Deadly Silence on the Belt Parkway: Lives Lost, Leaders Absent

Feb 10 - Steel screamed on Belt Parkway. Two sedans collided, front to rear. A 34-year-old woman bled from the leg, belted and conscious. Dawn caught the red on her jeans. The crash left metal torn, lives changed.

Two sedans traveling eastbound on Belt Parkway collided, according to the police report. The impact crushed the front of one vehicle and tore the rear of the other. A 34-year-old woman, driving one of the sedans, suffered severe bleeding to her lower leg but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The police report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver-related actions played a role, though it does not specify further. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report describes the scene: 'Her front crushed, his rear torn. A 34-year-old woman bled from the leg, belted and conscious. Steel screamed.' No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted. The focus remains on the violent impact and the injuries suffered by the woman behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702002 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 28 - Two sedans traveling westbound on Belt Parkway collided head-on at unsafe speeds. The impact struck the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center of the other. A 21-year-old male driver suffered a chest injury and concussion.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling westbound on Belt Parkway when they collided. The point of impact was the right side doors of one sedan and the center front end of the other. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor in the crash. One driver, a 21-year-old male occupant, was injured with chest trauma and a concussion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles going straight ahead at the time of the collision. The crash occurred at 1:00 AM, and no ejections were reported. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior; the focus remains on the unsafe speed of the vehicles involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700175 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 1 - A Lexus SUV hit a man lying on Belt Parkway. The impact was direct. He suffered a head wound, lost consciousness, and died on the cold, still road. The night was quiet. The SUV kept eastbound. The man did not survive.

A man was killed on Belt Parkway when a 2015 Lexus SUV traveling eastbound struck him with its left front bumper. According to the police report, the man was 'lying in the roadway' at the time of the crash. He suffered a head wound, lost consciousness, and died at the scene. The report describes the night as cold and the road as still. No driver errors or contributing factors are listed for either party; both are marked as 'Unspecified.' The man was not at an intersection and was engaged in 'other actions in roadway.' The police report does not cite speeding, distraction, or failure to yield. The focus remains on the fatal impact between the SUV and the vulnerable pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692041 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 29 - A Jeep SUV struck a sedan from behind on the Belt Parkway ramp. The sedan driver, a 56-year-old man, suffered a head injury and concussion. Both vehicles were traveling westbound. The crash resulted from the SUV driver's reaction to an uninvolved vehicle.

According to the police report, a 2020 Jeep SUV rear-ended a 2007 sedan on the Belt Parkway ramp while both were traveling westbound. The sedan's 56-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining a head injury and concussion. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver’s failure to maintain control or safe distance. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the sedan. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683534 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - Two passengers suffered neck injuries in a Belt Parkway crash. A sedan and an SUV, both traveling west, collided with no visible vehicle damage. Both injured passengers reported whiplash but were not ejected. Driver errors were unspecified.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Belt Parkway involving a 2017 Toyota sedan and a 2022 Toyota SUV, both traveling west. The sedan's front center impacted, but no vehicle damage was recorded. Two rear passengers, a 43-year-old man and woman, were injured with neck injuries described as whiplash. Both were not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. The drivers were going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The injuries were moderate, and the crash did not result in visible vehicle damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673840 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 16 - Three cars tangled on Belt Parkway. Steel twisted. A 24-year-old man died behind the wheel. His body crushed. The night swallowed him. Failure to yield and unsafe speed fueled the crash. No help came in time.

A deadly crash unfolded on Belt Parkway’s eastbound lanes. According to the police report, a BMW clipped the side of a Toyota. A Honda then struck head-on. Three vehicles collided. The 24-year-old male driver of one car died, his body crushed by the impact. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The crash left twisted metal and a life lost. No other injuries were reported. The police report offers no mention of helmet or signal use. The night ended with one man dead and three cars destroyed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 9 - A sedan struck a woman on Belt Parkway. She crossed outside a crosswalk. The car’s right front bumper hit her. She fell, suffered a head wound, and died under the highway lights. The road stayed silent. No driver error listed.

