Speed Kills in Canarsie. Who Will Stop It?

Two sedans collided on Ditmas Avenue. A 34-year-old woman driving was hurt, her elbow fractured and dislocated. Both cars struck front bumpers. Police cite unspecified driver errors. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Ditmas Avenue near Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn at 16:55. The female driver, age 34, was making a left turn when her sedan collided with another sedan going straight. The impact struck the left front bumper of her car and the right front bumper of the other. She suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report lists unspecified contributing factors, indicating driver errors played a role. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not assign fault to the injured driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796768 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Stanley Avenue. One driver suffered full-body trauma and shock. Police cited following too closely and passing too closely. Impact crushed doors and front end.

According to the police report, two SUVs crashed on Stanley Avenue in Brooklyn at 8:00 a.m. One SUV was going straight, the other making a left turn. The crash struck the right side doors of the first SUV and demolished the front end of the second. The 55-year-old male driver of the first SUV was injured, suffering trauma to his entire body and shock. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' and 'Passing Too Closely' as driver errors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794765 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two women were injured in a rear-end crash on Farragut Road in Brooklyn. Both occupants of the lead sedan suffered neck and back injuries. Police cited following too closely as the cause. The impact struck the right rear quarter panel of the lead vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:05 AM on Farragut Road near Remsen Avenue in Brooklyn. Two sedans traveling south collided when the trailing vehicle struck the right rear quarter panel of the lead sedan. The lead vehicle carried two female occupants, a 44-year-old driver and a 47-year-old right rear passenger. Both were injured, suffering neck and back injuries respectively, and were reported in shock. The driver complained of whiplash, and both occupants were restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The contributing factor cited by police was 'Following Too Closely,' indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle. No other contributing factors were specified. The trailing vehicle had no occupants at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794771 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Ford SUV making a left turn struck a southbound motorbike on Glenwood Rd. The motorbike driver suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles. The motorbike driver was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Glenwood Rd in Brooklyn at 7:20 PM. A 2004 Ford SUV was making a left turn when it collided with a southbound motorbike traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the left front quarter panel of the motorbike. The motorbike driver, a 29-year-old male with a learner's permit, sustained a fractured knee and lower leg injuries, classified as injury severity 3. The motorbike driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the SUV driver's left turn maneuver as the critical action preceding the collision. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795263 - 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

SUV swung a bad U-turn on Farragut. Smashed into a sedan. Three inside the SUV hurt—head and chest injuries. Police cite improper turn, ignored traffic control. Pain, shock, no escape.

