No One Dead—Yet: Gravesend’s Streets Are Waiting for Blood

Jun 5 - A distracted SUV driver struck a southbound e-bike on Avenue Y in Brooklyn. The 27-year-old cyclist suffered full-body injuries and shock. The SUV was parked before the crash and showed no damage. The cyclist complained of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male riding an e-bike southbound on Avenue Y was injured when a Nissan SUV, parked and driven by a male licensed driver, struck him on the left side doors. The cyclist sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" twice as contributing factors, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain attention. The SUV showed no damage, and the cyclist was not ejected. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635709 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 25 - Two sedans crashed head-on on Bath Avenue. Both drivers were male and licensed. One driver suffered a head injury and whiplash but was conscious and restrained. The collision damaged the left and right front bumpers. Traffic control was disregarded.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Bath Avenue. Both drivers were male, licensed, and traveling straight ahead when the crash occurred. One driver sustained a head injury and whiplash but remained conscious and was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The vehicles impacted at their front bumpers, causing damage to both. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The injured driver was not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632636 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 24 - SUV hit sedan’s front on Avenue Z. Driver trapped, back injured. Unsafe speed and traffic control disregard listed. Brooklyn street, metal and flesh, pain and error.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV and a sedan collided on Avenue Z in Brooklyn. The 45-year-old male sedan driver was trapped and suffered back injuries. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The SUV struck the sedan’s right front quarter panel while traveling east; the sedan was heading north. The driver wore a lap belt and harness. No other injuries or contributing factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631947 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 14 - Two sedans slammed together on Bath Avenue. A 25-year-old driver took a hit to the neck. Police blamed driver inattention. Metal twisted. No one ejected. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Bath Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash left a 25-year-old male driver injured with neck pain and whiplash. Both cars were going straight. The impact crushed the left front bumper of one sedan and the right front of the other. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The injured driver was conscious and wore a lap belt. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No one was ejected from either vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628476 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 12 - A Ford SUV making a right turn struck a westbound Toyota sedan on Avenue V in Brooklyn. The sedan’s female driver suffered back injuries and shock. A one-year-old passenger in the SUV was injured with whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, a 2021 Ford SUV making a right turn collided with a 2014 Toyota sedan traveling west on Avenue V in Brooklyn. The sedan’s 32-year-old female driver was injured, suffering back pain and shock. A one-year-old female passenger in the SUV was also injured, experiencing whiplash. The report lists driver errors including "View Obstructed/Limited" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The SUV driver had a permit license, and the sedan driver was licensed. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The child passenger was restrained in a child safety seat. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the victims’ actions or safety equipment beyond the driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628483 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 8 - Three Bay Ridge officers got city and state awards for shielding students during a deadly U-Haul rampage. The driver struck eight, killed one. Officers rushed to shelter kids. Politicians praised quick action. Community demanded tougher traffic violence measures and mental health support.

On March 8, 2023, State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Justin Brannan honored officers from the 68th Precinct for their response to the February U-Haul attack in Bay Ridge. The event, not tied to a specific council bill, recognized police who 'evacuated and sheltered school children' as a driver struck eight pedestrians and killed one. Gounardes said, 'These students, their families and our entire community here in southern Brooklyn will be forever grateful.' Brannan called the response 'a shining example' of local policing. The commendation took place at Bay Ridge Preparatory School. The incident sparked calls for 'enhanced measures against traffic violence' and more mental health resources at a vigil for the victims. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the focus remained on protecting vulnerable road users and preventing future harm.

• ‘Heroic’ Bay Ridge officers honored for protecting students during U-Haul attack, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-03-08

Feb 14 - Two SUVs collided on West 8 Street. One vehicle followed too closely and struck the other from behind. Three occupants suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. All were conscious and remained inside their vehicles after the crash.

