Blood on Neptune Avenue: How Many More Must Die Before Leaders Act?

Dec 14 - Two SUVs collided southbound on Shell Road. Debris littered the street. One driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck front quarter panels. Obstruction played a deadly role.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs crashed at 11:50 AM on Shell Road in Brooklyn. Both drivers, licensed men from New York and Georgia, were traveling south. One changed lanes as the other went straight. The collision hit the left front of one SUV and the right front of the other. 'Obstruction/Debris' was listed as a contributing factor for both drivers, showing that roadway hazards played a key role. One driver, age 37, suffered back injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The data highlights the systemic danger of debris in the roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778842 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 13 - Two sedans slammed together on Belt Parkway. Three passengers, two children and one adult, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Metal twisted. No ejections. All conscious. The road stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 2007 Toyota struck the rear center of a 2016 Honda on Belt Parkway at 16:30. The Honda carried three passengers: an 8-year-old girl, an 11-year-old boy, and a 48-year-old man. All three suffered back injuries and whiplash. Each was conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The Toyota had no passengers. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The Toyota sustained center front end damage; the Honda, center back end damage. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The injuries came from the force of the crash, not from any victim action.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778851 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 11 - A 48-year-old woman crossing with the signal on Mermaid Avenue suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The vehicle struck her center front end. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience as key factors in the Brooklyn crash at 5:30 p.m.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Mermaid Avenue and West 17th Street in Brooklyn around 5:30 p.m. The 48-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle traveling south struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted, emphasizing driver error as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - 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

Dec 4 - A sedan traveling west on Mermaid Avenue struck a 56-year-old female pedestrian. She suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver showed no vehicle damage, and pedestrian factors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, a 2022 Toyota sedan driven by a licensed male driver was traveling straight west on Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn around 9:30 AM when it struck a 56-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle showed no damage and the point of impact reported was 'No Damage,' indicating a possible low-impact collision. The report lists contributing factors for the pedestrian as 'Unspecified' and does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian's location and actions are also marked as 'Does Not Apply,' providing no indication of victim fault. The focus remains on the collision circumstances, with no driver violations explicitly noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776525 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 28 - Two sedans collided on W 28 St near Mermaid Ave. The rear driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite inattention and inexperience as causes. Impact struck the lead car’s center back end.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on W 28 St near Mermaid Ave in Brooklyn collided when the rear vehicle struck the center back end of the lead car. The rear driver, a 33-year-old man, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed men. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lose focus behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775243 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 27 - A driver struck three cars in Bed-Stuy. She dragged a person, hit a vehicle with a pregnant woman, then crashed into an empty car. No life-threatening injuries. Police arrested her at the scene. Charges include assault and reckless endangerment.

Gothamist reported on November 27, 2024, that a New York City Housing Authority employee was arrested after a chaotic crash in Brooklyn. According to police, the driver, Tanisha Simpson, "swiped an oncoming car," then "drove away, dragging the person several feet and hitting another car with a pregnant woman inside." She struck a third, empty car before New York City Sheriffs arrested her nearby. The pregnant woman was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but no serious injuries were reported. Simpson faces charges of reckless endangerment, assault, and leaving the scene. The incident highlights the dangers of hit-and-run behavior and the risks faced by vulnerable road users at busy intersections.

• Three-Car Brooklyn Crash Sparks Arrest, Gothamist, Published 2024-11-27

Nov 19 - A distracted driver slammed an SUV into the rear of a sedan on West 28th Street. The sedan’s driver suffered a neck injury and concussion but remained conscious. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage in the collision.

According to the police report, at 8:52 p.m. on West 28th Street near Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn, a 34-year-old male driver was injured when his SUV collided with the rear of a sedan. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The SUV struck the sedan’s center back end, causing damage to both vehicles. The sedan’s driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained a neck injury and concussion but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end crashes, with no contributing factors attributed to the injured driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772728 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 19 - An 85-year-old bus driver suffered head injuries and shock in a Brooklyn collision. The bus struck an object front-center while traveling east on Cropsey Avenue. Defective accelerator and brakes contributed to the crash, according to the police report.

According to the police report, an 85-year-old male bus driver was injured in a crash on Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn at 11:15 AM. The bus, a 2009 Ford truck/bus traveling east, impacted an object at the center front end. The driver sustained head injuries and was in shock, wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report cites defective accelerator and brakes as contributing factors to the crash, highlighting mechanical failures rather than driver error or victim behavior. The driver was licensed in New York and was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The police report does not indicate any involvement of pedestrians or cyclists, nor does it list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772727 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 14 - Jessica Scarcella-Spanton led Staten Island and Brooklyn politicians in a rally against congestion pricing. They gathered at the Verrazano Bridge, denouncing the plan as a burden on working-class commuters. The coalition promised fierce resistance, demanding the governor keep the program paused.

On November 14, 2024, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (District 23) led a bipartisan rally against the revival of congestion pricing. The event, held at the Verrazano Bridge, included U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Council Member Joe Borelli, and others. The group opposed Governor Hochul's plan to re-implement congestion pricing, which would charge vehicles entering lower Manhattan. The rally's matter title: 'Staten Island, Brooklyn pols rally against congestion pricing as Hochul considers reviving program.' Scarcella-Spanton pledged to 'fight tooth and nail until congestion pricing is dead.' Brooklyn Assembly Member Jaime Williams and others condemned the plan as unfair to transit deserts and working-class communities. No safety analyst assessment was provided regarding the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Staten Island, Brooklyn pols rally against congestion pricing as Hochul considers reviving program, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-11-14

