Crash Count for University Heights (South)-Morris Heights
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,505
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 1,044
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 230
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 13
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 8
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025
Carnage in University Heights (South)-Morris Heights
Killed 8
Crush Injuries 3
Head 1
Lower leg/foot 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Amputation 1
Lower arm/hand 1
Severe Bleeding 4
Head 3
Lower arm/hand 1
Severe Lacerations 4
Head 3
Hip/upper leg 1
Concussion 5
Head 5
Whiplash 42
Neck 21
+16
Back 9
+4
Head 9
+4
Chest 3
Face 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Whole body 1
Contusion/Bruise 49
Lower leg/foot 15
+10
Shoulder/upper arm 9
+4
Head 6
+1
Back 5
Neck 5
Whole body 5
Face 3
Lower arm/hand 3
Abdomen/pelvis 2
Hip/upper leg 2
Eye 1
Abrasion 34
Lower leg/foot 17
+12
Lower arm/hand 7
+2
Head 5
Whole body 2
Face 1
Hip/upper leg 1
Neck 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Pain/Nausea 10
Whole body 4
Neck 2
Back 1
Face 1
Hip/upper leg 1
Lower leg/foot 1
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in University Heights (South)-Morris Heights?

Preventable Speeding in University Heights (South)-Morris Heights School Zones

(since 2022)
Two young men die on the Bronx River Parkway. The night goes quiet, then sirens.

Two young men die on the Bronx River Parkway. The night goes quiet, then sirens.

University Heights (South)-Morris Heights: Jan 1, 2022 - Aug 25, 2025

Two men are dead.

Police say a 21‑year‑old in a Mercedes tried to pass on the Bronx River Parkway near Gun Hill Road around 1 a.m., clipped a Volkswagen, then hit two bikes. The riders were thrown to the road and later died at local hospitals. Officials named them as Manuel Amarantepenalo, 19, and Enrique Martinez, 21, both from the Bronx, in early reports from Monday. The southbound lanes closed for hours. One man was taken into custody at the scene. Later, prosecutors charged him with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. He is 21. His name is Mauricio Neyra Yuyes, of White Plains, according to charging documents and police briefings. He was released without bail as the case moves.

Gothamist wrote: “Police have arrested and charged a man with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated in a multivehicle crash on a Bronx highway that killed two people.” It also reported a criminal complaint noting “a strong odor of alcohol on his breath” and that he stood unsteadily after the crash. Family members faced the court the next day. One sister said: “He was drunk. Think about how he took two lives.”

“Two men on motorcycles were killed,” NYPD told CBS. Police later clarified the machines as mopeds in early statements; other reports said scooters. Two lives, either way. The road did not care.

Night after night, the math does not bend

In University Heights (South)–Morris Heights, nights are when bodies break. From midnight to 2 a.m., crashes pile up, with two deaths logged in that window. Another fatal hour comes at 6 a.m., then 6 p.m., then 11 p.m. That drumbeat is in the city’s own ledger. Most injuries hit people inside cars. But pedestrians take the hardest blows: four killed here since 2022, 122 hurt. Bicyclists, 57 injured. Moped and other small‑motor riders, two dozen injured. No armor. No margin.

The worst corridors are named. The Major Deegan Expressway shows two deaths and 148 injuries. Jerome Avenue shows one death and 55 injuries. A man was killed walking on the Deegan in June 2024. Another pedestrian died at a Deegan ramp in 2023. A 44‑year‑old woman died on Macombs Road this month. Each case is a line in a spreadsheet. Each line is a life.

The city tags causes as “other” for most deaths here. Inattention is next. Speed is listed in a few injuries. Labels don’t stop steel.

Two riders down. A system shrugs

Police said the Parkway crash started with a pass that failed. Then a hit. Then two more. The men were ejected and died. The driver was charged and released pending the case. “My client is prepared to contest these charges,” his lawyer said. The highway reopened. Morning traffic filled the gap.

Families came to court. “Two people were killed,” a sister said. “He was drunk.” The words hung there. The case may change. The dead do not.

Where the Bronx breaks, what would actually stop it?

Pick the simple fixes first. Daylight corners so drivers can see. Harden turns. Give walkers a head start. Focus on the repeat hotspots: the Major Deegan and Jerome Avenue. Work the nights, when the bodies stack up.

Then do what the law already permits. Lower speeds. Everywhere. Albany gave the city that lever with Sammy’s Law. The city can set safer limits. It has not done so citywide. Start there.

Stop the worst drivers from ever hitting this fast. The Senate moved a bill to force speed limiters on chronic violators. Assembly leaders have matching language. Sponsors say it targets those who rack up tickets and points and keep going. If a car can’t go 40 in a 30, a lot of funerals vanish.

