Crashes Keep Rising. East Flatbush Bleeds. City Waits.

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 - A distracted sedan driver struck a stopped SUV on Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn. The impact injured the sedan driver, causing back pain and shock. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage in the westbound lanes during morning traffic.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:45 AM on Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling westbound rear-ended a stopped SUV, also westbound, causing a collision with center front and center back end impacts. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and was in shock, reporting pain and nausea. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. Both vehicles were occupied by a single driver, and there is no indication of victim fault or other contributing factors. The SUV was stopped in traffic when struck from behind by the sedan, which was going straight ahead. This crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in congested urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795678 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 24 - A 20-year-old woman was struck while crossing at an intersection in Brooklyn. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a left turn and hit the pedestrian at the center front end. The victim suffered a hip and upper leg contusion.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of E 98 St and Saratoga Ave in Brooklyn at 8:43 AM. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when a 2022 Jeep sedan, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her at the center front end. The driver was a licensed female from New York. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruise to the hip and upper leg, with injury severity rated as moderate (3). The report does not specify contributing factors for the driver but notes the pedestrian's crossing action as unspecified. The vehicle sustained no damage. The incident highlights the dangers posed by left-turning vehicles to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795842 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 23 - A taxi and a sedan collided head-on on Rutland Road in Brooklyn. Three men inside the taxi suffered whiplash and injuries to head, chest, and back. Alcohol involvement was cited as a contributing factor according to the police report.

At approximately 4:30 AM on Rutland Road in Brooklyn, a collision occurred between a taxi traveling south and a sedan traveling west, both going straight ahead. According to the police report, alcohol involvement was a contributing factor in the crash. The taxi's left front bumper and the sedan's right front bumper sustained center front end damage. The taxi carried three male occupants: a 36-year-old driver with chest injuries and whiplash, a 23-year-old left rear passenger with head injuries and whiplash, and a 22-year-old right rear passenger with back injuries and whiplash. All were conscious and not ejected. The report does not specify other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The collision caused serious injuries to the taxi occupants, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794254 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 22 - A 22-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and suffered upper arm injuries after his motorcycle was struck on the right side doors by a car traveling south. The collision caused severe damage to both vehicles and left the rider in shock.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured and ejected during a collision at 19:10 in Brooklyn near E 98 St. The motorcycle, traveling south, was hit on the right side doors by a 2024 Toyota car also traveling south. The car impacted the motorcycle at the center back end, causing damage to both vehicles. The motorcyclist sustained a shoulder and upper arm injury with injury severity rated at 3 and was reported to be in shock. The motorcyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the motorcyclist and does not specify driver errors for the car, but the impact location and damage suggest a failure to maintain safe distance or awareness. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796305 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 18 - SUV struck a 69-year-old woman crossing Linden Blvd at Rockaway Pkwy. She was incoherent, suffered back injuries. No driver errors listed. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old female pedestrian was hit by a northbound SUV while crossing Linden Blvd at Rockaway Pkwy in Brooklyn. The crash happened at 7:33 PM. The woman was crossing with the signal and suffered back injuries, described as incoherent at the scene. The driver was licensed and the SUV was initially parked before the collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle had no damage. The report details the impact and injuries without attributing fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794375 - 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 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

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 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 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 4 - A 30-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being struck by an SUV while crossing at an intersection. The pedestrian was conscious and bruised. The crash occurred on Willmohr Street in Brooklyn at 7:23 p.m.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a Ford SUV struck him at the intersection of Willmohr Street and East 98th Street in Brooklyn at 7:23 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no contributing factors from the pedestrian or the driver, and no driver errors such as failure to yield were explicitly cited. The pedestrian remained conscious after the collision. The vehicle was unoccupied by any passengers, and no additional details about driver actions or vehicle damage were provided. The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799522 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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 25 - A 33-year-old man was hurled from his bicycle on Rockaway Parkway near Lenox Road. Blood covered his face. He lay still, incoherent, as his twisted bike frame glinted in the evening traffic. No helmet. The street moved on.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male bicyclist was ejected from his bike on Rockaway Parkway near Lenox Road in Brooklyn. The report describes the man as 'thrown from his bike, face bloodied, words broken.' He was found lying still and incoherent, suffering severe bleeding to the face. The bike was described as 'twisted on the pavement,' and the report notes the absence of a helmet. No contributing factors or driver errors are listed in the police data, and no other vehicles are specified as involved. The narrative centers on the violent impact and the cyclist's injuries, highlighting the vulnerability of those traveling by bike in evening Brooklyn traffic. The police report does not cite any cyclist behavior as a contributing factor, mentioning helmet use only in the context of injury description.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788476 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 8 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 1 - A white Audi struck Michael Foster on Caton Avenue. The car dragged him for blocks. The driver never stopped. Foster died in the street. The Audi vanished into the night. No arrests. The city’s danger stays.

NY Daily News reported on January 1, 2025, that Michael Foster, 64, was killed after a white Audi hit him on Caton Ave. near Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The driver, described as speeding, dragged Foster for half a mile before leaving him near Linden Blvd. and Nostrand Ave. The article quotes a witness: "I saw him at the stop light. He would go out to the cars and beg for change." The driver fled the scene and has not been caught. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians in city streets and the ongoing issue of hit-and-run drivers evading responsibility.

• Audi Driver Drags Man Half Mile, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-01