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 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 - Two sedans crashed on Belt Parkway at 9:37 p.m. Both drivers were traveling eastbound when impact occurred. Unsafe speed by both drivers caused the collision. One occupant suffered injuries to the entire body and was in shock after the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 21:37. Two sedans collided while both were traveling straight ahead eastbound. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of one sedan and the center front end of the other. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. One driver, a 41-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The police report does not cite any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The collision resulted from driver errors involving unsafe speed, leading to significant bodily injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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 27 - Two SUVs collided on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn. The rear vehicle struck the front vehicle’s center back end. A front passenger suffered full-body injuries and incoherence. Police cited following too closely as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, at 16:20 in Brooklyn, two SUVs traveling south on Coney Island Avenue collided. The rear vehicle impacted the center back end of the front vehicle. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. A 41-year-old male front passenger in one of the vehicles sustained injuries to his entire body, was incoherent, and complained of pain or nausea. The injured occupant was not ejected from the vehicle. Both vehicles were station wagons or SUVs, with the rear vehicle causing damage described as 'Center Back End.' The driver errors focused on tailgating, with no victim behaviors listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795612 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 27 - A sedan making a U-turn struck a 50-year-old woman crossing Brighton Beach Avenue outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered bruises and arm injuries. Driver inattention caused the collision, highlighting dangers of distracted driving in Brooklyn.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Brighton Beach Avenue in Brooklyn at 14:15. A sedan traveling west was making a U-turn when it struck a 50-year-old female pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, with an injury severity rated as moderate. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was conscious and not at an intersection or crosswalk at the time of impact. The vehicle showed no damage despite the collision. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically distraction during complex maneuvers like U-turns, in causing harm to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795278 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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 18 - Brooklyn’s Community Board 15 killed a Sheepshead Bay rezoning, citing rampant illegal parking—even by police. The board demanded more parking, ignoring transit and non-drivers. Council Member Vernikov opposed the project. More parking means more cars, more danger for people on foot and bike.

On February 18, 2025, Brooklyn Community Board 15 rejected a rezoning proposal at 2510 Coney Island Ave. The board’s vote came after the developer slashed housing units and promised a one-to-one parking ratio. The official matter focused on 'excessive illegal parking—including by the local police precinct.' CB15 Chair Theresa Scavo said, 'If we allow this rezoning every property owner on that block will continue to do the same thing, causing more backups and more traffic.' Council Member Inna Vernikov, through her legislative director, voiced strong opposition, prioritizing parking over new housing. Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized the parking mandate, warning it 'traps neighborhoods in car dependent development patterns.' Advocates argued the board ignored transit options and the needs of non-drivers. The City Council is expected to reject the project, blocking new homes and locking in car dominance.

• Too Much Illegal Parking Prompts Community Board to Reject New Housing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 17 - A 41-year-old man suffered whole-body injuries and minor bleeding after a collision on Brighton 5 St near Brighton Beach Ave. The pedestrian was left in shock. Details on driver actions or contributing factors remain unspecified in the police report.

According to the police report, a pedestrian, a 41-year-old male, was injured in a crash on Brighton 5 St near Brighton Beach Ave in Brooklyn at 4:00 AM. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his entire body and experienced minor bleeding, resulting in shock. The report does not specify the type of vehicle involved or any contributing factors such as driver errors or pedestrian actions. No details on driver license status, vehicle movement, or point of impact were provided. The absence of cited driver errors or contributing factors in the report limits the ability to identify systemic dangers or driver mistakes in this incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793146 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 16 - A taxi traveling south and an SUV making a right turn collided on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. A 73-year-old female passenger in the SUV suffered knee and lower leg injuries, experiencing shock and pain. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:23 AM on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. A 2024 Toyota taxi was traveling straight south when it collided with a 2024 Mazda SUV making a right turn. The point of impact was the taxi's right front bumper and the SUV's left front bumper. The SUV had one occupant, a 73-year-old female passenger seated in the left rear, who was injured with knee, lower leg, and foot trauma and experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. She was secured with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The taxi had two occupants, including the male licensed driver. The report does not specify contributing factors or driver errors, but the collision involved conflicting vehicle movements—straight travel versus a right turn—indicating potential failure to yield or right-of-way errors by one or both drivers. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792828 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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 - Ambulance making left turn on Ocean Parkway crashed. Driver distracted. Male passenger in rear injured, found unconscious. Impact struck right front bumper. No other vehicles or pedestrians involved.

According to the police report, an ambulance crashed while making a left turn on Ocean Parkway near Belt Parkway at 12:43 a.m. The vehicle, driven by a licensed female driver, struck with its right front bumper. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. A 53-year-old male passenger in the rear of the ambulance was injured and found unconscious. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The police report notes the passenger used no safety equipment, but does not cite this as a cause. The crash highlights the danger posed by distracted driving, even in emergency vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791656 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 1 - A 79-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan made a left turn and struck her at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver’s inexperience was cited as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was conscious and bruised but not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Brighton Beach Avenue in Brooklyn at 11:32 AM. A sedan traveling north made a left turn and struck a 79-year-old female pedestrian located at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity classified as moderate. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor to the collision. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but was not ejected from any vehicle. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789755 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 31 - Assembly bill A 4214 lets drivers escape speed camera tickets if paperwork is sloppy. Missing, wrong, or unreadable info means no fine. Vulnerable road users lose a layer of protection.

Assembly bill A 4214, sponsored by Mike Reilly (District 62) with Michael Novakhov and Joe DeStefano, sits at the sponsorship stage. Introduced January 31, 2025, it reads: 'Permits a violation captured by a speed camera to be dismissed...if any information...is omitted...misdescribed or illegible.' The bill weakens speed camera enforcement by letting drivers dodge tickets on technicalities. No safety analyst has weighed in, but the measure chips away at a tool that slows cars and shields people on foot and bike.

• File A 4214, Open States, Published 2025-01-31

Jan 31 - Assembly bill A 4147 orders bold yellow signs near speed cameras. Signs must stand within fifty feet. Drivers get clear warning. Sponsors push for visibility. No mention of direct safety gains for walkers or riders.

Assembly bill A 4147 was introduced on January 31, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to requirements for signs providing notice of the use of a photo speed violation monitoring system,' demands that warning signs be primarily yellow and placed within fifty feet of speed cameras. Assembly Members Mike Reilly (primary sponsor), Michael Novakhov, and Joe DeStefano back the measure. The bill aims for clearer notice to drivers. There is no analyst note on its impact for vulnerable road users.

• File A 4147, Open States, Published 2025-01-31

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 - Two sedans collided on Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn. The male driver failed to yield right-of-way. Both drivers suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The front passenger was also injured. Both occupants were conscious and restrained by seat belts.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:19 on Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn involving two sedans. The male driver, traveling west, was cited for failure to yield right-of-way. The collision impacted the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. Both the driver and front passenger of the northbound sedan sustained neck injuries and whiplash, classified as injury severity 3. Both occupants were conscious and secured with lap belts and harnesses. The report explicitly identifies the male driver's failure to yield as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The female driver was making a left turn at the time of impact. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding right-of-way at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788077 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 23 - Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23