A 40-year-old woman was killed while crossing Belt Parkway at night. According to the police report, 'A woman, 40, stepped into the dark. A 2017 Volkswagen struck her with its right front bumper. She fell with a head wound and died there, alone, beneath the sweep of highway lights.' The crash occurred as the sedan traveled eastbound. The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk. The report lists the contributing factor as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are noted in the data. No mention of helmet use or signaling appears in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669429 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - 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

Jul 12 - A 43-year-old male driver overturned his Jeep SUV on Belt Parkway. He suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The crash happened while driving west. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as causes. The driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old male driver operating a 1999 Jeep SUV overturned on Belt Parkway while traveling west. The driver was the sole occupant and was wearing a lap belt and harness. He sustained a fractured elbow and dislocation but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel, leading to the vehicle overturning. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver held a valid Florida license. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving and excessive speed on city roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645961 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 6 - An e-bike rider hit the right side of a parked sedan on East 33 Street in Brooklyn. The 51-year-old cyclist suffered a back injury but remained conscious. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male e-bike rider traveling west on East 33 Street collided with the right side doors of a parked 2017 Hyundai sedan. The cyclist was injured in the back and suffered internal complaints but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The sedan was stationary at the time of impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643251 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 6 - Five SUVs crashed eastbound on Belt Parkway. Two drivers suffered serious injuries. One unconscious with chest trauma. Another conscious with leg injuries. All vehicles impacted front and rear centers. Police cited following too closely as main cause.

According to the police report, five sport utility vehicles collided while traveling eastbound on Belt Parkway. Two drivers were injured: a 56-year-old man unconscious with chest injuries and a 51-year-old woman conscious with knee and lower leg trauma. Both were restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report lists "Following Too Closely" repeatedly as a contributing factor for the crash. Vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front and center back ends, indicating a chain-reaction collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644363 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 20 - A 30-year-old woman driving south on Flatbush Avenue crashed her 2021 Kia SUV. The impact hit the center front end. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock. Driver inattention and illness contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female driver operating a 2021 Kia SUV was traveling south on Flatbush Avenue when she crashed. The vehicle sustained damage to the center front end. The driver was injured, suffering knee, lower leg, and foot injuries, and experienced shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Illness' as contributing factors. The driver was not ejected and was licensed in New York. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and medical conditions behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639900 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 6 - 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

Mar 22 - Two sedans collided on Belt Parkway. The rear vehicle struck the front one head-on at the center back end. A 74-year-old passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash was caused by following too closely. Both drivers were licensed men.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on Belt Parkway collided when the rear vehicle struck the front vehicle at the center back end. The crash injured a 74-year-old male passenger in the rear seat, who suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the rear vehicle's driver. Both drivers were licensed men from New Jersey, traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614831 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 7 - A 91-year-old man rode his e-bike on Belt Parkway. He was thrown from the seat. His head struck the ground. Blood pooled. He spoke nonsense, then fell silent. The e-bike coasted on. The man did not rise.

A 91-year-old man riding an e-bike on Belt Parkway was killed after being ejected from his seat. According to the police report, 'A 91-year-old man on an e-bike was thrown from the seat. No helmet. His head struck. He bled. He spoke nonsense. The bike coasted on. The bumper was clean. The man did not get up.' The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The man suffered a fatal head injury and was described as incoherent before succumbing. No vehicle damage was reported. The absence of a helmet is noted in the report, but only after the contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610950 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - A woman driving an SUV made a left turn on Avenue U in Brooklyn. She struck a 38-year-old man riding an e-scooter straight ahead. The rider was ejected and suffered abrasions over his entire body. The crash caused right-side damage to the SUV.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male e-scooter rider was injured when a 2018 SUV driven by a licensed female driver made a left turn on Avenue U and collided with the scooter traveling westbound. The rider was ejected and sustained abrasions over his entire body. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The SUV was damaged on its right side doors, and the e-scooter suffered front-end damage. The injured rider was conscious after the crash. No contributing factors related to the rider's behavior or safety equipment were noted beyond the driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604866 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 3 - DOT revives its student contest to push street safety and walking. Kids make PSAs. Winners get cash. Council Member Narcisse backs the move. The city wants young voices to remind drivers: streets are for people, not just cars.

On February 3, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the return of the 'We're Walking Here' competition. This program, paused during the pandemic, targets K-12 students across New York City. The contest runs March 6-31, with students creating public-service announcements to promote walking and traffic safety. Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, representing District 46, voiced support: 'I am happy to support the NYC DOT's relaunch of their "We're Walking Here" campaign to raise awareness of our collective responsibility to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries.' The contest partners with the 'Hip Hop 50' campaign, blending street safety with city culture. Winners receive prizes from The Safe Streets Fund. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called students 'some of our most vulnerable pedestrians.' The program aims to put safety in the hands of those most at risk.

• DOT brings back student competition that promotes health and street safety, amny.com, Published 2023-02-03

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 8 - Two SUVs crashed head-on on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers were traveling straight when their left front bumpers collided. A 37-year-old female driver suffered a fractured hip and upper leg. Alcohol was involved in the crash.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers were going straight when their left front bumpers struck each other. The female driver, age 37, was injured with a fractured and dislocated hip and upper leg. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were specified. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers. The male driver’s condition was not reported injured. The crash highlights the dangers of impaired driving on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597149 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19