Longwood Bleeds: City Stalls, Streets Kill

Jun 1 - 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

May 31 - 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

May 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

May 29 - A female driver in a 2015 SUV struck a male pedestrian crossing Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered severe abdominal and pelvic injuries, including fractures and dislocations. The crash occurred away from an intersection at midnight.

According to the police report, a 2015 Nissan SUV traveling east on Southern Boulevard struck a male pedestrian who was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries to his abdomen and pelvis, including fractures and dislocations. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of impact. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing outside designated areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633635 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

Apr 20 - A station wagon struck a sedan from behind on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. Two 19-year-old passengers in the SUV suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The sedan driver was unlicensed. The crash was caused by following too closely.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV rear-ended a sedan traveling north on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. Two 19-year-old male passengers in the SUV were injured, both suffering neck injuries and whiplash. The sedan driver was unlicensed and traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper and the SUV's center back end. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. Both injured passengers were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622363 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 12 - A 52-year-old male motorcyclist was partially ejected and injured on East 165 Street in the Bronx. The crash involved improper lane usage. The rider suffered abrasions and arm injuries but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on East 165 Street collided with another vehicle making a right turn southwest. The motorcyclist, a 52-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor. The motorcycle's left front bumper and the other vehicle's right front quarter panel were damaged. The rider was wearing a helmet but still suffered injury. The driver held a valid New York license. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620133 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 11 - Councilmember Restler joins Bronx and Queens colleagues to target fake license plates. The bill slaps heavy fines on dealers selling sham tags. Lawmakers say ghost cars dodge cameras, endanger streets, and let reckless drivers vanish. The crackdown aims to stop the chaos.

Intro 988, introduced on April 11, 2023, targets the sale of fake license plates in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Oswald Feliz, Marjorie Velázquez, and Lincoln Restler, amends laws to ban selling counterfeit tags, with fines starting at $1,000 for first offenses and $2,000 for repeat violations. The measure was brought before the City Council and discussed at a City Hall press conference. The matter summary states the bill 'goes after the unscrupulous used car dealers profiting considerably off a huge black market for phony tags.' Restler, as a sponsor, joins efforts to curb the spread of ghost cars, which evade speed cameras and tolls, making streets more dangerous for everyone. Lawmakers stress that the goal is deterrence, not revenue, and call for further action from online marketplaces and federal agencies.

• Bronx pol proposes crackdown on ‘ghost cars’ with phony plates, amny.com, Published 2023-04-11

Apr 3 - A 44-year-old man was struck at an intersection on Westchester Avenue. The impact caused a head injury and concussion. Police cited the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured in a crash on Westchester Avenue in the Bronx. The 44-year-old male suffered a head injury and concussion after being struck at an intersection. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. No other vehicle details or driver information were provided. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The crash highlights the dangers posed when drivers do not yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 30 - A 15-year-old boy was struck while crossing Prospect Avenue with the signal. The vehicle hit him on the right front quarter panel. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. The driver was going straight southbound at the time.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Prospect Avenue at an intersection with the signal. The vehicle, traveling southbound and going straight ahead, struck the pedestrian on the right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his entire body but remained conscious. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The pedestrian was not ejected and was crossing legally. The vehicle was occupied by a single driver, but no further details on the driver or vehicle type were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 29 - A 12-year-old girl crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV on Longwood Avenue. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The girl suffered injuries to her elbow and lower arm and was in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Longwood Avenue with the signal. She was hit by a northbound 2016 Nissan SUV traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. No other factors such as helmet use or pedestrian error were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616632 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Feb 13 - 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 2023-02-13

Feb 12 - A 44-year-old man was struck while crossing Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. The SUV was backing up when the crash occurred. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was left in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when a 2017 Nissan SUV, traveling north, was backing up. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the vehicle backing up. The SUV showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. The pedestrian's contributing factors are unspecified. No helmet or signaling issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610813 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 19 - Two sedans slammed together on Westchester Avenue. One driver took a blow to the head and went into shock. Police flagged unsafe speed and other vehicular factors. Metal twisted. Pain lingered.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Westchester Avenue. The westbound Hyundai, driven by a 46-year-old woman, was making a left turn when it struck a northbound sedan going straight. The Hyundai driver suffered a head injury and shock. She wore a lap belt and was not ejected. Both vehicles took damage to their right front bumpers. Police listed unsafe speed and other vehicular factors as contributing causes. The injured driver complained of pain and nausea after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4602630 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 9 - Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

Jan 5 - A taxi struck a 22-year-old e-scooter driver on Westchester Avenue in the Bronx. The rider was ejected and suffered back injuries. The crash happened at night. Police cited traffic control disregard as a key factor in the collision.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on Westchester Avenue collided with a northbound e-scooter. The 22-year-old male e-scooter driver was ejected and sustained back injuries, resulting in a complaint of pain and nausea. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The taxi's right front bumper struck the e-scooter, causing the rider to be thrown from the vehicle. The e-scooter driver was not using any safety equipment at the time. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600867 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 4 - Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.

Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 100, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Jan 4 - Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.

Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Dec 30 - Two sedans collided on Intervale Avenue. Both drivers were distracted. A 33-year-old woman suffered a head injury and concussion. Metal twisted. Impact hit front ends. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Intervale Avenue in the Bronx. Both drivers were cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction. The 33-year-old female driver was injured, suffering a head injury and concussion. She wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The crash struck the left front bumper of her car and the right front quarter panel of the other sedan. Both drivers were licensed and headed east. The woman was starting from parking; the man was going straight. The report lists Driver Inattention/Distraction as the cause for both.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19