Blood on Seward Avenue: No One Safe, No One Speaking Up

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

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 22 - 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 2023-05-22

May 17 - A 60-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and concussion in a rear-end crash on Bruckner Expressway. The SUV struck another slowing vehicle from behind. Police cited aggressive driving, following too closely, and driver distraction as causes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Bruckner Expressway involving multiple SUVs traveling north. A 60-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining a head injury and concussion. The report lists contributing factors including aggressive driving, following too closely, and driver inattention or distraction. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and the airbag deployed. The crash involved one SUV striking the rear of another that was slowing or stopping. The impact was centered on the front end of the striking vehicle and the rear end of the struck vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not indicate any victim fault or helmet use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629449 - 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 15 - A Chevy sedan hit a 64-year-old man in a marked Bronx crosswalk. The car’s right front bumper struck his head. He died where he fell. Police say the driver had been drinking. The street stayed silent after the crash.

A 64-year-old man was killed while crossing Sound View Avenue near Lafayette Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, he was in a marked crosswalk when a Chevy sedan struck him with its right front bumper, causing fatal head injuries. The report states, “The driver had been drinking.” Alcohol involvement is listed as a contributing factor for the driver and vehicle occupants. The sedan was traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The data lists no contributing factors for the pedestrian. The man died at the scene. This crash highlights the deadly risk posed by impaired drivers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620845 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 27 - A 51-year-old man driving a sedan on Cornell Avenue in the Bronx suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved multiple parked vehicles. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male driver was injured in a collision on Cornell Avenue in the Bronx. The driver suffered back injuries and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The crash involved multiple parked sedans, with damage to left and right side doors and front bumpers. The report lists unsafe speed as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. The crash occurred at 11:20 p.m. with no indication of pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 24 - A sedan turned right and hit a cyclist riding straight on Bruckner Boulevard. The cyclist was thrown and injured. Police cite driver distraction. Metal bent. Blood on the street.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn collided with a bicyclist traveling straight on Bruckner Boulevard at Underhill Avenue. The cyclist, a 42-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Police list driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan struck the bike at its center front, damaging both vehicles. The cyclist was conscious after the crash. Helmet use was noted but not cited as a factor. The driver’s lack of attention led to serious harm for the cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618110 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - 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 2023-03-21

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

Mar 1 - A sedan turning left struck a 12-year-old boy riding a bike westbound on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The driver’s inexperience and failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn collided with a 12-year-old bicyclist traveling west on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The boy was injured, sustaining abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inexperience and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan’s front center and the bike’s left front bumper were damaged. The crash highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced drivers failing to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612144 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - 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 2023-02-28

Feb 28 - 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 2023-02-28

Feb 15 - SUV turned left on White Plains Road. Motorcycle struck. Rider ejected. Full-body injuries. Police cite failure to yield and unsafe speed. Pain and nausea. Night. Steel and flesh.

According to the police report, a motorcycle and SUV collided at White Plains Road and Story Avenue in the Bronx. The SUV, heading north, made a left turn. The motorcycle, heading south, struck the SUV’s right front bumper. The 42-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered injuries to his entire body. He was semiconscious, complaining of pain and nausea. Police list failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The motorcyclist wore a helmet. No other factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606034 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 1 - 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 2023-02-01

Jan 13 - A 14-year-old girl riding a bike west on Lafayette Avenue was injured in a crash with a northbound SUV. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The police cited bicyclist error and disregarded traffic control as factors.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old female bicyclist traveling west on Lafayette Avenue collided with a northbound 2022 Kia SUV. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" and "Traffic Control Disregarded" as contributing factors. The SUV had no damage and the driver was licensed. The impact occurred at the SUV's right front bumper. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights confusion and failure to obey traffic controls by the bicyclist as key elements in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598202 - 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