Flatlands Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Sleep

A moped rider traveling east was struck on the right rear quarter panel by an SUV making a left turn on Flatlands Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. Police cite failure to yield as cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:21 on Flatlands Avenue in Brooklyn. A moped traveling eastbound was struck by a 2010 Subaru SUV making a left turn westbound. The point of impact was the SUV's right rear quarter panel. The moped driver, a 35-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as serious injuries. The police report identifies the SUV driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The moped showed no vehicle damage, indicating the force of impact was concentrated on the rider. The SUV sustained damage to its right rear quarter panel. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle while making the left turn. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724892 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A man crossing at Flatlands Avenue and Avenue J was hit. He suffered arm and hand wounds, bleeding, and shock. No driver errors listed. The vehicle type is unknown. Brooklyn streets remain perilous for walkers.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Flatlands Avenue and Avenue J in Brooklyn. He suffered injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with minor bleeding and shock. The vehicle involved is unspecified. The police report lists no driver errors or contributing factors from either party. No helmet or crossing signal use is mentioned. The crash underscores the risks pedestrians face, even when no fault is assigned to the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723958 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two sedans collided on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers suffered head injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and distraction caused the crash. Passengers were restrained and conscious. The collision damaged the front ends of both vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn at 9:30 AM involving two sedans traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front bumper of one vehicle and the left rear quarter panel of the other. Both drivers were licensed and driving sedans registered in New York and Vermont. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. Both drivers sustained head injuries and whiplash, were conscious, and were wearing lap belts and harnesses. A front passenger in one sedan was also injured with head trauma and whiplash but was not ejected. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the center front ends. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720658 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 31-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a vehicle failed to yield right-of-way on Avenue H in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck, sustaining contusions and bruises but remained conscious.

According to the police report, at 16:53 on Avenue H in Brooklyn, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at an intersection. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the vehicle driver as the contributing factor to the collision. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the time of the report. The vehicle involved is unspecified in type and details. The pedestrian was not at fault; the driver’s failure to yield caused the impact and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720924 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Moped hit parked sedan on Glenwood Road. Driver thrown, left with arm injuries and abrasions. No driver errors listed. Brooklyn street, broad daylight, metal and flesh met hard.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west struck the left side doors of a parked sedan near 5001 Glenwood Road, Brooklyn, at 14:25. The 36-year-old male moped driver was ejected and suffered upper arm injuries and abrasions. The sedan was stationary. No driver errors or contributing factors such as failure to yield or speeding were recorded in the report. The moped driver wore no safety equipment. The crash left the moped with front end damage and the sedan with damage to its left side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719725 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council bill orders DOT to factor traffic enforcement agents into city safety plans. The move targets deadly streets. Sponsors demand action, not words. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait for safer crossings.

Int 0842-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced April 18, 2024, the bill amends city law to require the Department of Transportation to consider where traffic enforcement agents are placed when drafting the interagency roadway safety plan. The bill summary states: 'require DOT to specifically consider placement of traffic enforcement agents in certain areas.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Members Brannan (primary), Louis, Restler, and the Queens Borough President sponsor the measure. The bill responds to Local Law 12 of 2011, which already mandates a five-year safety plan. Now, the council demands DOT put enforcement on the map, aiming to cut injuries and deaths.

• File Int 0842-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council pushes for borough-based DOT teams. Staff must answer traffic requests fast. Response tied to need. Three-month deadline. Action targets slow fixes. Vulnerable road users wait less.

Int 0853-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 18, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to creating borough-based traffic request response teams,' requires the Department of Transportation to assign staff to each borough, matching staff numbers to request volume. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Amanda Farías, and Rafael Salamanca, Jr. back the measure. The teams must respond to traffic requests within three months. The bill aims to cut delays that leave dangerous conditions unaddressed, giving vulnerable road users a better shot at safer streets.

• File Int 0853-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Two SUVs slammed together on East 59 Street. Metal twisted. A 29-year-old man behind the wheel took the brunt—concussion, arm battered. Both drivers went straight. Streets stayed hard and unforgiving.

