Night streets, hard numbers: Mott Haven’s toll

Jan 5 - A sedan turning left hit a 28-year-old woman crossing with the signal on Willis Ave. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her lower body. The driver failed to yield. The street stayed loud. The pain stayed sharp.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Willis Ave made a left turn and struck a 28-year-old woman who was crossing at the intersection near E 144 St in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. She sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786446 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 1 - SUV slammed roof-first on Bruckner. Driver, alone, hit hard. Alcohol and speed fueled the wreck. Face bruised, belt on. No one else hurt. City streets, danger always near.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old woman driving a Ford SUV south on Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx crashed just before 1 a.m. The vehicle struck with enough force to damage the roof. The driver suffered facial contusions but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the risks when drivers operate under the influence and at high speeds.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783061 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 29 - A 24-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions when an SUV merging westbound on E 149 St collided with his e-bike. The SUV’s left front quarter panel hit the bike’s right front quarter panel, causing injury without ejection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:35 on E 149 St in the Bronx. A female SUV driver, licensed in New York, was merging westbound when her vehicle’s left front quarter panel struck the right front quarter panel of a westbound e-bike ridden by a 24-year-old male with a permit license. The bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver’s error in merging. No contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted. The collision caused damage to both vehicles’ front quarter panels, underscoring the impact location and driver error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782484 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 26 - A taxi veered off Sixth Avenue, mounted the curb, and struck a crowd near Herald Square. Three pedestrians, including a child, landed in the hospital. The driver stayed at the scene. Metal, flesh, and concrete met in Midtown’s holiday rush.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a Midtown crash where a taxi driver, experiencing a medical episode, drove onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, injuring a 9-year-old boy and two women. Police said, 'they did not suspect any criminality in the crash.' The driver, 58, remained at the scene and was taken for evaluation. Four others declined medical attention. The article notes, 'the driver was driving northbound on Sixth Avenue around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd.' The incident highlights the persistent risk posed by vehicles in crowded pedestrian zones, regardless of intent or driver health. No policy changes were announced.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

Dec 23 - A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

Dec 21 - A 23-year-old male driver suffered chest injuries in a high-speed crash on the Major Deegan Expressway. The sedan struck an object head-on, deploying the airbag. Police cited unsafe speed as the primary cause, with no other vehicles involved.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male driver was injured in a single-vehicle crash on the Major Deegan Expressway at 10:54. The vehicle, a 2012 Hyundai sedan traveling north, impacted an object with its center front end. The driver sustained chest contusions and bruises, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The airbag deployed during the collision, and the driver was conscious and not ejected. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver held a valid New York license and was traveling straight ahead before the impact. This crash highlights the dangers of excessive speed on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782554 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 19 - A Nissan SUV traveling north on Lincoln Avenue stopped in traffic and was struck at its left rear bumper. The female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash highlights dangers of rear-end collisions in congested urban streets.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old female driver operating a 2011 Nissan SUV was stopped in traffic on Lincoln Avenue around 8:20 a.m. The vehicle sustained damage to its left rear bumper from an impact at the center back end. The driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with neck trauma and complained of whiplash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not attribute fault to the driver or any other party. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision underscores risks posed by rear-end impacts in traffic, where driver attentiveness and vehicle spacing are critical. The report does not indicate any pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim behavior contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780043 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 18 - A 51-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured with an upper arm contusion after colliding with a sedan traveling east on E 140 St. The bicyclist was unlicensed and suffered significant trauma without protective gear.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on E 140 St in the Bronx involving a sedan and a bicycle. The sedan was traveling east, going straight ahead, and struck the bicyclist with its center front end. The bicyclist, a 51-year-old male, was also traveling straight ahead but was ejected from his bike upon impact. He sustained an upper arm injury classified as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The bicyclist was unlicensed, as noted in the report, and was not wearing any safety equipment. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not cite any driver errors explicitly. The collision caused damage to the sedan described as 'other' and to the bike's center front end. The incident highlights the dangers faced by unlicensed bicyclists in traffic interactions with motor vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782228 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 13 - A chain collision involving two SUVs on Bruckner Expressway left a passenger with back injuries and whiplash. The crash unfolded late at night as vehicles slowed, with driver errors including following too closely and unsafe speed triggering the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:56 on Bruckner Expressway involving two Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicles traveling south. The report cites driver inexperience and following too closely as contributing factors. One driver was also noted for unsafe speed. The collision resulted in injuries to a 25-year-old male passenger, who suffered back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected from the vehicle. Both vehicles were slowing or stopping prior to impact, with damage to the front and rear bumpers indicating a rear-end chain collision. The injured passenger was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The report highlights driver errors—following too closely and unsafe speed—as the cause, without attributing fault to the injured occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778606 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 13 - A distracted SUV driver made a right turn and struck a 29-year-old male e-scooter rider traveling westbound. The rider was ejected and suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The SUV showed no damage despite the impact to its rear quarter panel.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on E 149 St near Jackson Ave in the Bronx at 12:06 PM. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was making a right turn when she collided with a male e-scooter rider traveling straight westbound. The point of impact was the right rear quarter panel of the SUV and the left front bumper of the e-scooter. The e-scooter rider, age 29, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the SUV driver. The SUV sustained no damage. The e-scooter rider was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778575 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 11 - A 2015 Audi SUV lay crushed on the southbound Major Deegan. Inside, a 40-year-old man bled from deep wounds to his face. The metal trapped him. He wore only a lap belt. The night pressed in, silent and cold.

