Flatlands Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Sleep

A taxi making a left turn in Brooklyn struck an object or vehicle with its right front bumper, injuring a rear passenger. The passenger suffered contusions and lower leg injuries but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:50 on Foster Avenue near Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. The taxi, traveling southwest, was making a left turn when the right front bumper made impact. The vehicle sustained damage to the right front bumper. A 41-year-old male rear passenger, restrained by a lap belt and harness, was injured with contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The passenger was conscious and not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim behaviors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle during the maneuver. The incident highlights the dangers posed by vehicle turning movements in urban settings and the resulting injuries to vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801722 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two men suffered head injuries in a Brooklyn crash on Flatbush Avenue. Both were conscious but complained of whiplash. The driver’s distraction and unsafe speed caused the collision between two SUVs traveling east and south.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn around 12:40 a.m. Two SUVs collided, with impact at the center front end of one vehicle and the right rear quarter panel of the other. The driver of the eastbound SUV, a 24-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and whiplash. He was wearing a lap belt but was cited for driver inattention/distraction and unsafe speed. The front passenger, a 31-year-old man, also suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both occupants were conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly identifies driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors, highlighting the driver’s errors as central to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801340 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker flew through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection is known for danger. Delivery speed and city policy collide.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after being struck by an e-bike delivery worker who "sped through a stop sign" at Franklin and India streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene; no arrests were made as the investigation continued. The article notes that the intersection is a known trouble spot, with Collins stating, "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The report highlights systemic issues: delivery app pressures, lack of regulation, and a street design that encourages risky moves. City data shows e-bikes account for a small share of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Man, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

City Council voted to legalize jaywalking. Mercedes Narcisse led the push. The bill passed 40-8. Enforcement was rare. DOT warned of risk. Pedestrian deaths remain high. The mayor let it become law. Streets stay dangerous for walkers.

On March 23, 2025, the New York City Council passed a bill to decriminalize jaywalking. The measure, championed by Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse of District 46, cleared the chamber in a veto-proof 40-8 vote. The bill's matter title: 'Jaywalking in NYC is set to be legal.' The legislation eliminates the $250 fine for crossing outside crosswalks or against signals. DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione testified against the bill, warning, 'Over the last five years, 200 people lost their lives while crossing the street mid-block or against the signal, making up about 34 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.' Mayor Eric Adams neither signed nor vetoed the bill, allowing it to become law. City Hall and NYPD officials continue to urge pedestrians to follow traffic rules. The Department of Transportation must now draft rules to implement the change. Vulnerable road users remain at risk.

• Jaywalking in NYC is set to be legal — but there was hardly any enforcement when it was a crime, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-23

Two sedans crashed at Ryder Street in Brooklyn. Impact sent both cars into a stopped truck. One driver bruised his arm. Metal twisted. No driver errors listed. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 16:23 on Ryder Street in Brooklyn. Both drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The crash forced both cars into a box truck stopped in traffic. The Toyota's left front bumper struck the Mercedes' right front bumper, damaging both vehicles. The truck took a hit to its left rear bumper. A 22-year-old driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. No helmet or signal issues are noted. The crash shows the risk of multi-vehicle impacts even when no violations are recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800127 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turning right struck a 66-year-old man crossing Ralph Avenue with the signal. The driver failed to yield. The impact fractured and dislocated the man’s lower leg. He was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn made a right turn and struck a 66-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the driver’s contributing factor. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper, which was damaged. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No contributing factors are listed for the pedestrian beyond the driver’s failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799301 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan slammed into a cyclist on Glenwood Road. The driver blew past traffic control. The cyclist’s leg shattered. Blood on the street. System failed. Cyclist conscious, but broken.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicyclist collided head-on at 19:03 on Glenwood Road in Brooklyn. The 35-year-old male cyclist suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, showing the driver failed to obey signals or signs. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash. No contributing factors were attributed to the cyclist. This crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore traffic control, leaving vulnerable road users gravely injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799283 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided in Brooklyn. One driver making a U-turn ignored traffic control. He suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Impact crushed front bumpers. Systemic danger from driver error remains.

Two sedans crashed near 969 East 56th Street in Brooklyn at 3:26 PM. One sedan made a U-turn, colliding with a northbound sedan. According to the police report, the U-turning driver disregarded traffic control, which was the primary contributing factor. The 57-year-old driver making the U-turn suffered whiplash and injuries to his entire body but remained conscious. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage, showing a forceful impact. The report lists no victim errors, focusing solely on the driver's disregard for traffic control. This crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore signals and rules.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798229 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A driver out on bail smashed into a Toyota in Bushwick. The crash killed Hayden Wallace and injured three others. The driver fled, leaving chaos behind. Police tracked him for over a year. Charges stack up, but the loss remains.

NY Daily News (March 8, 2025) reports that Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested after a deadly hit-and-run in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Seabrook had been out on bail for a previous crash involving police. On January 8, 2024, he crashed into a Toyota, killing Hayden Wallace and injuring three others. Seabrook fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The article notes, "All accidents are useless but this one was even more useless because [Seabrook] had so many other offenses." Seabrook faces 23 charges, including manslaughter, leaving the scene, unlicensed driving, and speeding. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and questions about bail and enforcement. Police needed over a year to arrest Seabrook, who had a history of fleeing crashes and driving without a license.

• Repeat Offender Kills Passenger In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-08

A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. The driver hit a man crouched for food. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. The driver fled. Police are still searching. Brooklyn’s streets remain deadly for those on foot.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was kneeling in the street to pick up food when the truck, turning right, hit him. According to police, 'the driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene.' The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The article notes this was one of several fatal crashes in Brooklyn that week, highlighting persistent dangers for pedestrians. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene underscores ongoing issues with hit-and-runs and enforcement.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian in Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-01

A 38-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected and seriously injured in a Brooklyn crash. The impact damaged the motorcycle’s left front bumper. Alcohol involvement was cited as a contributing factor, highlighting driver impairment in the collision.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male motorcycle driver was traveling northwest on Avenue K in Brooklyn at 1:32 AM when the crash occurred. The motorcycle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated shoulder and upper arm injury, classified as severe. The report explicitly lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver impairment. The driver was licensed and operating the motorcycle straight ahead prior to impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. This incident underscores the dangers of impaired driving and its role in serious motorcycle crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793997 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 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

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

Two vehicles crashed at night in Brooklyn. An SUV traveling south struck a sedan making a right turn eastbound. The sedan’s driver hit the SUV’s right front bumper. A front passenger in the SUV suffered knee and leg injuries, left in shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:15 near 2148 Ralph Ave in Brooklyn. A 2008 Chevrolet SUV traveling south collided with a 2007 Honda sedan making a right turn eastbound. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper and the sedan’s left front bumper. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors beyond that. The SUV carried three occupants; the front passenger, a 47-year-old woman, was injured with knee, lower leg, and foot trauma and experienced shock. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The sedan had one occupant, the licensed male driver. The report does not list victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision highlights risks at intersections involving turning vehicles and through traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790243 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04