Belt Parkway Bleeds. Ocean Avenue Mourns.

Apr 9 - SUV struck woman and child crossing Batchelder Street. Both pedestrians injured. Police cite driver inattention. Impact tore at faces and legs. Steel against flesh. Pain left behind.

A station wagon/SUV hit two pedestrians—a 29-year-old woman and a 6-year-old girl—while they crossed Batchelder Street at Voorhies Avenue in Brooklyn. Both were injured, suffering wounds to the face and lower leg. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was the listed contributing factor. The SUV’s front end struck the pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. No other contributing factors were noted in the report. The driver and a passenger were not reported as injured. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lose focus at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804956 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 9 - A driver ran a stop sign in East New York. He slammed into a school bus. His passenger died. The bus driver was hurt. The driver fled in an Uber. Police caught him soon after. Streets remain unforgiving.

Gothamist (April 9, 2025) reports that Tyree Epps, 32, was indicted after allegedly running a stop sign and crashing into a school bus in East New York, Brooklyn. The February collision killed his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, and injured the bus driver. According to the Brooklyn DA, Epps "ignored a stop sign and drove at excessive speeds," then left the scene by calling an Uber, abandoning his injured passenger. The impact pushed the bus into a third, empty vehicle. No children on the bus were harmed. Epps was apprehended after fleeing on foot. The case highlights persistent dangers at intersections and the lethal consequences of ignoring traffic controls.

• Brooklyn Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, Gothamist, Published 2025-04-09

Apr 4 - Ocean Parkway cuts through Brooklyn like a wound. Six lanes, fast cars, old design. State and city spent millions. Speed cameras blink. Still, people die. Politicians block real change. Residents demand more. Enforcement alone fails. The danger remains. Blood stains the asphalt.

"Assembly Member Michael Novakhov recently told Streetsblog he thinks the speed limit is too slow on Ocean Parkway." -- Misha Novakhov

On April 4, 2025, public debate erupted over Ocean Parkway’s safety. The matter, described as 'Tragedy Underscores Shortcomings of Vision Zero Era State Ocean Parkway Fixes,' highlights the failure of current efforts. Despite millions spent on speed cameras and signals, the six-lane highway remains deadly. Assembly Member Michael Novakhov called for higher speed limits. State Senator Simcha Felder pushed for a 30 mph limit, above the citywide standard. Advocates like Jon Orcutt demand deeper redesigns—lane reductions, pedestrian islands. Residents and experts say enforcement alone cannot save lives. Local opposition and political power block bold changes. The city DOT promises more work, but the danger persists. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

• Vision? Zero: Tragedy Underscores Shortcomings of Efforts to Make Ocean Parkway Safer, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-04

Apr 2 - A car plowed through families on Ocean Parkway. Three killed. Survivors hurt, shaken, haunted. The driver had a suspended license, dozens of violations, unpaid fines. The city’s streets failed to protect the most vulnerable. Pain lingers. Justice waits.

ABC7 reported on April 2, 2025, that a crash in Brooklyn killed a mother and her two daughters, leaving another family injured and traumatized. The article states, “Shakhzod described ongoing back pain and fears of another accident.” The driver, Miriam Yarimi, had 93 violations, $10,000 in unpaid fines, and a suspended license. She struck an Uber, then hit families crossing Ocean Parkway, flipping her vehicle. Yarimi faces charges including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. The crash exposes systemic failure: a driver with a long record remained on the road. Survivors suffer lasting physical and emotional wounds. The city’s enforcement and oversight remain under scrutiny.

• Brooklyn Crash Leaves Family Scarred, Three Dead, ABC7, Published 2025-04-02

Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.

On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.

• ‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2025-04-01

Apr 1 - A red-light runner tore through Ocean Parkway. The Audi slammed an Uber, then plowed into a family in the crosswalk. A mother and her two daughters died. Survivors watched, hurt and helpless, as medics tried to save the fallen.

According to the NY Daily News (April 1, 2025), a crash on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn left a mother and her two daughters dead after a speeding Audi, driven by Miriam Yarimi, struck an Uber and then pedestrians in a crosswalk. Police said Yarimi was driving about 50 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light with a suspended license. She was charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault, reckless driving, and other offenses. The article quotes survivor Shakhzod Ahmedova: "After the car crash, we just saw the car flipped over and two kids on the ground. We were scared." The incident highlights the lethal consequences of unlicensed, reckless driving and raises questions about enforcement and street design on major corridors like Ocean Parkway.

