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

Mar 8 - A driver out on bail smashed into a Toyota in Bushwick. The crash killed Hayden Wallace and injured three others. The driver fled, leaving chaos behind. Police tracked him for over a year. Charges stack up, but the loss remains.

NY Daily News (March 8, 2025) reports that Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested after a deadly hit-and-run in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Seabrook had been out on bail for a previous crash involving police. On January 8, 2024, he crashed into a Toyota, killing Hayden Wallace and injuring three others. Seabrook fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The article notes, "All accidents are useless but this one was even more useless because [Seabrook] had so many other offenses." Seabrook faces 23 charges, including manslaughter, leaving the scene, unlicensed driving, and speeding. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and questions about bail and enforcement. Police needed over a year to arrest Seabrook, who had a history of fleeing crashes and driving without a license.

• Repeat Offender Kills Passenger In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-08

Mar 6 - A sedan making a U-turn hit a motorcycle going straight on 86th Street. The 19-year-old rider, helmeted, suffered leg injuries. Both vehicles’ front ends took the blow. Brooklyn pavement marked by impact.

According to the police report, a sedan making a U-turn on 86th Street in Brooklyn collided with a motorcycle traveling straight at 15:34. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the motorcycle’s center front end. The 19-year-old motorcyclist, wearing a helmet, suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the sedan driver’s pre-crash action as making a U-turn, indicating a failure to yield to the motorcycle. No contributing factors were listed for the motorcyclist. Both drivers were licensed. Damage was limited to the front ends of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 3 - A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. It struck a man crouched in the road. The driver fled. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. Police are still investigating. Brooklyn’s streets claim more lives. The toll grows.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was 'crouched in the street to pick up food' when the northbound truck turned right and hit him, according to NYPD officials. The driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene. No arrests have been made. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The article notes this crash followed two other recent fatal collisions in Brooklyn. The incident underscores persistent dangers for pedestrians and ongoing issues with drivers leaving crash scenes. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian In Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

Mar 2 - A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

Mar 1 - 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

Feb 28 - A drunk driver blasted through a red light at 72 mph. He struck Katherine Harris, killing her steps from home. The car crashed on. Blood alcohol twice the limit. The street became a crime scene. Lives shattered in seconds.

NY Daily News reported on February 28, 2025, that Erick Trujillo, 29, was sentenced to three to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. On April 16, 2023, Trujillo drove his Volvo at 72 mph—nearly triple the speed limit—through a red light at Atlantic Ave and Clinton Street in Brooklyn. He struck pedestrian Katherine Harris, 31, killing her instantly, then rear-ended another car and crashed into an outdoor dining shed. Trujillo's blood alcohol level was .17, more than twice the legal limit. The article quotes Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez: "This defendant made a disastrous decision when he got behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated." The case highlights the lethal consequences of impaired driving and excessive speed, underscoring systemic risks for pedestrians in New York City.

• Drunk Driver Speeds, Kills Pedestrian in Brooklyn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-28

Feb 22 - SUV hit sedan on 68th Street. Rear passenger in SUV suffered abdominal and pelvic wounds. Police cite driver distraction and failure to yield. Brooklyn street, night, metal and flesh collide.

According to the police report, a GMC SUV traveling north on 68th Street collided with a westbound sedan in Brooklyn at 8:45 p.m. The SUV struck the sedan’s center front, damaging both vehicles. A 33-year-old woman, seated in the left rear of the SUV, suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries. She was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention/distraction and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. No victim actions contributed. The crash underscores the harm caused when drivers fail to pay attention and yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794387 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 19 - 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

Feb 18 - 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

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 9 - A 71-year-old woman crossing against the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn on 65th Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered lower leg injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as causes.

According to the police report, a 2013 SUV traveling north on 65th Street in Brooklyn was making a left turn when it struck a 71-year-old female pedestrian crossing against the signal at the intersection. The impact occurred at the vehicle's center front end, causing injuries to the pedestrian's knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The pedestrian was reported to be in shock but had no visible complaints. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal is noted but the primary fault lies with the driver's errors as per the police data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791745 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 2 - A pedestrian crossing with the signal was struck by a northbound moped on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The rider’s inattention and unsafe speed caused a hip and upper leg injury. The pedestrian remained conscious despite abrasions and serious trauma.

According to the police report, a moped traveling northbound on Fort Hamilton Parkway struck a pedestrian crossing at the intersection near 73rd Street. The pedestrian, a male, was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Unsafe Speed" as contributing factors on the moped operator's part. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg injury classified as severity level 3, with abrasions noted. The moped’s point of impact was the center front end, but no vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted and speeding vehicle operators, even when pedestrians follow crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - In Brooklyn, two sedans collided in a rear-end crash. The driver of the struck vehicle suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles sustained center back end damage in the evening crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:38 in Brooklyn near 1157 79th Street. Two sedans traveling east collided, with one vehicle rear-ending the other. The driver of the struck sedan, a 30-year-old male wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the rear driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles sustained damage to their center back ends, consistent with a rear-end impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving in urban traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 27 - 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

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 24 - 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

Jan 21 - 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

Jan 15 - A 75-year-old woman was injured crossing Bay Ridge Parkway with the signal when a sedan struck her. She suffered facial contusions and bruises. The driver’s errors remain unspecified, highlighting ongoing dangers at Brooklyn intersections.

According to the police report, a 75-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Bay Ridge Parkway and Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn around 2 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2020 Porsche sedan struck her. The victim sustained facial contusions and bruises, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the driver or the pedestrian. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited. The absence of identified driver errors in the report underscores the systemic risks pedestrians face even when crossing lawfully at signalized intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786021 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - 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

Jan 6 - A southbound bicyclist was struck by an SUV making a right turn on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries and lost consciousness. Police cited the SUV driver’s failure to yield and improper lane usage as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn at 1 p.m. A 54-year-old female bicyclist traveling south was hit by a 2023 Mercedes SUV making a right turn southwest. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper striking the cyclist. The bicyclist sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, was unconscious at the scene, and experienced minor bleeding. The report lists the SUV driver’s errors as "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper." The cyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the bicyclist. The collision highlights the dangers posed by vehicle drivers failing to yield and misusing lanes during turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19