According to the police report, the crash involved two SUVs traveling north on West 8 Street. The striking vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance and rear-ended the vehicle ahead, which was stopped in traffic. Three occupants—two drivers and one front passenger—were injured with whiplash and injuries to their entire bodies. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from their vehicles. The primary driver error listed was "Following Too Closely." No other contributing factors were specified. The vehicles sustained damage to their rear and front ends respectively.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 12 - Two sedans slammed head-on on 86 Street. Both drivers hurt. One bruised his head. The other suffered facial wounds and whiplash. Police cite distraction and improper turning. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 86 Street in Brooklyn. A 48-year-old man driving westbound suffered a head contusion and bruising. A 21-year-old man making a right turn eastbound sustained facial injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were conscious and wore lap belts. The report lists driver inattention and distraction for both drivers, and improper turning for the younger driver, as contributing factors. Both vehicles took center front-end damage. No one was ejected. The crash left both men injured and underscored the risk of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606715 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 10 - Two sedans crashed head-on and side-on at 27 Avenue. Driver distraction caused the collision. A 52-year-old female front passenger suffered elbow and arm injuries. She was restrained by a lap belt and harness and experienced shock and pain.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling straight ahead collided on 27 Avenue. One vehicle struck the other on the right side doors with its center front end. The crash injured a 52-year-old female front passenger, who was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness. She suffered injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers. No other factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604832 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 29 - A moving SUV struck a parked SUV’s rear on Coney Island Avenue. The driver was hurt. Obstructed view played a role. Metal crumpled. One man left with neck pain and whiplash.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old man driving a 2007 Honda SUV south on Coney Island Avenue hit the left rear quarter of a parked 2022 Chevrolet SUV. The driver suffered neck pain and whiplash and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were reported. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The parked SUV was empty during the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601363 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 26 - A 31-year-old male bicyclist was struck on Avenue Z near Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. The sedan and bike were both traveling west when the crash occurred. The bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided on Avenue Z near Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old man, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Both vehicles were traveling westbound and going straight ahead at the time of impact. The point of impact was the left side doors of the bike and the right front quarter panel of the sedan. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. There was no damage reported to either vehicle. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601130 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 20 - Norman Fruchter, education reformer, died after a driver reversed into him at a crosswalk-less Bay Ridge intersection. The driver stayed. No charges. A vigil drew family, officials, and anger. Fruchter’s wife was killed by a reckless driver in 1997. Grief, outrage, no justice.

On January 4, 2023, Norman Fruchter was struck and killed by a reversing driver at 68th Street and Bliss Terrace in Council District 47. The intersection lacked a pedestrian crosswalk. Council Member Justin Brannan attended the vigil and tweeted, 'Confronting traffic violence also means taking personal responsibility [and] safe driving habits. It will take all of us.' The driver remained at the scene but faced no charges. Fruchter’s son Lev condemned the New York Automobile Insurance Plan for letting dangerous drivers stay insured. Community leaders, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, joined in mourning and frustration. Fruchter’s wife Rachel was also killed by a reckless driver in 1997, a tragedy that helped spark Vision Zero. Nearly three decades later, traffic laws remain weak. No systemic change. Vulnerable road users still pay the price.

• Education reform leader remembered after being killed by traffic violence, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-01-20

Jan 19 - A sedan traveling north struck an SUV moving east on Avenue Y in Brooklyn. The sedan driver, 68, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Avenue Y in Brooklyn involving a northbound sedan and an eastbound SUV. The sedan driver, a 68-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front ends. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4599562 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 17 - A 22-year-old man was hit by an SUV on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered upper arm injuries and shock. The vehicle showed no damage. Police noted unspecified contributing factors. The victim was not at an intersection.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured by a 2018 Nissan SUV traveling south on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn. The collision occurred away from an intersection, with the vehicle impacting the pedestrian's right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained upper arm injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The SUV showed no visible damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No safety equipment or pedestrian actions were noted as factors. The victim was not at fault, and the report provides no further details on driver behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18