Nov 12 - A distracted pick-up truck driver struck a 45-year-old man at a Brooklyn intersection. The pedestrian suffered bruises and arm injuries. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the victim conscious but hurt on Cropsey Avenue near Hart Place.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old male pedestrian was injured after a pick-up truck traveling east on Cropsey Avenue struck him at the intersection near Hart Place in Brooklyn. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and remained conscious after the crash. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The vehicle, a 2003 Ford pick-up truck, showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but sufficient to cause injury. The pedestrian was in the roadway performing 'Other Actions in Roadway' but no contributing factors on the pedestrian’s part were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the pedestrian’s injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771806 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 12 - A sedan making a right turn collided with an eastbound bicyclist on Brooklyn’s W 19 St. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:50 AM on W 19 St near Mermaid Ave in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling south was making a right turn when it struck a bicyclist traveling eastbound. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factors. The sedan's right front bumper and the bike's center front end were the points of impact. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The driver held a valid New York license. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights driver errors in yielding and attentiveness during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770789 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 1 - A Lexus hurtled down Neptune Avenue, speed unchecked. The driver, unbelted, was thrown from the car. Metal twisted, flesh broken. The street claimed him, the night held tight. Systemic danger, one man down.

A violent crash unfolded on Neptune Avenue near West 24th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 2004 Lexus sedan was traveling west at an unsafe speed when the collision occurred. The 24-year-old male driver, the car's sole occupant, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the primary contributing factor. The driver suffered severe crush injuries to his entire body and was found unconscious at the scene. The report details the vehicle's center front end as the point of impact and damage. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The data underscores the lethal consequences of excessive speed and lack of restraint, as documented by responding officers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768222 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 31 - Two sedans collided on West 20th Street in Brooklyn. The driver of the front vehicle suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as causes. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage in the westbound lanes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:14 on West 20th Street near Surf Avenue in Brooklyn. Two sedans traveling westbound collided when the rear vehicle struck the front vehicle's center back end. The driver of the front sedan, a 36-year-old woman, was injured with neck trauma and reported whiplash, experiencing shock at the scene. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. Both vehicles showed damage to their center front and back ends respectively. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing on the rear driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768261 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 29 - Two passengers in a sedan suffered neck injuries in a Belt Parkway crash. The collision involved a Jeep merging and striking the sedan’s right front quarter panel. Both passengers wore seat belts and sustained whiplash, remaining conscious after impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 9:50 AM. A Jeep merging eastbound failed to yield right-of-way, striking the right front quarter panel of an eastbound sedan. The sedan carried three occupants; two passengers, a 42-year-old female and a 23-year-old male, were injured with neck trauma and complaints of whiplash. Both passengers were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor to the collision. The Jeep had no occupants at the time of the crash. The impact caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the Jeep and the right front quarter panel of the sedan. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767409 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - Two sedans collided on Cropsey Ave in Brooklyn. The Tesla struck the Kia’s left front bumper. The Kia driver, a 23-year-old man, suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention as the cause, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

According to the police report, at 10:00 AM on Cropsey Ave in Brooklyn, two sedans traveling westbound collided. The Tesla struck the left front bumper of the Kia. The Kia’s 23-year-old male driver was injured, suffering back pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to impact. The collision caused damage to the left front bumper of the Kia and the right rear bumper of the Tesla. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The report focuses on driver error—specifically distraction—as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behaviors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766550 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - An 18-year-old female passenger suffered knee and lower leg injuries in a Brooklyn crash. The sedan, traveling west on W 27 St near Surf Ave, showed no damage. The passenger reported pain and nausea, entering shock after the impact.

According to the police report, a 2023 Toyota sedan was traveling westbound on W 27 St near Surf Ave in Brooklyn at 2:55 a.m. The vehicle had two occupants, including an 18-year-old female passenger who was injured. The report notes the passenger sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock with complaints of pain and nausea. The sedan showed no damage and no point of impact was recorded. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists no contributing driver errors or factors, and no pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The passenger was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The crash highlights injury risk to vehicle occupants even without visible vehicle damage or collision impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766546 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - A 12-year-old passenger on an e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries after the vehicle was struck on the left side. The crash occurred on W 5 St near Neptune Ave in Brooklyn. The passenger remained conscious but bruised.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on W 5 St near Neptune Ave in Brooklyn at 2:00 PM. The e-scooter, traveling north with two occupants, was impacted on its left side doors. The 12-year-old male passenger, riding or hanging on the outside, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors or victim behaviors as causes. The vehicle damage was limited to the left side doors, indicating a side impact collision. No information on helmet use or crossing signals was provided or noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767552 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - A 60-year-old man was struck by a taxi while walking outside an intersection on Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered a serious back injury and lost consciousness. The taxi showed no damage and was traveling straight eastbound at the time.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling eastbound on Mermaid Avenue struck a 60-year-old male pedestrian who was located outside an intersection. The pedestrian was unconscious and suffered a back injury classified as severity level 3. The report notes the pedestrian was performing 'Other Actions in Roadway' but lists no specific driver contributing factors. The taxi sustained no damage and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. Both contributing factors for the pedestrian are marked as 'Unspecified.' The data reveals no explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but the pedestrian was injured severely despite the vehicle showing no damage, highlighting the vulnerability of pedestrians outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767219 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 16 - A Ford SUV making a U-turn collided head-on with a northbound sedan on West 15 Street. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and driver distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:05 on West 15 Street in Brooklyn. A 31-year-old male driver of a 2019 Ford SUV was making a U-turn southbound when he collided with a northbound 2014 Ford sedan traveling straight ahead. The SUV driver sustained neck injuries and was in shock, reporting complaints of pain or nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the collision. The SUV's right front bumper and the sedan's left front quarter panel were damaged at the point of impact. The SUV driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766152 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19