According to the police report, two SUVs crashed on East 59 Street at 16:30. A 2018 Mazda SUV, heading south, was struck on its right front quarter panel. The other, a 2008 Honda SUV, traveling east, took damage to its front. The 29-year-old Mazda driver was injured, suffering a concussion and arm injuries. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight before impact. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. No driver errors like failure to yield or speeding were specified. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716020 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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 2024-03-27

Two SUVs smashed head-on in Brooklyn. Aggressive driving and lane misuse fueled the crash. A 24-year-old driver suffered a concussion and head injury. Shock followed. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided head-on at 8:26 p.m. on Albany Avenue in Brooklyn. Both vehicles were heading south. The crash struck the right front bumper of one SUV and the left front bumper of the other. The 24-year-old male driver, restrained by a lap belt and harness, suffered a concussion and a level 3 head injury. He was not ejected but experienced shock. The police report lists aggressive driving and improper passing or lane usage as the main contributing factors. No pedestrian involvement is noted. The report attributes the crash to driver errors, with no mention of victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712834 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 13-year-old boy suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being hit by a northbound SUV on East 37 Street. The driver’s inattention and inexperience caused the crash, which occurred away from an intersection as the pedestrian crossed without signal.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured on East 37 Street in Brooklyn at 12:20 PM. The pedestrian was crossing outside of an intersection without a signal when he was struck by a northbound 2021 Chevrolet SUV. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver’s inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience. The SUV showed no visible damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The driver was licensed in New York. No pedestrian fault or contributing behavior was noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712143 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A northbound SUV stopped in traffic struck another vehicle, impacting its right front quarter panel. A 61-year-old female passenger wearing a lap belt and harness sustained an eye contusion. The crash involved driver error classified as 'Other Vehicular.'

According to the police report, at 15:56, a 2011 Honda SUV traveling north on Flatbush Avenue was stopped in traffic when it collided with another vehicle, impacting the right front quarter panel. The driver was licensed in New York. The crash's contributing factor was listed as 'Other Vehicular,' indicating driver error. A 61-year-old female passenger seated in the middle front seat or lying across a seat was injured, suffering an eye contusion and a bruise. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time of the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors leading to rear-end impacts in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712295 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Council wants bold signs at every school entrance. Paint on pavement. Metal overhead. The aim: warn drivers, shield kids. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait. Danger does not.

Bill Int 0714-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 19, 2024. The bill reads: 'installing safety signs near schools.' Council Member Susan Zhuang leads, joined by Rivera, Gennaro, Won, Hanif, Gutiérrez, Louis, Cabán, Restler, Farías, Banks, Riley, and Feliz. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to paint and hang school safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The goal: alert drivers to children and pedestrians. The bill awaits further action. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0714-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

Council bill orders DOT to repair broken curbs during street resurfacing. Hazardous curbs trip, trap, and injure. The fix is overdue. Pedestrians need solid ground. Council moves to force action.

Int 0724-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 19, 2024, the bill commands DOT to repair broken curbs that pose safety hazards during any resurfacing project. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... requiring that the department of transportation repair broken curbs as part of resurfacing projects.' Council Members Schulman, Gennaro (primary), Gutiérrez, Louis, Brewer, and Avilés sponsor the measure. The bill targets a simple danger: shattered curbs that trip and injure. If passed, DOT must fix these hazards as routine, not afterthought. The law would take effect 120 days after enactment.

• File Int 0724-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

Metal screamed on Avenue M. A sedan, fast and reckless, struck a line of parked cars. A three-year-old boy in the front seat took the blow to his face. Sirens chased the wreckage. Alcohol and speed left a child bleeding.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at speed on Avenue M near Kings Highway in Brooklyn. The crash, which occurred at 8:11 a.m., set off a chain reaction that crumpled a line of parked cars. The report states that a three-year-old boy, restrained in the front passenger seat, suffered crush injuries to his face. The narrative describes the aftermath: 'The air smelled of metal. Sirens rose over the wreckage.' Police cite 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The data makes clear that driver actions—specifically, driving under the influence and at unsafe speeds—were central to the crash. No contributing factors are attributed to the child passenger. The collision left a young child injured and exposed the deadly consequences of reckless driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709074 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07