A violent crash on the southbound Major Deegan Expressway left a 2015 Audi SUV demolished and its sole occupant, a 40-year-old man, suffering severe lacerations to his face. According to the police report, the vehicle was found crushed, with the driver conscious but bleeding heavily and trapped by the wreckage. The report notes the driver wore only a lap belt. The police narrative describes the scene: 'Southbound on the Major Deegan, a 2015 Audi SUV lay crushed. Inside, a 40-year-old man bled from deep cuts to his face. He wore only a lap belt. He was awake. The metal held him.' The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified,' offering no further detail on the cause. No other vehicles or road users were involved. The focus remains on the catastrophic impact and the resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778577 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 11 - A 35-year-old woman was injured at a Bronx intersection when a taxi making a right turn struck her. She was crossing with the signal. The impact caused internal injuries to her hip and upper leg. The driver showed no vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling southwest on E 138 St in the Bronx was making a right turn when it struck a 35-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained internal injuries to her hip and upper leg and remained conscious after the collision. The taxi's point of impact was the right front bumper, yet the vehicle sustained no damage. The report lists no contributing factors attributed to the driver or the pedestrian, other than unspecified factors for the pedestrian. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. This incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing with the signal, as driver actions during turns can lead to serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 9 - A 25-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in the Bronx when a southbound SUV struck his westbound e-bike. The collision caused contusions and leg injuries. Driver inattention and traffic control disregard were cited as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on E 149 St in the Bronx at 14:24. A 2014 Toyota SUV traveling south struck a westbound e-bike driven by a 25-year-old male bicyclist. The point of impact was the SUV's left front bumper and the e-bike's center front end. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain proper attention and disregarded traffic controls. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and failure to obey traffic controls in urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778131 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 7 - A sedan turned left at E 149th and Jackson. An e-scooter slammed its front into the car’s rear. The rider hit the pavement, head split, blood pooling. He did not move. The street bore witness to another brutal collision.

At the corner of E 149th Street and Jackson Avenue in the Bronx, a sedan making a left turn was struck in the right rear bumper by an e-scooter traveling straight, according to the police report. The report states, 'A sedan turned left. An e-scooter slammed its rear. The rider, 38, unlicensed, helmetless, hit the pavement hard. Blood pooled. His head split. He did not move.' The e-scooter rider suffered severe head lacerations and was found unconscious. The police report lists the sedan’s pre-crash action as 'Making Left Turn' and the e-scooter’s as 'Going Straight Ahead.' No specific driver errors are cited in the report, but the sequence of events centers on the sedan’s left turn across the path of the e-scooter. The report notes the e-scooter rider was unlicensed and helmetless, but these details follow the account of the sedan’s maneuver. The crash left the vulnerable road user gravely injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 7 - A McLaren sedan struck another vehicle on the Major Deegan Expressway. The front passenger, a 22-year-old woman, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. The driver maintained straight travel but caused a severe impact to the right rear bumper.

According to the police report, a 2018 McLaren sedan traveling north on the Major Deegan Expressway collided with the right rear bumper of another vehicle. The front passenger, a 22-year-old female occupant, was injured with a fracture and dislocation to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness, and was not ejected. The driver, licensed in Missouri, was going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but the point of impact and vehicle damage indicate the McLaren struck the rear of the other vehicle. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777553 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Nov 28 - Motorcycle hit taxi’s rear on Major Deegan. Rider, helmeted, thrown and badly hurt in the leg. Police blame driver inattention. High speed, hard impact, broken bones.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on the Major Deegan Expressway struck the right rear bumper of a northbound taxi at 4:30 AM. The motorcyclist, a 27-year-old man wearing a helmet, was partially ejected and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The taxi, carrying two occupants, was damaged at the right rear. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the crash’s contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The collision’s force and the rider’s injuries highlight the dangers of distraction on fast-moving city roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 26 - Two SUVs collided in the Bronx, injuring three occupants. Drivers suffered whiplash and limb injuries. The crash involved a right turn and a left turn, with damage to front and rear panels. All victims were restrained and conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in the Bronx near E 149 St at 19:25. The collision involved three SUVs. One driver was making a right turn while another was going straight, and a third was making a left turn. The point of impact included the left front bumper and center front ends of the vehicles, as well as a right rear quarter panel. Three occupants were injured: a 54-year-old male driver with elbow, lower arm, and hand injuries; an 8-year-old male passenger with shoulder and upper arm injuries; and a 26-year-old male driver with knee and lower leg injuries. All were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injuries included whiplash complaints. The data highlights the systemic danger of multi-vehicle collisions involving turning maneuvers in Bronx intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774724 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 26 - Audi turned left. Woman, 32, crossing with signal. Hit at intersection. Arm injured. She stood in shock. No damage to car. Police list no driver errors.

A 32-year-old woman was hit while crossing Lincoln Ave at E 135 St. She had the signal. The Audi made a left turn, struck her, and left her with injuries to her arm and hand. According to the police report, the pedestrian was in shock but had no visible complaints. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. The car showed no damage. The woman’s use of the signal is noted, but not as a factor. The crash left her hurt, the driver’s actions unexamined.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776631 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 21 - A northbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on the Major Deegan Expressway shortly after midnight. The sedan driver suffered a contusion to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited obstruction and following too closely as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 12:48 a.m., a 2024 Honda sedan traveling north on the Major Deegan Expressway was rear-ended by a 2022 Acura SUV also heading north. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 43-year-old man, was injured with contusions and bruises to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists "Obstruction/Debris" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The crash involved five occupants in the sedan and one in the SUV. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773164 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19