• Speeding Audi Kills Mother, Two Children, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-01

Mar 31 - A speeding Audi struck a mother and her daughters in a Brooklyn crosswalk. The crash killed three. The youngest son was left fighting for life. The driver, with a long record of violations, now faces manslaughter charges.

According to the New York Post (March 31, 2025), Miriam Yarimi drove her Audi through a Brooklyn crosswalk, killing Natasha Saada and her daughters, Diana and Debra. Saada’s 4-year-old son was critically injured. Police said the victims were 'legally crossing the street in a crosswalk when the driver's speeding Audi struck them.' Yarimi’s car had over 93 traffic violations. She told first responders she was 'possessed' and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation. The article notes Yarimi’s history of paranoid social media posts and erratic behavior. She has been charged with manslaughter. The crash highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians and raises questions about enforcement against repeat traffic offenders.

• Brooklyn Driver Kills Mother, Two Daughters, New York Post, Published 2025-03-31

Mar 31 - Assembly Member Novakhov stood at a funeral for a mother and two children killed by a speeder. He spoke against a bill to fit repeat speeders’ cars with limiters. He called enforcement excessive. Mourners demanded action. The street remains deadly.

On March 31, 2025, Assembly Member Michael Novakhov publicly opposed a state bill requiring speed-limiting devices for cars owned by repeat speeders. The statement came at the funeral for Natasha Saada and her children, killed by a speeding driver on Ocean Parkway. Novakhov argued, 'six red-light or speed violations in one year [is] too little,' and claimed, 'any driver can get much more than six.' He also denounced speed cameras, saying, 'we have too many,' and that they punish regular drivers. The bill’s matter summary centers on requiring devices for vehicles with six violations in a year. Community members and advocates at the funeral demanded stronger accountability and cited the area’s deadly history. Other local politicians, including Kalman Yeger and Simcha Felder, have also opposed speed safety measures. The Department of Transportation has not recommended major changes to Ocean Parkway, despite ongoing danger.

• Local Pol Novakhov Appears to Defends Reckless Driving at Funeral of Mother and Two Kids Killed by Speeder, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-31

Mar 30 - A driver sped down Ocean Parkway, slammed into a Camry, then struck a mother and her three children in the crosswalk. Three died. The youngest clings to life. The Audi’s driver had a suspended license. The street ran red with grief.

ABC7 reported on March 30, 2025, that a multi-vehicle crash on Ocean Parkway in Midwood killed Natasha Saada and her daughters, ages 5 and 8, and critically injured her 4-year-old son. The article states, "A driver has been charged after a multi-vehicle crash in Brooklyn killed a mother and her two young daughters and critically injured her son." Police say Miriam Yarimi, driving an Audi with a suspended license, rear-ended a Toyota Camry and then struck the family in the crosswalk. Yarimi faces charges including manslaughter, reckless driving, and failing to yield. The Camry was an Uber with children inside, who were also hurt. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called it "a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road." The crash highlights the lethal risk posed by unlicensed, reckless drivers and the vulnerability of families crossing city streets.

• Mother And Daughters Killed On Ocean Parkway, ABC7, Published 2025-03-30

Mar 29 - A car struck a mother and her two daughters in a Brooklyn crosswalk. All three died. A young boy fights for life. The driver’s license was suspended. The Audi hit another car, then pedestrians. Ocean Parkway’s danger is no secret.

According to ABC7 (published March 29, 2025), a 34-year-old woman and her two daughters, ages six and eight, were killed when an Audi, driven by Mariam Yarimi on a suspended license, rear-ended a Toyota Camry and then struck the family in a crosswalk on Ocean Parkway. A four-year-old boy remains in critical condition. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called it 'a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road.' The Audi went airborne after the collision. Residents described chronic speeding and red-light running on Ocean Parkway. Authorities are investigating whether speed or a red light violation contributed. No arrests have been made. The crash highlights persistent systemic dangers for pedestrians on city streets.

