Westchester Square: Kids Bleed, Politicians Stall

A Mercedes slammed into Darryl Mathis Jr.'s stalled car on the Major Deegan. Mathis called for help, then for an ambulance. The driver fled. Paramedics rushed Mathis to the hospital. He died. The killer behind the wheel vanished into the night.

NY Daily News reported on March 24, 2025, that Darryl Mathis Jr. was killed when a Mercedes-Benz rear-ended his disabled Ford on the Major Deegan Expressway. Mathis, stranded after his battery died, called friends for help. As one friend recounted, 'He called to get a jump, and after that, he got hit from behind, a hit-and-run.' The Mercedes driver fled the scene and has not been caught. Mathis was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. The crash highlights the dangers faced by stranded motorists on city highways and the deadly consequences when drivers flee. No policy changes or enforcement actions were detailed in the article.

• Hit-And-Run Kills Stranded Bronx Motorist, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-24

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

An 18-year-old woman crossing E Tremont Ave was struck and left bleeding on the Bronx asphalt. The driver fled. Her leg was crushed. No name, no face, just pain and the echo of vanishing wheels.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old woman was crossing E Tremont Ave near Fink Ave when she was struck by a vehicle. The report states her 'leg [was] crushed' and she was found 'conscious on the cold pavement.' The driver did not remain at the scene, vanishing without providing aid or identification. The police report describes the incident as a hit-and-run, noting there was 'no name, no face. Just blood on the Bronx asphalt.' The report does not list any contributing factors attributed to the driver, but the act of fleeing highlights a systemic danger: drivers leaving injured pedestrians behind. The report notes the pedestrian was 'crossing, no signal, or crosswalk,' but does not cite this as a contributing factor to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Chatterton Ave. The rear vehicle slowed or stopped, striking the front vehicle from behind. A 21-year-old female passenger in the rear seat suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed men traveling westbound.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on Chatterton Ave were involved in a rear-end collision. The front vehicle was going straight ahead while the rear vehicle was slowing or stopping when it impacted the center back end of the front sedan. The collision caused no visible vehicle damage. A 21-year-old female occupant seated in the rear of one sedan was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time. Both drivers were licensed men from New York. The report does not specify contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or distracted driving. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of rear-end impacts even at low speeds, with vulnerable passengers inside vehicles sustaining injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799873 - 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

A 19-year-old male pedestrian was struck at a Bronx intersection while crossing with the signal. The impact to his hip and upper leg caused contusions and bruising. The driver’s left front bumper made contact, resulting in moderate injury.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Zerega Avenue and Chatterton Avenue in the Bronx at 12:40 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when he was struck by a vehicle impacting with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, with an injury severity rated as moderate. The report does not list any contributing factors from the pedestrian’s side. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield were explicitly cited in the data. The collision highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing legally at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794008 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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 38-year-old woman suffered a head injury and concussion after a northbound SUV made a left turn and struck her at an intersection. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female pedestrian was crossing Eastchester Road at an intersection with the signal when she was struck by a northbound 2006 Honda SUV making a left turn. The impact occurred at the vehicle's left front bumper, resulting in a head injury and concussion for the pedestrian, who remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing behavior. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792517 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two passengers hurt in a Bronx crash. Sedans collided on E Tremont Ave. Unsafe lane change and tailgating led to neck and back injuries. Both victims in shock, not ejected. Driver errors caused pain and chaos.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on E Tremont Ave in the Bronx at 10:40. The crash involved unsafe lane changing and following too closely. One sedan was parked, the other traveled west. Impact struck the left rear and right front bumpers. Two passengers were injured: a 77-year-old man suffered neck whiplash, a 35-year-old woman suffered back whiplash. Both were in shock, not ejected. The report lists unsafe lane changing and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. No victim actions contributed. The crash shows the harm caused by driver errors in lane use and following distance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791966 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 32-year-old man suffered a severe leg fracture after a vehicle struck him on Halperin Avenue in the Bronx. The driver failed to yield and was speeding, hitting the pedestrian outside an intersection with the vehicle’s left front bumper.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:50 on Halperin Avenue in the Bronx. A 32-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a vehicle traveling straight ahead struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, performing other actions in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The report cites the driver’s contributing factors as "Unsafe Speed" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Vehicle damage was noted on the right front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior or safety equipment were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790382 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a vehicle traveling straight ahead. The impact caused upper leg and hip injuries. Driver inattention and distraction led to the collision at a Bronx intersection.

According to the police report, at 9:22 AM in the Bronx on St Peters Ave near Tratman Ave, a pedestrian was injured when a vehicle traveling straight ahead struck him at the center front end. The pedestrian, a 44-year-old male, was crossing with the signal and sustained contusions and bruises to his hip and upper leg, with injury severity rated at level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the scene. The vehicle had no occupants other than the driver and no further vehicle details were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788172 - 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

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

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

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

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

SUV ran a signal on Glover Street. Struck a bicyclist hard. Rider thrown, shoulder shattered. Early morning, Bronx. Driver failed to obey traffic control. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, at 6:05 a.m. on Glover Street near Westchester Avenue in the Bronx, a 2017 Hyundai SUV traveling south struck a 30-year-old male bicyclist heading east. The impact hit the right rear quarter panel of both vehicles. The bicyclist was partially ejected and suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated upper arm. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, showing the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted. The SUV driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779370 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04