No Excuses: Death Is a Policy Choice on Our Streets

Flatbush (West)-Ditmas Park-Parkville: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 4, 2025

The Toll on Our Streets

One child dead. Three others with injuries so severe they will not forget. In the last twelve months, Flatbush (West)-Ditmas Park-Parkville saw 161 people hurt and one killed in 240 crashes. Three were left with serious injuries. The youngest to die was under 18. The oldest to fall was over 75. The numbers do not flinch. They do not care about hope or promises. NYC crash data

Children, elders, and everyone in between are at risk. In the past year, 14 children were injured. Two suffered injuries so grave they may never heal. For the old, the street is no safer. Ten people aged 65–74 were hurt. Six more over 75. The street does not care how old you are.

The Machines That Kill

SUVs and trucks do the worst damage. In this region, SUVs killed two people and left 27 with moderate injuries. Trucks and buses added more. Cars, motorcycles, and mopeds all played their part. No bike killed anyone. The danger is heavy and fast.

What Leaders Have Done—and Not Done

The city has the power to lower speed limits. It has not used it. Albany passed Sammy’s Law. The city can make the limit 20 mph. It has not. Speed cameras cut speeding and injuries, but the law that keeps them running is always at risk. Local leaders talk of safety, but the street stays the same. The numbers do not lie. The bodies do not move.

What Comes Next

This is not fate. This is policy. Every crash is a choice made by someone in power. Every delay is a life at risk. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand speed cameras that never go dark.

Do not wait for another child’s name on a sign. Take action now.