Castle Hill Bleeds While Drivers Speed—Who Will Stop the Killing?

Jun 11 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 10 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-06-10

Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 4 - A car hit a young man on Seward Avenue. He suffered a bruised leg. The crash left him conscious but hurt. Police list the cause as unspecified. Streets remain dangerous for those on foot.

A 22-year-old pedestrian was struck and injured on Seward Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, the man suffered a contusion to his lower leg and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No vehicle damage was noted. The crash happened away from an intersection, with the pedestrian taking 'other actions in roadway.' No driver errors were specified in the data. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by pedestrians in city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818044 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jun 2 - SUV struck stopped sedans. One driver hurt, body in pain. Police cite following too closely, unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Traffic halted. System failed to protect.

On the Cross Bronx Expressway, an SUV crashed into two sedans stopped in traffic. One driver, a 29-year-old woman, suffered pain across her body. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed.' Four others were involved, with injuries listed as unspecified. The SUV's left front bumper struck the right rear bumpers of the sedans. The report highlights driver errors—following too closely and unsafe speed—as key factors. No mention of helmet or signal use as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818685 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

May 27 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-05-27

May 25 - A 78-year-old woman crossed White Plains Road. An SUV struck her. She fell. Head trauma. Medics rushed her to Jacobi. She died. The driver stayed. No charges. Another night. Another life lost to traffic in Williamsbridge.

NY Daily News reported on May 25, 2025, that a 78-year-old woman was fatally struck while crossing White Plains Road at East 216th Street in the Bronx. The crash happened around 10:20 p.m. Saturday. The article states, 'The victim was crossing White Plains Road at E. 216th St. in Williamsbridge when a 56-year-old woman driving north in a 2024 Toyota RAV4 hit her.' The victim suffered severe head trauma and died at Jacobi Medical Center. The driver remained at the scene and faced no immediate charges. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by pedestrians at Bronx intersections, especially after dark. No details were given about driver speed, visibility, or street design. The case underscores persistent risks for older New Yorkers on city streets.

• Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing Bronx Street, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-25

May 20 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.

• File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-05-20

May 18 - SUV hit a parked sedan. Two men suffered head injuries. The crash left one unconscious. The police report lists no clear cause. The road remains dangerous for all inside.

An SUV traveling north on Bruckner Expressway struck a parked sedan. According to the police report, a 37-year-old male SUV driver was found unconscious with a head injury. A 45-year-old male passenger in the SUV also suffered a head injury and reported pain. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The sedan was parked and occupied by a 78-year-old man, who was not reported injured. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are identified. Airbags deployed in the SUV. The crash highlights the risks faced by vehicle occupants even when parked.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813803 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

May 13 - Senate bill S 533 seeks to kill congestion pricing and order a forensic audit of the MTA. The committee vote failed. Streets stay clogged. Danger for walkers and riders lingers.

Senate bill S 533, introduced on May 13, 2025, in committee, aimed to repeal congestion pricing and require an independent audit of the MTA. The bill summary reads: 'Repeals congestion pricing (Part A); directs the metropolitan transportation authority to contract with a certified public accounting firm for the provision of an independent, comprehensive, forensic audit of the authority (Part B).' Primary sponsor Jack M. Martins led the push, joined by George Borrello, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and others. The committee voted it down. No safety analyst reviewed the bill’s impact on vulnerable road users. The fight over street safety and traffic chaos continues.

• File S 533, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - Senate passes S 346. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. Pushes work zone safety. Sets up new enforcement fund. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 346 cleared committee on May 13, 2025. The bill, titled 'Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promotes work zone safety awareness; establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement,' aims to crack down on drivers who threaten highway workers. Senator Jeremy Cooney led as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, Christopher Ryan, and James Skoufis. The committee voted yes. The bill targets reckless driving in work zones, boosting penalties and funding enforcement. It marks a step to protect those most exposed to traffic danger.

• File S 346, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 11 - A black Mercedes struck Kelvin Mitchell as he crossed Webster Avenue. The driver fled. Mitchell died steps from home. Police have not caught the driver. The street stayed quiet. The loss cut deep. The danger remains.

NY Daily News reported on May 11, 2025, that Kelvin Mitchell, 43, was killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Webster Ave. near E. 168th St. in the Bronx. The article states, "Mitchell was crossing Webster Ave. midblock... when he was mowed down by the driver of a black Mercedes-Benz." Surveillance video showed the Mercedes speeding in a bus lane before the crash. The driver did not stop. NYPD could not confirm if police were pursuing the car. Mitchell was a father and community figure. The crash highlights the lethal risk of speeding and hit-and-run drivers, and the lack of immediate accountability. No arrests have been made.

• Bronx Man Killed in Hit-and-Run, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-11

May 10 - A man crossed East 160th Street. A black Mercedes hit him. The driver fled. Paramedics rushed the man to Lincoln Hospital. He died. Police search for the driver. The street holds silence. Another life lost to speed and steel.

ABC7 reported on May 10, 2025, that a 43-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run at East 160th Street and Webster Avenue in the Bronx. The article states, "A preliminary investigation found that the man was crossing the street when he was struck by a black Mercedes traveling southbound on Webster Ave." The driver did not stop and has not been apprehended. Emergency services transported the victim to Lincoln Hospital, where he died from his injuries. ABC7 quotes an area resident: "That was like my brother. He remember he was a good guy, a family guy. A whole father." The crash highlights the ongoing danger faced by pedestrians and the persistent issue of drivers fleeing crash scenes. No arrests have been made.

• Hit-And-Run Kills Bronx Pedestrian, ABC7, Published 2025-05-10

May 7 - Two sedans collided on Hutchinson River Parkway. A front passenger lost a limb. Drivers and others hurt. No cause listed. Metal, speed, pain. The system failed to protect the vulnerable.

Two sedans crashed on Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx. According to the police report, a 44-year-old male front passenger suffered an amputation and injuries to his entire body. A 40-year-old female driver was also injured, with chest trauma. Other occupants sustained unspecified injuries. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. No mention of helmet or signal use. The crash left lasting harm for those inside.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811411 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

May 6 - Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06