The road keeps its count. Two young men this week. Others before them. The numbers don’t weep. People do.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Yudelka Tapia
Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia
District 86
District Office:
2175C Jerome Ave., Bronx, NY 10453
Legislative Office:
Room 551, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Pierina Ana Sanchez
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez
District 14
District Office:
2065 Morris Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453
347-590-2874
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1816, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7074
Twitter: @PiSanchezNYC
Robert Jackson
State Senator Robert Jackson
District 31
District Office:
5030 Broadway Suite 701, New York, NY 10034
Legislative Office:
Room 306, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

University Heights (South)-Morris Heights University Heights (South)-Morris Heights sits in Bronx, Precinct 46, District 14, AD 86, SD 31, Bronx CB5.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for University Heights (South)-Morris Heights

6
Bronx Hospital Worker Killed Crossing Street

Apr 6 - Inza Fofana left work, crossed E. 149th Street. A van hit him midblock. Two more cars struck as he lay in the road. Medics rushed him back to Lincoln Hospital. He died. His family mourns. The intersection stays dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 6, 2025, that Inza Fofana, a 52-year-old hospital cleaner and immigrant, was fatally struck after his shift at Lincoln Hospital. The crash occurred midblock at E. 149th St. and Morris Ave. Police said a 2019 Ford Transit van, turning left, hit Fofana as he crossed. The article quotes his sister-in-law: "He was going to buy socks. That's why he crossed the street." Police told the family that after the initial impact, two more vehicles struck Fofana. The driver remained at the scene and faced no immediate charges. Family members called for more safety measures at the busy intersection, noting, "There has to be a cross guard over there for the pedestrian to cross the street safely." The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians at wide, high-traffic Bronx crossings.


3
Officers Flee Scene After Fatal Crash

Apr 3 - A stolen SUV crashed and burned in Inwood. Two NYPD officers chased it, then left the wreck. The driver died in the flames. The officers returned to their Bronx precinct. They did not report the crash. Both are now suspended.

According to the NY Daily News (April 3, 2025), two NYPD officers pursued a stolen Honda CR-V from the Bronx into Manhattan. The chase ended when the SUV crashed into a building near Dyckman St and burst into flames. The officers 'fled the scene,' leaving the driver, who died in the fire. Surveillance footage showed their patrol car leaving. The officers did not report the incident and finished their shift. Both were suspended as the NYPD Force Investigation Division launched a probe. This crash comes after the NYPD tightened pursuit policies, now allowing chases only for felonies or violent misdemeanors. The department aims to avoid pursuits that 'lead to crashes and injure other motorists and pedestrians.' NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said police would instead use 'advanced tools of modern-day policing' to track suspects.


2
Sedans Collide on Major Deegan Expressway

Apr 2 - Two sedans struck on Major Deegan. One driver suffered head injury and shock. Police cite driver inattention. Metal, glass, pain. The system failed to protect.

Two sedans crashed on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. One driver, a 42-year-old woman, suffered a head injury and concussion, and was in shock. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. Three other occupants, including another driver and two passengers, were listed with unspecified injuries. The report details damage to the right rear bumper of one sedan and the center front end of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The only listed contributing factor is driver inattention.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803727 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
2
Improper Turn Injures Driver on Deegan Ramp

Apr 2 - A sedan turned wrong on the Major Deegan Expressway ramp. The driver, a 50-year-old woman, suffered a back contusion. Police cite improper turning as the cause. The crash left her bruised but conscious.

A crash on the Major Deegan Expressway ramp in the Bronx left a 50-year-old woman, driving a sedan, injured with a back contusion. According to the police report, the collision was caused by 'Turning Improperly.' The driver was conscious at the scene and wore a lap belt. No other injuries were reported. Police listed 'Turning Improperly' as the main contributing factor. No mention of helmet or signal use was made in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806461 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
26
Bronx Bicyclist Injured in Improper Lane Use Crash

Mar 26 - A 35-year-old male bicyclist was injured on West Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. The crash involved improper passing or lane usage. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and helmeted at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash on West Tremont Avenue in the Bronx at 8:57 pm. The bicyclist, who was the sole occupant of his bike, sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a primary contributing factor to the crash, highlighting driver error related to lane control. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but no victim behavior was cited as a contributing factor. The vehicle's pre-crash action was "Avoiding Object in Roadway," and impact occurred at the bike's center front end. This incident underscores the dangers posed by improper lane usage in urban cycling environments.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
25
Bronx SUV Hits Moped, Passenger Ejected

Mar 25 - SUV dodged debris, struck moped. Impact flipped the bike. Seventeen-year-old passenger thrown, left with leg wounds. Driver inattention and road hazards fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a northbound SUV on Harrison Avenue in the Bronx struck a northbound moped while trying to avoid debris. The SUV's left front bumper hit the moped's center front end. The moped overturned, ejecting a 17-year-old male passenger. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Obstruction/Debris' as contributing factors. The passenger rode without safety equipment, but the crash stemmed from driver inattention and roadway hazards.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801842 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
22
Bronx Highway Hit-And-Run Kills Driver

Mar 22 - A black Mercedes slammed into a Ford on the Major Deegan. Both cars spun out. The Mercedes driver ran. The Ford driver died at St. Barnabas. Police closed the highway for hours. No arrests. The city’s roads stay deadly.

