Flatlands Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Sleep

A young man on a motorcycle struck a parked sedan on Avenue N. He flew from the bike, face-first, bleeding on the street. The crash left him conscious but badly hurt. Traffic control was ignored. The road bore the mark of impact.

A 21-year-old motorcycle rider was ejected and severely injured after colliding with a parked sedan on Avenue N near East 56th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A helmetless rider slammed into a parked sedan, face-first. The bike crumpled. He flew. Blood pooled on hot asphalt. At 21, he lay conscious, ejected, bleeding, the light behind him ignored.' The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. The rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but the primary cause cited is the failure to obey traffic control. The sedan was parked and unoccupied at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650157 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Council members push to end jaywalking penalties. Supporters cite biased enforcement. Critics warn of danger for pedestrians. The bill faces debate as traffic deaths fall but injuries persist. The city weighs safety against fairness in street crossings.

On July 22, 2023, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse introduced a bill to legalize jaywalking in New York City. The measure, supported by Council Members Tiffany Caban and Shahana Hanif, aims to 'greenlight pedestrians to freely cross streets outside the crosswalk or without obeying traffic signals.' The bill responds to claims of biased enforcement against Black and Latino New Yorkers. Council Majority Leader Joseph Borelli and Councilwoman Joann Ariola oppose the bill, warning it could endanger pedestrians. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or received a hearing. The NYPD and Mayor's office are reviewing the legislation. The debate highlights the tension between enforcement fairness and the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users. No formal safety analysis has been provided.

• Far-left NYC Council Dems push to legalize jaywalking, nypost.com, Published 2023-07-22

Two sedans collided on East 57 Street in Brooklyn. A 21-year-old female driver suffered a back injury. The crash involved driver inattention and passenger distraction. The injured occupant was restrained and conscious after impact to the left front bumper.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on East 57 Street in Brooklyn involving two sedans traveling south and one parked vehicle. The 21-year-old female driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained a back injury but was not ejected and remained conscious. The crash involved impact to the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right rear quarter panel of the parked car. The report lists contributing factors as driver inattention and passenger distraction. No other drivers were reported injured. The data shows the female driver was distracted, leading to the crash and injury to her passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645454 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A sedan traveling north rear-ended a vehicle backing south on Avenue N in Brooklyn. Both men inside the sedan suffered back injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction was cited as the cause. Both occupants were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2015 sedan traveling north on Avenue N in Brooklyn struck the rear of a vehicle that was backing south. The sedan's driver and front passenger, both men in their early 30s, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan sustained damage to its center front end, while the other vehicle was damaged at its center back end. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The driver was licensed in Georgia and was entering a parked position before impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644350 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 27-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle traveling south on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. She suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg and foot. The crash occurred outside an intersection. The pedestrian was conscious and injured seriously.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured by a vehicle on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The 27-year-old female pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash happened away from an intersection. The contributing factor listed was "Other Vehicular," indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The vehicle involved was unspecified in type and direction was southbound. No information on driver license status or vehicle details was provided. The pedestrian's actions are unknown, and no safety equipment or helmet was noted. The report highlights the impact and injuries without assigning fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642236 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A motorcycle struck the left side of an SUV on Ralph Avenue. The motorcycle driver, unlicensed, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The SUV driver was bruised but conscious. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling southeast collided with the left side doors of a northbound SUV on Ralph Avenue. The motorcycle driver, who was unlicensed, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was conscious at the scene. The SUV driver, licensed and traveling straight ahead, suffered contusions and bruises but was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The motorcycle's front end and the SUV's left rear quarter panel were damaged. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641911 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A distracted sedan driver struck a 15-year-old boy crossing Kings Highway. The teen suffered a fractured, dislocated leg. He stayed conscious. The crash left the car undamaged. Streets remain perilous for Brooklyn’s young pedestrians.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Kings Highway at East 49 Street in Brooklyn when a westbound sedan struck him. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The boy suffered a fracture and dislocation to his knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious after the crash. The sedan showed no damage. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. This crash underscores the danger distracted drivers pose to people crossing city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642050 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two SUVs collided on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The rear vehicle struck the front one. The driver of the rear SUV suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. No ejections or severe vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles traveling north on Flatbush Avenue collided when the rear SUV struck the back of the front SUV. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 30-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The rear SUV sustained damage to its center back end, while the front SUV showed no damage. The injured driver was secured with a lap belt and harness. No other injuries or victims were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640844 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 34-year-old man crossing against the signal was struck by a southbound SUV on Avenue N in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian at the right front quarter panel. The man suffered knee and lower leg bruises.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing against the signal at an intersection on Avenue N in Brooklyn. The collision involved a southbound Jeep SUV that was starting in traffic. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian's crossing against the signal is noted, but the primary driver error was inattention. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640863 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 44-year-old male SUV driver lost consciousness on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV collided head-on with a sedan. The driver suffered full-body injuries and was incoherent at the scene. Driver inattention and inexperience contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male driver of a 2010 Ford SUV lost consciousness while driving eastbound on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV struck a westbound 2017 BMW sedan head-on. The SUV driver was injured across his entire body and was incoherent at the scene. The report lists driver inattention, distraction, and inexperience as contributing factors. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other victims were reported injured. The crash caused center front-end damage to both vehicles. The report does not indicate any fault or blame on other parties.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636361 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

A sedan sped down Utica Avenue. It hit a 63-year-old man crossing the street. Blood pooled. Parked cars crumpled. The man suffered a head wound. The street fell silent. Unsafe speed left its mark.

A 63-year-old man was crossing Utica Avenue near 1656 when a speeding sedan struck him in the head. According to the police report, 'A 63-year-old man, crossing without a signal, struck in the head by a speeding sedan. Blood pooled on the street. Parked cars crumpled.' The crash left the pedestrian with severe lacerations and a serious head injury. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. Several parked vehicles were damaged in the impact. The data shows no other contributing factors from the pedestrian. The crash underscores the danger of speeding vehicles to people on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Sedan struck on Avenue I. Rear passenger, 33, suffers concussion and full-body injury. Driver inexperience and distraction listed. Lap belt and harness used. Brooklyn street, hard impact, lasting harm.

According to the police report, a 2017 Ford sedan traveling north on Avenue I in Brooklyn was struck in the right rear quarter panel by a westbound vehicle. The crash injured a 33-year-old woman seated in the right rear passenger seat. She suffered a concussion and injuries to her entire body. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The passenger was secured with a lap belt and harness. No victim fault or other contributing factors are mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636651 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

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 2023-06-01

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 2023-05-31

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30