SUVs Kill, Leaders Stall—Riverdale Streets Still Bleed

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

After a hit-and-run injured a child, Bronx lawmakers called for speed humps and stop signs. They refused proven fixes like road diets and daylighting. Council Member Dinowitz claimed streets are too narrow for lane removal. DOT denied their request, citing low crash data.

On March 10, 2025, Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz pressed the city for speed humps and four-way stop signs in Riverdale, following a hit-and-run that injured a 9-year-old girl. Their request, sent to the Department of Transportation before the crash, was denied due to low car volumes and insufficient crash history. The lawmakers, at a press conference, supported speed humps and stop signs but opposed road diets and universal daylighting. Eric Dinowitz argued, 'If you walked down any of these streets, they are far too narrow to narrow any more.' He also rejected citywide daylighting, insisting, 'Daylighting has to be done corner by corner.' The council member has criticized DOT’s safety efforts before, framing the agency as unresponsive. No safety analyst assessment was provided for this action.

• Riverdale Pols Push for Some Street Safety, But Balk at More Serious Interventions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-10

After a hit-and-run injured a child, Bronx lawmakers called for speed humps and stop signs. They refused proven fixes like road diets and daylighting. Council Member Dinowitz claimed streets are too narrow for lane removal. DOT denied their request, citing low crash data.

On March 10, 2025, Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz pressed the city for speed humps and four-way stop signs in Riverdale, following a hit-and-run that injured a 9-year-old girl. Their request, sent to the Department of Transportation before the crash, was denied due to low car volumes and insufficient crash history. The lawmakers, at a press conference, supported speed humps and stop signs but opposed road diets and universal daylighting. Eric Dinowitz argued, 'If you walked down any of these streets, they are far too narrow to narrow any more.' He also rejected citywide daylighting, insisting, 'Daylighting has to be done corner by corner.' The council member has criticized DOT’s safety efforts before, framing the agency as unresponsive. No safety analyst assessment was provided for this action.

• Riverdale Pols Push for Some Street Safety, But Balk at More Serious Interventions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-10

A 50-year-old woman crossing Henry Hudson Parkway was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact fractured her head and caused dislocation injuries. The driver’s inattention and inexperience contributed to the collision at the intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Henry Hudson Parkway struck a 50-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing at an intersection without a signal or crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered head injuries including fractures and dislocations and was conscious at the scene. The point of impact was the sedan’s right front bumper, which sustained damage. The report cites driver errors including inattention and distraction, as well as driver inexperience, as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian’s crossing behavior was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead when the collision occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

A 67-year-old woman crossing Riverdale Avenue was struck by a southbound SUV backing unsafely. The pedestrian suffered full-body injuries and shock. The vehicle showed no damage. Driver error in backing caused the collision at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The crash occurred at 2:30 pm when a 2020 Jeep SUV, traveling south, was backing unsafely and struck the pedestrian with the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Backing Unsafely' as the contributing factor for the crash. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle during the backing maneuver. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors during vehicle backing maneuvers in busy urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791826 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A city bus swerved to dodge a double-parked car. It crashed through a wall and dangled over a Bronx overpass. No one was hurt. Debris rained down. The city’s parking chaos left concrete cracked and nerves frayed.

NY1 reported on January 17, 2025, that a BxM1 MTA bus partially drove off the Henry Hudson Parkway overpass near Kappock Street after the driver swerved to avoid a double-parked car. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz stated, "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." The crash damaged the overpass wall and scattered debris onto the street below. No injuries were reported, though conflicting accounts left passenger presence unclear. City Councilman Eric Dinowitz highlighted the broader issue: "We’re seeing all over the city parking regulations not being enforced." The incident underscores the risks posed by illegal parking and the need for stricter enforcement and infrastructure checks.

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

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator 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 bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

A northbound bus collided with a parked sedan on Greystone Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan’s driver suffered neck injuries and shock. The crash involved limited visibility, contributing to the impact. Six bus occupants were present, no ejections reported.

