Five Dead, Hundreds Hurt—Who Will Stop the Killing on Bronx Streets?

Mar 24 - Two sedans collided on the Major Deegan Expressway at 4:25 AM. The rear passenger in one vehicle suffered neck injuries and bruising. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe backing as causes. Both drivers were licensed men traveling northbound.

According to the police report, at 4:25 AM on the Major Deegan Expressway, two northbound sedans collided. The first vehicle, a 2023 Mazda sedan, was traveling straight ahead when it was struck from behind by a 2019 Honda sedan merging into its lane. The impact occurred at the center front end of the Mazda and the center back end of the Honda. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' for both drivers and 'Backing Unsafely' for one. A 46-year-old female occupant seated in the rear of the Honda sustained neck injuries and contusions but was not ejected and remained conscious. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction and unsafe vehicle maneuvers on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800800 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 22 - A Mercedes plowed into a Ford on the Major Deegan Expressway. The Ford’s driver died at the wheel, his body broken by the impact. Darkness lingered. Police cite driver inattention. The road bore witness to another life lost to distraction.

According to the police report, a Mercedes sedan traveling southbound on the Major Deegan Expressway struck the rear of a 2009 Ford sedan at 3:47 a.m. The Ford’s driver, a 39-year-old man, died at the scene. The report states the Mercedes 'crushed the rear' of the Ford, leaving the victim dead at the wheel with injuries to his entire body. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor in the collision. The Ford was hit in the right rear bumper by the Mercedes’s left front bumper, consistent with a rear-end impact. The victim was unbelted, but the police report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver distraction, as documented in the official report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800421 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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.

• Bronx Highway Hit-And-Run Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-22

Mar 18 - A driverless sedan rolled east on W Fordham Road, crashing into a stopped SUV. The impact crushed the SUV’s right side doors. A 26-year-old front passenger suffered knee bruises and limped away, conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on W Fordham Road rolled driverless and struck a stopped SUV on its right side doors. The SUV was stopped in traffic when the collision occurred. The sedan had no occupants or driver at the time, indicating a runaway vehicle scenario. The impact caused metal to crush metal, damaging the SUV’s right side doors. A 26-year-old male front passenger in the SUV was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, not ejected, and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists the contributing factor as a "Driverless/Runaway Vehicle," highlighting a critical driver error or system failure that allowed the sedan to move uncontrolled. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804632 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 13 - A sedan rear-ended another sedan on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. The 37-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and was unconscious with a concussion. Police cited following too closely as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx at 11:15. A sedan traveling north struck the center back end of another sedan also traveling north. The driver of the struck sedan, a 37-year-old male, was injured with a head injury and was found unconscious, suffering a concussion. The report states the contributing factor was "Following Too Closely," indicating the striking vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance. Both drivers were licensed, and the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision caused center back end damage to the struck sedan and center front end damage to the striking sedan. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799171 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - A distracted sedan driver changed lanes on the Major Deegan Expressway, colliding with a southbound SUV. The sedan’s driver, a 73-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and unsafe speed were cited as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:20 on the Major Deegan Expressway. A sedan, traveling south and operated by a 73-year-old female driver, was changing lanes when it struck the right rear bumper of a southbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper and quarter panel sustained damage. The driver, who was wearing a lap belt and remained conscious, suffered neck injuries and whiplash, classified as injury severity 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the collision. No other factors, such as victim behavior or pedestrian involvement, were noted. This crash underscores the dangers of distracted driving and unsafe speed on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 1 - A southbound SUV and northbound ATV collided head-on on Fordham Road in the Bronx. The SUV’s front passenger suffered head trauma and shock. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe lane changing as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, at 15:42 on Fordham Road in the Bronx, a southbound Ford SUV and a northbound Yamaha ATV collided front-to-front. The SUV carried two occupants; the front passenger, a 23-year-old male, sustained head injuries and shock, reporting pain and nausea. The report identifies "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Unsafe Lane Changing" by the SUV driver as contributing factors. The SUV driver failed to maintain proper lane usage, directly causing the collision. The ATV driver was unlicensed. The injured passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and unsafe lane changes on busy Bronx streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796245 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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.

• MTA Bus Turns, Cyclist Killed Bronx, Gothamist, Published 2025-02-26

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.

• Bronx Teen Killed In Moped-Minivan Crash, Gothamist, Published 2025-02-25

Feb 21 - A northbound SUV making a left turn struck the left side of an eastbound sedan on Fordham Road in the Bronx. The sedan’s driver and a young passenger suffered whiplash and neck injuries. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:20 AM on Fordham Road near Major Deegan Expressway Exit 9 in the Bronx. The SUV, traveling north, was making a left turn when it impacted the left side doors of a sedan traveling eastbound. The sedan’s driver, a 42-year-old man, and a 5-year-old female passenger were injured, both suffering whiplash and neck injuries. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper, while the sedan’s left side doors were damaged. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield, but notes unspecified contributing factors for the sedan’s occupants. The sedan had two occupants; the SUV had no occupants at the time. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision’s impact and resulting injuries highlight the dangers of vehicle interactions during turning maneuvers on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794467 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 18 - SUV veered, struck sedan’s rear. Young driver hurt. Back pain, whiplash, shock. Both cars scarred. Driver error left its mark in Bronx traffic.

According to the police report, an SUV turned improperly and struck a sedan’s right rear bumper with its left front bumper on West Fordham Road near the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. The crash happened around 4 p.m. The sedan’s 22-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash and was reported in shock. Three people were in the sedan. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No other victim actions or equipment were cited. The crash shows the danger of driver mistakes on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794501 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 16 - A 48-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn in the Bronx. Limited view obstructed the driver’s line of sight. The pedestrian suffered full-body injuries and shock, with no vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on W Kingsbridge Rd near Bailey Ave in the Bronx at 18:22. A 48-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when he was struck by a northwestern-bound SUV making a left turn. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor twice, indicating the driver’s impaired visibility played a critical role. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but the limited view led to the collision. The vehicle sustained no damage, emphasizing the pedestrian bore the brunt of the impact. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793111 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 16 - A 60-year-old e-bike rider crashed headfirst into a parked SUV on Jerome Avenue. Blood streaked his face. He stayed conscious, but the impact left him with severe head lacerations. The SUV never moved. The crash was sudden, brutal, and avoidable.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old man riding an e-bike on Jerome Avenue near East 190th Street collided headfirst with the left side doors of a parked SUV. The narrative states, 'An e-bike struck the side of a parked SUV. A 60-year-old man hit headfirst. Blood ran down his face. He stayed conscious.' The police report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The SUV was stationary and unoccupied at the time, while the e-bike was traveling straight ahead before the collision. The cyclist suffered severe lacerations to the head but remained conscious at the scene. No mention is made of helmet use or other cyclist behavior as a contributing factor. The report underscores the role of inattention and improper lane usage in this violent impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792914 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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.

• File A 5440, Open States, Published 2025-02-14

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.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

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.

• With congestion pricing in effect, push for parking permits in NYC gains momentum, gothamist.com, Published 2025-02-08

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.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

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.

• MTA Bus Hangs Off Bronx Overpass, NY1, Published 2025-01-17

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16