law aims to slow cars, protect people, and keep streets safer for everyone.

On June 24, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill extending and expanding New York City's speed camera program. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymember Deborah Glick (District 66) and Senator Andrew Gounardes, allows speed cameras to operate 24/7 in up to 750 school zones. The bill was set to expire but now runs through July 1, 2025. The matter summary states: 'New York City is now able to operate its speed cameras 24 hours a day.' Glick, who sponsored the bill, dismissed criticism that cameras are a cash grab, saying, 'The city isn't in the car with you... If you don't want to get a ticket, don't speed.' Mayor Eric Adams called the cameras a deterrent, not a punishment. Advocates say the law will slow cars and protect pedestrians, especially children. The bill passed just before the legislative session ended, closing a deadly loophole in city enforcement.

• NYC speed cameras can now operate 24/7, gothamist.com, Published 2022-06-24

Governor Hochul signed a bill making school zone speed cameras run all day, every day. No more gaps. Crashes and injuries near schools drove the change. The law dropped tougher penalties, but sponsors vow to keep fighting. Streets stay dangerous. Cameras now never sleep.

On June 24, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill expanding New York City's school zone speed camera program to operate 24/7, year-round. The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Deborah Glick and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, was passed after statistics showed rising crashes and injuries near schools. The matter summary: 'The city's school zone speed cameras will now operate 24/7 year-round.' Hochul cited student deaths and the need for constant protection. Mayor Adams called the program a national model, noting, '72 percent of fatalities have been happening when the cameras were off.' The bill was weakened from its original form, dropping escalating fines and stricter penalties for repeat offenders due to City Council concerns. Glick and Gounardes pledged to push for stronger measures. A separate bill to expand red light cameras failed. The new law closes deadly loopholes but leaves enforcement gaps for repeat offenders.

• Hochul Signs Speed Camera Bill, Citing Streetsblog’s Coverage of Unsafe School Streets, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-24

A 63-year-old woman was injured in Brooklyn when a sedan backed into her. The driver failed to notice her while reversing. She suffered back abrasions but remained conscious. The crash happened near 64th Street, with no vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a sedan backed unsafely and struck a 63-year-old female pedestrian crossing near 64th Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian sustained back abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors as "Backing Unsafely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The vehicle had no visible damage. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk indication. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2012 Honda sedan. The impact occurred at the center back end of the vehicle during the backing maneuver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4535991 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Albany extended 24/7 school-zone speed cameras for three years. Lawmakers failed to pass Sammy’s Law and other vital safety bills. Advocates called the session a partial victory, but vulnerable road users remain at risk. Progress, but not enough. Streets stay dangerous.

The 2022 New York State legislative session ended on June 6, 2022. Lawmakers extended and expanded New York City’s school-zone speed camera program to operate 24/7 for three more years. The bill passed, but was watered down from its original form. Other key street safety bills, including 'Sammy’s Law'—which would let NYC set its own speed limits—did not advance. Senator Andrew Gounardes called the speed camera win 'monumental,' while Senator Brad Hoylman said, 'not as much as any of us would have wanted to see, but for the first time, speed cameras are normalized.' Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives voiced disappointment over the failure of Sammy’s Law, calling it a top priority for Families for Safe Streets. Several other bills to protect pedestrians and cyclists stalled or died in committee. The session brought some progress, but left many dangers unaddressed.

• THE ALBANY REPORT: A Historic, Yet Deeply Disappointing, Glass-Half-Empty Legislative Session, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-06

Albany lawmakers extended 24/7 speed cameras but stalled on key safety bills. Local control over speed limits failed. Some progress, much disappointment. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. Council Member Adrienne Adams was mentioned. The fight for safer streets continues.

""We never get everything we fight for that's the nature of the process, but the speed camera win is monumental,"" -- Andrew Gounardes

The 2022 New York State legislative session reviewed transportation and street safety policy, with Council Member Adrienne Adams (District 28) mentioned in coverage. Lawmakers extended New York City's school-zone speed camera program for three years, allowing 24/7 operation—a win for street safety. The bill, however, was watered down. Other measures under the 'Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act' saw mixed results: some passed, like upstate towns setting 25 mph speed limits and increased complete streets funding; others, like 'Sammy's Law' for NYC speed limits and expanded safe passing for cyclists, stalled. The matter title called the session 'historic, yet deeply disappointing.' Adams was not a sponsor but was referenced in the debate. Advocates and senators voiced frustration at the lack of progress on local speed limit control and measures against repeat reckless drivers. The session left vulnerable road users without key protections.

• THE ALBANY REPORT: A Historic, Yet Deeply Disappointing, Glass-Half-Empty Legislative Session, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-06-06

State Senate passed bill to run speed cameras all day, every day. The vote was 51 to 12. Cameras now catch speeders at night and on weekends. Most deaths happen off-hours. Expansion aims to cut deadly crashes citywide.

On May 31, 2022, the State Senate approved a bill to extend and expand New York City's speed camera program. The measure passed 51-12 and now moves to the Assembly. The bill allows cameras to operate 24/7 in nearly 2,000 locations across 750 school zones until July 1, 2025. The matter summary states, 'The proposal to extend New York City's speed camera program for another three years and expand it to run every day and around the clock easily passed.' Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsored the bill, saying, 'We are going to see a marked reduction in traffic violence on our streets at a time when traffic deaths are at their highest in a decade.' Simcha Felder, Democrat from District 44, voted against. The expansion targets off-hours, which account for 59% of traffic deaths. Speeding dropped 72% and deaths fell 55% where cameras operated. The city pushed for this as fatalities rose under Mayor Adams. Some penalties for repeat speeders were removed during negotiations.