NY Daily News reported on March 22, 2025, that a 39-year-old driver was killed after a black Mercedes-Benz rear-ended his Ford Crown Victoria on the Major Deegan Expressway. The article states, “The hit-and-run driver responsible escaped on foot, police said.” Both vehicles lost control and crashed. Emergency services transported the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. The Mercedes driver fled the scene, and no arrests have been made. Police closed the southbound lanes for several hours during the investigation. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of rear-end collisions and the persistent risk posed by hit-and-run drivers on New York City highways.


17
SUV Reverses Into Eastbound Bicyclist

Mar 17 - A bicyclist riding east on West Burnside Avenue was struck from behind by a reversing SUV. The cyclist suffered injuries to his entire body and was left in shock. The SUV was stationary before impact, indicating driver error in vehicle movement.

According to the police report, at 12:23 PM on West Burnside Avenue, a 45-year-old male bicyclist traveling east was hit in the center back end by a 2017 Ford SUV that was parked before the crash. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The point of impact on the SUV was its center back end, indicating the vehicle moved backward into the cyclist. The report lists no contributing factors from the bicyclist but notes unspecified contributing factors overall. The SUV driver’s action of reversing or moving while parked caused the collision. No helmet or other safety equipment was used by the bicyclist, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger posed by driver errors involving parked vehicles moving unexpectedly into vulnerable road users.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799540 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
13
Sedan Rear-Ends Slowing Vehicle on University Ave

Mar 13 - A sedan struck the left rear quarter panel of a slowing vehicle on University Avenue in the Bronx. The driver of the struck vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite following too closely and pedestrian confusion as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:36 on University Avenue in the Bronx. A 2019 Chevrolet sedan traveling north was slowing or stopping when it was hit on the left rear quarter panel by another sedan. The impact caused damage to the left rear bumper of the slowing vehicle and the right front bumper of the striking vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 59-year-old man, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as a driver error contributing to the collision. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' is noted as a contributing factor, though it is unclear how this influenced the crash. Both drivers were licensed. The report does not assign blame to the injured driver but highlights driver error and confusion as key elements in the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
26
MTA Bus Turns, Cyclist Killed Bronx

Feb 26 - A city bus turned onto Brook Avenue. The driver struck a cyclist. The man died at the scene. Police stayed. No charges filed. Another crash in Queens left one dead, one charged. The city’s streets remain hostile to the unprotected.

Gothamist reported on February 26, 2025, that an MTA bus driver fatally struck a 57-year-old cyclist while turning from East 149th Street onto Brook Avenue in the Bronx. The crash happened around 10:45 p.m. The bus, running as a subway replacement shuttle, was empty. The driver stayed at the scene and was not charged. NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the incident. The article also details a separate fatal crash in Queens involving a suspected drunk driver. As Gothamist notes, 'Police are investigating two fatal crashes in the Bronx and Queens.' The Bronx crash highlights the persistent risks at intersections where turning vehicles endanger cyclists. No policy changes were announced.


25
Improper Turn by Sedan Injures Pedestrian

Feb 25 - Sedan turned left on Washington Bridge Connector Road. Driver failed. Pedestrian, 59, struck. She suffered shock and injury. Impact hit left front bumper. System failed to protect her.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Washington Bridge Connector Road made a left turn and struck a 59-year-old woman crossing the street. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. The impact was at the car’s left front bumper. The pedestrian was injured and experienced shock. No contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. The crash underscores the danger of improper turns and distracted driving for people on foot.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794884 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
25
Bronx Teen Killed In Moped-Minivan Crash

Feb 25 - A moped slammed into a minivan in Soundview. Two teens thrown. One died. The other survived. The driver stayed. Police probe who had the right of way. Another young life lost on Bronx streets.

Gothamist (2025-02-25) reports a fatal crash at Metcalf Avenue and East 172nd Street in the Bronx. A 17-year-old, Juan Alexander Quizhpi Naranjo, drove a moped with a 14-year-old passenger when they collided with a Honda Odyssey. Both were thrown from the moped. Quizhpi Naranjo died at Jacobi Hospital; the girl survived. The minivan driver, 42, remained at the scene and faced no charges. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is still determining 'who had the right of way and whether a traffic violation played a role.' This marks the second traffic death this year in the 43rd Precinct, highlighting ongoing dangers for young road users.