• Mother And Children Killed On Ocean Parkway, ABC7, Published 2025-03-29

Mar 27 - A 70-year-old man crossing against the signal was struck by a northbound sedan on Avenue U in Brooklyn. The vehicle’s left front bumper hit the pedestrian, causing severe leg injuries. Limited driver visibility contributed to the collision.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Avenue U in Brooklyn struck a 70-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing against the signal. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front bumper, damaging the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The report identifies "View Obstructed/Limited" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s limited visibility played a role in the crash. The pedestrian’s crossing against the signal is noted but driver error related to limited visibility is the primary factor cited. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801813 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 27 - Two drivers suffered contusions and bruises in a high-speed collision on Belt Parkway. Both men were conscious and restrained. Impact struck the left side doors of the truck and front ends of both vehicles. Unsafe speed cited as cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 21:28 involving a pick-up truck and a sedan, both traveling eastbound. The pick-up truck was struck on its left side doors, while both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers, aged 37 and 54, were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. They suffered contusions and bruises to the elbow, lower arm, hand, shoulder, and upper arm, with injury severity rated at level 3. Neither occupant was ejected. The drivers were licensed in New York and were going straight ahead before the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801785 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 23 - Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker sped through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection has seen this before. The system pushes speed. The danger remains.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after an e-bike delivery worker "sped through a stop sign" and struck him as he exited his double-parked car in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene. No arrests were made. The article notes this intersection is known for frequent stop sign violations: "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The piece highlights systemic issues, including delivery app pressures and gaps in e-bike regulation. City data shows e-bikes account for less than 2% of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues. Lawmakers have called for tighter rules, as delivery workers face incentives to rush.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Pedestrian, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

Mar 21 - A 16-year-old driver suffered a concussion after two sedans collided on Oriental Blvd. Police cite driver inexperience and unsafe speed. The teen was left injured but conscious.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Oriental Blvd in Brooklyn at 11:48. One car made a left turn while the other traveled straight. The 16-year-old driver of the turning sedan was injured, sustaining a concussion. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The impact struck the left side doors of the teen's car. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The report details the risks when inexperienced drivers travel too fast on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800356 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 18 - A sedan and bicyclist collided head-on on E 18 St in Brooklyn. The 37-year-old female cyclist was ejected and suffered bruises and arm injuries. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the bike’s center front, causing serious harm.

According to the police report, at 14:20 on E 18 St in Brooklyn, a southbound sedan and a southbound bicycle collided head-on. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, impacted the bike at its center front with the sedan’s left front bumper. The bicyclist, a 37-year-old female, was ejected from her bike and sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not assign fault to the bicyclist. The collision’s impact and ejection highlight the severity of the crash. Driver errors such as failure to yield or other specific violations are not explicitly cited, but the collision’s nature points to a dangerous interaction between the sedan and the bicycle on the roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801040 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 15 - A police cruiser swerved from a U-turning car and crashed into a building. Two officers went to the hospital. The street bore the scars. Metal, glass, brick—shattered. Sirens cut the air. The city’s danger showed, again.

ABC7 reported on March 15, 2025, that two NYPD officers crashed their cruiser into a building at Victory Boulevard and Montgomery Street in Staten Island. The officers were responding to a call about a man with a gun. According to the article, 'another vehicle attempted to make a U-turn, causing the police cruiser to swerve to avoid a collision.' Both officers were hospitalized and are expected to recover. The crash highlights the risks of sudden maneuvers and U-turns on busy city streets. No bystanders were reported injured. The incident underscores the persistent dangers posed by unpredictable driver actions and the high stakes of emergency response in dense urban environments.

• Police Cruiser Slams Into Staten Island Building, ABC7, Published 2025-03-15

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 4 - Two sedans collided on Belt Parkway when one followed too closely. The impact struck the rear center of the lead vehicle and injured its driver, a 37-year-old man, who suffered a neck contusion but remained conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 9:15 AM involving two sedans traveling westbound. The collision was caused by the trailing vehicle following too closely, which led to it striking the center back end of the lead vehicle. The lead vehicle sustained damage to its right rear bumper, while the striking vehicle's left front bumper was damaged. The driver of the lead vehicle, a 37-year-old man, was injured with a neck contusion but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report explicitly cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error as the cause. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797571 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 3 - A 76-year-old woman crossing Avenue Y with the signal suffered a severe leg fracture after an SUV making a left turn struck her. The driver’s failure to yield right-of-way caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian injured but conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 76-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Avenue Y and Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn at 6:21 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2020 Nissan SUV, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her on the left front quarter panel. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as a severe injury. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but the failure to yield created a dangerous situation resulting in serious harm to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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