Brownsville Bleeds—Leaders Stall. Demand Safe Streets Now.

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 2023-02-28

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 2023-02-28

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 2023-02-28

Two sedans collided on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn. A child passenger in the rear seat suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles were traveling south. The impact hit the center back end of one car and the center front end of the other.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on Rockaway Avenue collided in a rear-end crash. The impact struck the center back end of the lead vehicle and the center front end of the trailing vehicle. A child passenger seated in the middle rear seat of one sedan was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. The child was restrained in a child safety seat and was conscious after the crash. No specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were listed in the report. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not assign fault or blame to the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639888 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 2019 SUV traveling south struck a 2018 sedan making a left turn in Brooklyn. Three occupants in the SUV suffered back and leg injuries. The sedan driver’s improper turn caused the crash. All were conscious and none ejected.

According to the police report, a 2019 Honda SUV traveling south on Stone Avenue collided with a 2018 Toyota sedan making an improper left turn. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the SUV and the left front bumper of the sedan. Three occupants in the SUV were injured: the 34-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash, the 36-year-old male front passenger had back injuries and whiplash, and the 45-year-old female rear passenger sustained contusions and bruises to her knee and lower leg. All occupants were conscious and none were ejected. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor, identifying driver error on the sedan’s part. No safety equipment was used by the injured occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4608322 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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

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

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

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

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

A 14-year-old boy crossing against the signal was hit by a southbound SUV on Rockaway Avenue. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The boy suffered full-body injuries and shock. The SUV showed no damage at impact.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2016 SUV traveling south on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the collision occurred. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body and was in shock. The SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, had no visible damage at the center front end impact point. The pedestrian's actions are noted but the report emphasizes driver errors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Eighteen Brooklyn officials demand state DOT address BQE’s full deadly stretch. They reject piecemeal fixes. They call out decades of harm. The state’s refusal leaves neighborhoods exposed. The city’s hands are tied. The highway’s danger remains. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 10, 2023, eighteen Brooklyn lawmakers issued a joint letter demanding New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) participate in comprehensive planning for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The statement, prompted by a Streetsblog report, reads: "We ask that the NYS DOT remember the daily harms caused by the BQE in its current state—not just the crumbling cantilever section—and join us at the table in search of a solution." The group includes Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Sens. Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Kristen Gonzalez, Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Members Bobby Carroll, Maritza Davila, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Emily Gallagher, Jo Anne Simon, Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Members Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Lincoln Restler. Senator Gounardes called the state’s refusal to join the city’s visioning process “unacceptable and irresponsible.” The lawmakers stress that the BQE’s harms—crashes, pollution, division—stretch from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint. Without state action, only city-owned segments see attention. The city’s efforts are limited. The state’s inaction leaves systemic danger unaddressed.

• Brooklyn Pols Demand the State ‘Come to the Table’ on the BQE, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

Two sedans collided on Stone Avenue in Brooklyn. Rear passengers suffered back injuries and shock. Driver inexperience and improper lane use led to the crash. Metal twisted. Pain followed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Stone Avenue in Brooklyn. A Nissan sedan, driven by a woman with a learner's permit, turned left and struck a Toyota sedan going straight. The impact hit the Nissan's left side and the Toyota's right front. Two rear passengers in the Nissan, a 48-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man, suffered back injuries and shock. The report lists driver inexperience, improper lane usage, and failure to yield as contributing factors. Both injured passengers wore no safety equipment. The crash left both vehicles damaged and two people in pain.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605098 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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 2023-02-01

Senate bill S 3304 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Photo devices would catch violators. Sponsors say it’s time to protect cyclists. The bill stands at the sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 3304, sponsored by Brad Hoylman-Sigal with co-sponsors Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, and Julia Salazar, was introduced on January 30, 2023. The bill is in the sponsorship stage. It seeks to 'establish in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The measure targets drivers who block bike lanes, aiming to keep space clear for cyclists. No safety analyst note is available. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or vote.

• File S 3304, Open States, Published 2023-01-30

An SUV made a right turn on Rockaway Avenue. An e-scooter rider going straight collided with the vehicle’s right side doors. The rider, a 35-year-old man, suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male e-scooter rider was injured when a 2022 Dodge SUV made a right turn on Rockaway Avenue and struck him on the right side doors. The e-scooter rider was going straight ahead at the time. The rider sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling north. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any clear driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Neither vehicle showed damage. The e-scooter rider wore no listed safety equipment relevant to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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

A 51-year-old woman was hit by an SUV making a left turn on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to her lower leg and foot.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Rockaway Avenue with the signal in Brooklyn. The driver, operating a 2021 Dodge SUV, was making a left turn and struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following the crossing signal at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4602807 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A new study exposes how people shrug off the deadly risks of driving. Most accept crashes and pollution as normal. The same harms spark outrage elsewhere. This double standard leaves pedestrians and cyclists in the crosshairs. The culture shields drivers, not victims.

On January 19, 2023, researchers published a report in the Journal of Environment and Health, dissecting public attitudes toward driving dangers. The study, led by environmental psychologist Ian Walker, surveyed over 2,000 British adults. It found that 61 percent of respondents accepted driving risks as natural, while far fewer tolerated similar hazards at work or from smoking. The article, titled 'The Dangers of Driving Are Way More Normalized Than We Think,' highlights what Walker calls 'motonormativity'—a cultural blind spot that excuses harm from cars. Walker urges policy changes: 'Build a street where people can't speed... you won't have speeding.' The research shows that society’s deep-rooted car bias endangers vulnerable road users and blocks reforms that could save lives.

• The Dangers of Driving Are Way More Normalized Than We Think, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-19

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13