14
A 5440 Tapia co-sponsors bill boosting street safety by holding vehicle owners liable.

Feb 14 - Assembly bill A 5440 targets reckless drivers. It makes car owners pay when their vehicles run red lights. Cameras catch the lawbreakers. The aim: fewer crashes, safer streets for all.

Assembly bill A 5440 was introduced on February 14, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled "Imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York," seeks to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars violate traffic signals, using camera enforcement. Assembly Member Steven Raga sponsors the bill, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Yudelka Tapia, Karines Reyes, and Marcela Mitaynes as co-sponsors. No safety analyst note is available. The bill aims to curb dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users by making owners answer for violations caught on camera.


13
Int 1160-2025 Sanchez votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.

Feb 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.


8
Jackson Supports Misguided Residential Parking Permit Program

Feb 8 - Councilmember De La Rosa and others want permits for residential parking. Congestion pricing pushed more drivers uptown. Lawmakers say outsiders take local spots. Critics warn permits may spur more car ownership. No clear plan for safety or curb use.

On February 8, 2025, Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine called for a City Council pilot program to restrict street parking to permit holders. The debate follows congestion pricing, which, as the bill summary states, has made free street parking uptown scarce and pushed more drivers into residential neighborhoods. State Senator Robert Jackson sponsors a parallel bill in Albany. De La Rosa and Jackson argue that local residents lose parking to out-of-state drivers. Councilmember Gale Brewer warns that low permit prices could increase car ownership and worsen parking shortages, citing past failures in other cities. Kate Slevin of the Regional Plan Association questions whether a permit system would be enforced, given the city's history of placard abuse. The bill's impact on vulnerable road users remains unaddressed. No safety improvements or curb space repurposing are included.


5
Bicyclist Ejected in Bronx Right-Turn Crash

Feb 5 - A 25-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries after a collision with a right-turning SUV on W 181 St in the Bronx. The crash involved improper lane usage and failure to yield right-of-way by the vehicle driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:55 AM on W 181 St near Aqueduct Ave E in the Bronx. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, was riding southbound when he was struck by an SUV making a right turn westbound. The report lists driver errors including 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained a head contusion, classified as injury severity level 3. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The vehicle's point of impact was the left front bumper, while the bike's center front end was damaged. The crash highlights critical driver failures in yielding and lane management that led to serious injury.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790854 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
4
S 4421 Jackson co-sponsors fare-free bus pilot, boosting street safety and equity.

Feb 4 - Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.


28
Sedan Driver Suffers Head Injury on Expressway

Jan 28 - A 42-year-old man driving a sedan on the Major Deegan Expressway suffered a head injury and whiplash. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected. No vehicle damage or collision impact was reported, with contributing factors unspecified.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male driver was operating a 2019 Ford sedan southbound on the Major Deegan Expressway at 14:13. The driver sustained a head injury and whiplash, classified as injury severity 3, but remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report notes no damage to the vehicle and no point of impact, indicating no collision with another vehicle or object. Contributing factors to the injury are listed as unspecified. The driver was not wearing any safety equipment. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited in the data.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789822 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
17
Pedestrian Severely Injured at Bronx Intersection

Jan 17 - A 66-year-old woman suffered severe leg injuries while getting on or off a vehicle at a Bronx intersection. The crash caused fractures and dislocations, leaving her conscious but seriously hurt. The incident highlights risks at busy urban crossings.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of W Tremont Ave and University Ave in the Bronx around 7:30 PM. She was getting on or off a vehicle when the crash occurred, resulting in fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as Failure to Yield or Reckless Driving. The vehicle involved is unspecified with no details on driver actions or vehicle type. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash but suffered serious injuries classified as severity level 3. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report. This incident underscores the dangers pedestrians face in urban intersections even without clear driver fault cited.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788296 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
17
MTA Bus Hangs Off Bronx Overpass

Jan 17 - A city bus teetered over a Bronx overpass after swerving to dodge a double-parked car. Steel scraped concrete. Debris rained down. No one was hurt. The wall broke. The rules broke first.

NY1 reported on January 17, 2025, that a BxM1 MTA bus nearly plunged from the Henry Hudson Parkway overpass after the driver swerved to avoid an illegally double-parked car. The bus crashed into the wall, leaving it hanging over the edge. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, "We’re told by the MTA that the bus was trying to get around an illegally double-parked car, and he hit the wall and went through it." No injuries were reported, but the crash caused structural damage and scattered debris below. City Councilman Eric Dinowitz noted, "It speaks to the importance of enforcing our parking rules because it was going around a double-parked car." The incident highlights the danger posed by lax parking enforcement and infrastructure vulnerable to impact.