• State Senate votes to approve 24-hour speed cameras in NYC, amny.com, Published 2022-06-01

The State Senate backed Sen. Gounardes’s bill to run speed cameras nonstop in city school zones. The vote was 51-12. Supporters cited lives lost to speeding. Opponents called it a cash grab. The Assembly must act before the session ends.

Bill S. (no number given) passed the New York State Senate on June 1, 2022, by a 51-12 vote. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes, reauthorizes and expands New York City’s school-zone speed camera program to operate 24/7. The measure was debated in the Senate, with Sen. Robert Jackson and Gounardes defending it: 'Cars speeding in New York kill New Yorkers, injure New Yorkers.' Gounardes called the cameras 'life-saving.' Opponents, including Sen. Andrew Lanza, dismissed the program as a 'cash register.' Danny Harris of Transportation Alternatives said, 'When New York City’s speed safety cameras turn off, speeding increases and crashes rise.' The bill awaits Assembly action before the legislative session ends.

• State Senate Overwhelmingly Supports 24/7 Speed Cameras for the City, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-01

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 2022-06-01

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 2022-05-31

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

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 bill letting New York City run speed cameras all day, every day. Lawmakers cut tougher penalties for repeat offenders. Advocates called the final bill a win, but mourned lost safety measures. Vulnerable road users remain exposed to reckless drivers.

On May 23, 2022, the New York State legislature passed a bill allowing New York City to operate speed cameras 24/7. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Deborah Glick, originally included tougher measures: escalating fines, registration suspensions, and insurance reporting for repeat speeders. These provisions were stripped during negotiations, leaving only the round-the-clock camera operation. Assembly Member Glick said, 'keeping the cameras on 24/7 was that hill.' Mayor Eric Adams called it 'a major victory for New Yorkers that will save lives.' Advocacy groups and lawmakers voiced frustration at Albany’s reluctance to adopt stronger safety tools. The final law removes blackout periods for cameras, but leaves dangerous drivers with fewer consequences. The bill passed despite disappointment over its dilution, exposing the limits of legislative action for street safety.

• Anatomy of a Sausage: How a Great Bill Got Gutted in Albany’s Mediocrity Factory, Streetsblog NYC, 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

Andrew Gounardes backs a deal to keep speed cameras on in 750 school zones at all hours. Crashes spike at night and on weekends. Cameras catch reckless drivers. Fewer end up in the ER. The fix is partial, but it will save lives.

On May 21, 2022, State Senator Andrew Gounardes endorsed a legislative deal to allow speed cameras in 750 New York City school zones to operate 24/7. The measure, awaiting City Council and state approval, aims to keep cameras running nights and weekends—when 41% of crashes occur. The matter summary states: 'the Legislature is poised to do the right thing and allow the speed cameras...to keep operating around the clock.' Gounardes, a key advocate, joins Mayor Adams and crash victims’ families in support. The endorsement highlights that automated enforcement cuts reckless driving and reduces injuries. The deal falls short by lacking escalating penalties for repeat speeders and lasting only three years. Still, keeping cameras on at all hours is the most important fix, targeting the deadliest times for vulnerable road users.

• Yes, we cam: A deal on NYC traffic enforcement speed cameras will save lives, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-21

Lawmakers struck a deal. Speed cameras stay for three more years. Cameras will run all day, every day. Assemblywoman Glick backs the move. Streets saw less speeding where cameras watched. The city council must approve. The fight against traffic violence continues.

Bill to extend and expand New York City's automated speed camera program advanced on May 20, 2022. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, representing District 66, cosponsors the legislation. The bill awaits City Council approval. The measure allows cameras to operate 24/7, instead of limited weekday hours. The matter summary states: 'State lawmakers have reached a deal to extend and expand a New York City traffic camera program that has ticketed reckless drivers in school zones since 2013.' Glick said, 'Speeding, as we all know, has become more prolific during the pandemic.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Senate sponsor, said, 'Speed cameras save lives.' Mayor Adams called the bill a 'major victory for New Yorkers.' City data shows speeding dropped 72% during camera hours. The extension aims to curb rising traffic violence and protect vulnerable road users.

• Lawmakers reach deal for 3-year extension to NYC speed camera program, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-20

Lawmakers move to keep speed cameras running in school zones. The bill grants a three-year extension. Cameras will operate 24/7. Deborah Glick expected to sponsor in Assembly. The measure aims to curb reckless driving and protect people on foot and bike.

Bill to extend New York City's speed camera program for three years is advancing. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced the measure on May 19, 2022. The bill allows cameras in up to 750 school zones to run around the clock until July 1, 2025. Assemblymember Deborah Glick, District 66, is expected to sponsor the bill in the Assembly. The bill summary states it will 'allow New York City to extend its soon-to-expire speed camera program and keep the devices running 24 hours a day.' Mayor Eric Adams called the deal 'a major victory for New Yorkers that will save lives and help stem the tide of traffic violence.' The bill dropped harsher penalties for repeat offenders, focusing on the extension and expanded hours. The City Council must approve a home rule message before the state Legislature votes. The legislative session ends June 2, 2022.

• Lawmakers likely to extend NYC speed cameras for 3 years, gothamist.com, Published 2022-05-20