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

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

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 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 2025-08-04

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

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

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 2025-08-04

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 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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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

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

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 2025-08-04

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 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 2025-08-04

A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV turning right struck him head-on. The crash occurred on 65th Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. Driver inattention was cited as the cause, highlighting systemic dangers for cyclists.

According to the police report, at 6:00 PM on 65th Street near Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn, a 2024 SUV driven by a licensed female driver was making a right turn when it collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist, a 45-year-old man, sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication that the bicyclist's behavior contributed to the collision. The SUV driver’s failure to maintain attention while turning created a hazardous situation, resulting in significant harm to the vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783157 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 77-year-old man suffered a fractured hip and leg after a vehicle struck him at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian squarely in the front. The victim was conscious but seriously injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:22 on Fort Hamilton Parkway near Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. A pedestrian, a 77-year-old male, was crossing with the signal when he was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound, going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his hip and upper leg and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor twice, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing the street. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The crash highlights driver error and systemic danger at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782275 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04