According to the police report, an SUV making a U-turn on Farragut Rd in Brooklyn struck a sedan traveling straight at 22:22. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as key factors. Three SUV occupants were injured: a 34-year-old male passenger with head trauma, a 32-year-old female driver with chest injuries, and a 25-year-old female passenger with head injuries. All wore lap belts and harnesses, none were ejected. Each reported pain, nausea, and shock. The police report highlights driver errors—improper turning and ignoring traffic control—as causes. No contributing factors are attributed to the victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793267 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV and southbound sedan collided at E 80 St in Brooklyn. The sedan driver failed to yield and turned improperly. Both drivers suffered injuries and shock, with damage to front ends. The crash exposed critical driver errors at an intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on E 80 St in Brooklyn at 19:20. A 57-year-old female sedan driver was making a left turn when she failed to yield right-of-way and turned improperly, causing a collision with a northbound SUV. The sedan's front right bumper and the SUV's front left bumper were damaged at the center front end. The sedan driver sustained chest injuries and was in shock, wearing a lap belt and harness. The SUV carried two occupants; the front passenger, a 63-year-old male, also suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was in shock. Both occupants complained of pain or nausea. The police report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors, highlighting driver errors as central to the crash. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793646 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 59-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making an improper left turn. The pedestrian suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury. The driver’s inattention and improper turning caused the collision at a Brooklyn intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Glenwood Rd in Brooklyn was making a left turn when it struck a 59-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruise to his elbow and lower arm, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites the driver’s contributing factors as inattention and distraction, along with turning improperly. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. This crash highlights driver errors—specifically failure to maintain attention and execute a proper turn—as the primary causes of the collision, without any contributing fault attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792703 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 24-year-old woman was hit while crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal. She suffered a concussion and upper leg injuries. The vehicle impacted her center front end. The crash exposed critical driver errors and systemic dangers at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of E 94 St and Glenwood Rd in Brooklyn around 7 PM. She was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a crossing signal when a Ford car struck her at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained a concussion and upper leg injuries, remaining conscious after the impact. The report does not list any contributing factors from the pedestrian's behavior, placing focus on the vehicle driver's failure to prevent the collision. The absence of driver contributing factors in the data suggests systemic danger at this intersection, where marked crosswalks without signals expose pedestrians to harm from vehicles. The vehicle damage to the center front end confirms direct impact with the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790886 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man, 32, was hit while crossing Flatlands Avenue outside an intersection. He suffered bruises and leg injuries. No driver errors listed. The street remains dangerous for those on foot.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male pedestrian was injured at 14:45 while crossing Flatlands Avenue in Brooklyn, outside an intersection and without a signal or crosswalk. He sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was conscious after the crash. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle type is unspecified. No driver actions such as failure to yield or speeding were cited. The absence of listed driver error underscores the persistent risks pedestrians face on city streets, even when no explicit fault is assigned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs slammed together on Avenue J. A rear passenger took a back injury. Obstructed sight lines fueled the impact. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Avenue J at E 91st Street in Brooklyn at 16:39. Both drivers, licensed women, were traveling straight—one westbound, one southbound. The crash happened when the front of one SUV struck the right rear bumper of the other. 'View Obstructed/Limited' was listed as a contributing factor, showing visibility issues played a key role. A 26-year-old man riding in the left rear seat suffered a back injury, classified as severity level 3. He was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors, such as helmet or signal use, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789294 - 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 northbound SUV struck a westbound sedan at Avenue K in Brooklyn. Two 10-year-old female passengers suffered head and shoulder injuries. Both were restrained but left in shock. The crash was caused by the SUV driver's failure to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:05 on Avenue K in Brooklyn. A 2019 Hyundai SUV traveling north collided with a 2011 Toyota sedan traveling west. The point of impact was the SUV's left front bumper striking the sedan's left rear bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, specifically attributed to the SUV driver. Two 10-year-old female passengers in the sedan were injured, sustaining head and upper arm/shoulder injuries. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victims. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead but failed to yield, causing the collision and injuries to vulnerable child passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787680 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A van making a left turn hit a 29-year-old woman crossing with the signal in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. Alcohol involvement and failure to yield right-of-way were cited by police.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2017 Ford van struck her at the intersection of E 103 St and Flatlands Ave in Brooklyn at 5:49 PM. The van was making a left turn when it impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal, but the driver failed to yield the right-of-way. The report highlights alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock. The driver’s failure to yield and alcohol involvement were the primary factors leading to this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791116 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV and sedan collided on E 94 St. Alcohol cited. A woman and a child, both passengers, suffered bruises. Impact left them hurt but conscious. System failed to keep them safe.

According to the police report, an SUV and a sedan collided at 11:55 a.m. on E 94 St near Ditmas Ave in Brooklyn. Alcohol involvement was listed as a contributing factor. Three occupants were injured. A 41-year-old woman in the front passenger seat suffered knee and leg bruises. A 5-year-old girl in the rear, restrained in a child seat, suffered a neck contusion. Both were conscious and not ejected. The report highlights alcohol involvement as driver error. No fault is assigned to the injured passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785903 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A baby girl crossing Avenue L in a marked crosswalk met an SUV’s front end. The driver failed to yield. Her chest crushed. The sedan was parked. The street fell silent. She never reached the curb.

According to the police report, a baby girl was killed while crossing Avenue L at East 88th Street in Brooklyn. The crash occurred at 18:46, as an SUV made a left turn and struck the child in a marked crosswalk. The report states the SUV driver’s action—'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way'—as the primary contributing factor. The narrative describes the baby in the crosswalk, the SUV turning left, and the impact crushing her chest. The sedan involved was parked and did not contribute to the collision. The police report makes no mention of the pedestrian’s behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the SUV driver's failure to yield, a systemic danger that left a child dead in the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785035 - 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