East Flatbush Bleeds—And City Hall Looks Away

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

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

Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.

Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.

• File Int 1195-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

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

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

A southbound SUV struck a parked SUV on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. The 89-year-old driver of the moving vehicle was injured and became incoherent. The crash involved front-end impact with the moving SUV and side damage to the parked SUV.

According to the police report, at 17:21 on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, a 1998 Chevrolet SUV traveling southbound collided with a parked 2024 Kia SUV. The moving vehicle impacted the center front end, while the parked vehicle sustained damage to its left side doors. The sole occupant and driver of the moving SUV, an 89-year-old male, was injured and found incoherent after the crash. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor, indicating a possible medical issue affecting the driver. There is no indication of victim fault or pedestrian involvement. The collision resulted from the moving vehicle striking the parked vehicle, highlighting driver impairment as a key factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791327 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An 80-year-old man suffered severe leg fractures when an SUV making a left turn hit him at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver’s inattention and limited view caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a 2019 Jeep SUV was making a left turn on Lenox Rd near Bedford Ave in Brooklyn at 1:35 PM when it struck an 80-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors to the crash. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front bumper. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver’s failure to maintain attention and limited visibility directly contributed to the collision. The pedestrian’s actions are listed as unknown, with no contributing factors assigned to him.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792772 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 49-year-old woman crossing with the signal suffered knee and lower leg injuries when an SUV making a left turn struck her on Snyder Avenue. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing a collision that left the pedestrian bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Snyder Avenue in Brooklyn at 9:30 AM. A 49-year-old female pedestrian was crossing at an intersection with the signal when she was struck by a southbound SUV making a left turn. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian on the left front quarter panel, causing contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were mentioned. The driver, a licensed male in a 2013 SUV, did not yield while turning, directly causing the collision and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790568 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cargo van struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide in Brooklyn. Gil died. The driver turned left, hit them in the crosswalk. No charges filed. Gil survived war and disaster, but not New York traffic. Another senior lost to city streets.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. A man driving a cargo van made a left turn and struck Gil and her home health aide. The aide survived; Gil did not. Police made no arrests or charges. The article notes, 'She was a very active lady.' Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn that month. Transportation Alternatives highlighted that 46 senior pedestrians died in city crashes last year. The crash underscores the ongoing risk to older New Yorkers at crosswalks and the lack of driver accountability in such incidents.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

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

A bus and an SUV collided on New York Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cited driver inattention and traffic control disregard as causes. The crash left the SUV driver injured but conscious.

According to the police report, at 11:15 AM on New York Avenue in Brooklyn, a collision occurred between a bus traveling west and an SUV traveling south. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the bus and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV driver, a 46-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained injuries to his entire body and complained of whiplash. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors to the crash. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights driver errors and systemic dangers at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788215 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 2642 orders new safety tech in every car. The DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for change. Streets could see fewer crashes. The fight for safer roads moves to Albany.

Assembly Bill A 2642, now in sponsorship, would require advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill, introduced January 21, 2025, directs the DMV commissioner to set rules and regulations. The matter reads: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Brian Cunningham leads as primary sponsor, joined by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt life-saving tech. No safety analyst has yet assessed its direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 2642, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Two sedans collided at Clarkson Avenue. A right rear passenger suffered back injuries and shock. The crash tore metal and left pain. No driver errors listed. Brooklyn street, early morning, danger struck fast.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 6:45 AM at Clarkson Avenue in Brooklyn. One sedan traveled north, going straight. The other, also northbound, made a left turn. The impact struck the right rear quarter panel of the first sedan and the left front bumper of the second. A 57-year-old woman riding as the right rear passenger in the first car suffered back injuries and shock. She wore no safety equipment and was not ejected. The report lists no explicit driver errors or contributing factors. No mention of failure to yield, speeding, or signals. The crash left one injured and two vehicles damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785904 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans slammed together on Church Avenue. Three men inside suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash left them in pain and nausea. No driver errors listed. The impact was brutal and sudden.

According to the police report, at 11:53 AM on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, a Chevrolet sedan traveling west struck a parked Subaru sedan, hitting the Subaru's left side doors and the Chevrolet's front end. Three men in the Chevrolet, all aged 25 to 28, were injured. Each suffered injuries to their entire bodies, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. All wore lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The violent collision left all occupants hurt, showing the force of car crashes even without listed violations.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08