According to the police report, a bus traveling north on Greystone Avenue struck a parked sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 36-year-old woman, was injured with neck trauma and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as the primary contributing factor, indicating driver visibility issues played a key role in the collision. The bus impacted the sedan’s left front quarter panel with its right front quarter panel, damaging the left side doors of the sedan and right side doors of the bus. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead with six occupants aboard. The crash highlights the dangers posed by limited sightlines in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779938 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Volkswagen SUV hit a 61-year-old woman as she crossed Riverdale Avenue. She stayed conscious, pain flooding her body, skin torn open. The driver kept going straight. The street fell silent. The city’s danger pressed in.

A 61-year-old woman was struck by a Volkswagen SUV while crossing Riverdale Avenue near 3815, according to the police report. The crash occurred outside of a crosswalk. The report states, 'A 61-year-old woman stepped into the street. No crosswalk. A Volkswagen SUV struck her.' The woman remained conscious after impact, suffering severe lacerations and pain throughout her body. The police report describes her injuries as affecting her 'entire body' and notes 'severe lacerations.' The SUV driver was traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are explicitly identified in the report, but the narrative confirms the driver continued straight and struck a pedestrian crossing mid-block. The focus remains on the impact and the resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779364 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Fieldston Rd in the Bronx, injuring a 13-year-old passenger. The crash involved a left turn and a straight-moving vehicle. The injured youth suffered a head contusion while restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:29 on Fieldston Rd in the Bronx. Two SUVs were involved: one traveling straight south and the other making a left turn. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the southbound SUV and the center front end of the turning SUV. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. A 13-year-old male passenger seated in the middle rear seat of one SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion. He was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the passenger's behavior. The collision and driver failure to obey traffic control led to the injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779152 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Henry Hudson Parkway. The rear driver, following too closely, struck the front vehicle. A 25-year-old male driver suffered a head contusion. Both vehicles were traveling northbound, impacting center front and rear ends.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:38 on Henry Hudson Parkway involving two sedans traveling northbound. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor for the rear driver, a 25-year-old male who sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. The point of impact was the center front end of the rear vehicle striking the center back end of the front vehicle. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time. The injured driver was not ejected and suffered a contusion-bruising injury to the head. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of tailgating on high-speed parkways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775951 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 23-year-old female moped driver suffered a fractured hip and dislocation after a high-speed crash in the Bronx. The collision involved unsafe speed and improper lane usage, demolishing the moped and causing serious injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:07 in the Bronx near 6229 Broadway. The 23-year-old female moped driver was injured with a fractured hip and dislocation, classified as injury severity level 3. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, both attributed to the moped driver. The moped was demolished in the crash, with impact noted at the center front end of another unspecified vehicle merging northbound. The driver was wearing a helmet and was not ejected from the vehicle. This collision highlights the dangers of excessive speed and improper lane maneuvers in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770039 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 65-year-old man driving an SUV overturned after colliding with multiple parked vehicles on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The driver was unconscious with full-body injuries. Police cited unsafe speed and aggressive driving as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:50 AM on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The driver, a 65-year-old male occupant of a 2018 SUV, was unlicensed and traveling southbound. The report states the driver was going straight ahead at an unsafe speed and engaged in aggressive driving or road rage. The SUV's right front bumper struck several parked vehicles, causing the SUV to overturn. The driver sustained injuries to the entire body and was found unconscious. The air bag deployed during the crash. The police report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as the primary contributing factors. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768221 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An 88-year-old woman suffered back injuries and whiplash in a Bronx crash involving two SUVs and a parked pickup truck. The collision was caused by a driver disregarding traffic control, striking the elderly driver head-on in the evening rush.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:34 near 3777 Independence Avenue in the Bronx. The injured party was an 88-year-old female driver of a 2019 Mercedes SUV traveling south, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. The collision involved two SUVs and a parked pickup truck. The point of impact for the injured driver's vehicle was the center front end. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error leading to the crash. The elderly driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was conscious after the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV struck 18-year-old woman crossing West 251 Street in the Bronx. She suffered bruises to her leg and foot. The vehicle showed no damage. The street marked her body, not the car.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old female pedestrian was hit by a northbound SUV while crossing West 251 Street in the Bronx. She was not at an intersection or crosswalk. The SUV, a 2022 Toyota, was going straight. The pedestrian suffered contusions to her knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not cite any driver errors. No helmet or crossing signal use was listed as a factor. The vehicle showed no damage. The impact fell on the pedestrian alone.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759429 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26