Westchester Square: Two Dead, Seventy‑Seven Hurt

Aug 11 - A 2007 Yamaha motorcycle tore down Commerce Avenue, Bronx, turning left at unsafe speed. The unlicensed rider and his 13-year-old passenger, both helmetless, were ejected and struck the pavement headfirst. Both died instantly in the darkness.

According to the police report, a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle was traveling at unsafe speed on Commerce Avenue near Newbold Avenue in the Bronx. The motorcycle, operated by a 21-year-old unlicensed rider, attempted a left turn and lost control. The report states both the rider and his 13-year-old passenger were ejected from the motorcycle, striking the pavement headfirst. Both individuals suffered fatal head injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Neither the rider nor the passenger was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. The crash occurred in the early morning darkness, underscoring the lethal consequences of high speed and improper turning on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747427 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - A northbound sedan crashed into a parked BMW on Seabury Avenue. Metal shrieked. A 24-year-old man, unbelted, bled from the head but remained conscious. Both drivers looked away. The street held its breath as distraction left blood on the Bronx pavement.

According to the police report, a northbound sedan collided with a parked BMW on Seabury Avenue near Waterbury Avenue in the Bronx at 6:08 a.m. The report states, 'A northbound sedan slammed into a parked BMW. Metal screamed. A 24-year-old man, unbelted, bled from the head. He stayed awake. The street stayed still. Both drivers had looked away.' The only injury reported was to the 24-year-old male driver of the moving sedan, who suffered severe bleeding from the head and was not wearing a seatbelt. The police report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The parked BMW was unoccupied at the time of impact. The crash underscores the persistent danger of driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 21 - A 10-year-old girl crossing without signal was struck by a southbound bus on Zerega Avenue in the Bronx. She suffered contusions and full-body injuries but remained conscious. The bus showed no damage, highlighting the severity of the impact on the child.

According to the police report, a 10-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a southbound Ford bus struck her at the center front end. The incident occurred near 1360 Zerega Avenue in the Bronx at 17:58. The child was crossing outside an intersection or crosswalk without a signal. She sustained contusions and injuries to her entire body, classified as injury severity 3, but remained conscious. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the pedestrian crossing without signal, which is noted as unspecified. The bus showed no damage, indicating the force of impact was concentrated on the pedestrian. This crash underscores the dangers pedestrians face from large vehicles even when the vehicle driver is not cited for errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736138 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 30 - Assembly Member Benedetto backed a campaign donor’s bid to dodge city idling fines. DJ Transportation owes $65,000 for idling. Advocates say fumes harm neighborhoods. The company refuses to electrify. Disabled riders are used as a shield. Health loses. Industry wins.

On May 30, 2024, Bronx Assembly Member Michael Benedetto testified in support of exempting DJ Transportation from New York City’s anti-idling law. The matter, heard by city officials, centered on whether companies serving students with disabilities should avoid fines for running engines. Benedetto argued, "I believe DJ Ambulette should be ... given a variance to let them have their buses idle to properly maintain their temperature on their buses." DJ Transportation, a campaign donor, owes over $65,000 in unpaid fines and has not committed to electrifying its fleet. Benedetto denied any influence from donations. The Department of Environmental Protection and advocates rejected claims that idling is needed for temperature control, citing community health risks. Critics condemned the use of disabled clients as justification for continued pollution. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Bronx Pol Wants City to Exempt Campaign Donor From Idling Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-30

May 28 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

May 22 - A 23-year-old man suffered a neck injury and concussion after a taxi hit him at a marked crosswalk on East Tremont Avenue. The taxi struck the pedestrian head-on while traveling eastbound. The victim was conscious but injured at the scene.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on East Tremont Avenue struck a 23-year-old male pedestrian at a marked crosswalk. The collision impacted the center front end of the taxi, causing a neck injury and concussion to the pedestrian, who was conscious at the time. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal but within a marked crosswalk. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors explicitly. The taxi driver was licensed and driving straight ahead prior to impact. The pedestrian’s crossing action and location are noted but not cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing at marked intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728108 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - A westbound SUV struck a parked box truck on Zerega Avenue, injuring the SUV driver. The impact damaged the right rear bumper of the SUV and the truck’s right rear quarter panel. The driver suffered head injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, at 9:00 AM on Zerega Avenue, a 2015 Jeep SUV traveling west collided with a parked 2005 Ford box truck. The point of impact was the SUV’s right rear bumper and the truck’s right rear quarter panel. The SUV driver, a 61-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and experienced shock but was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt. The report lists the driver’s contributing factors as unspecified. The box truck was stationary at the time of impact. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The crash highlights risks posed by collisions with parked vehicles and driver errors not further specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726561 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 21 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-05-21

May 19 - A van making a left turn struck a 32-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at an intersection in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The crash was caused by the driver’s failure to yield and inattention.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:25 PM on Williamsbridge Road near Eastchester Road in the Bronx. A 2021 RAM van, traveling east and making a left turn, struck a 32-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to his hip and upper leg and was conscious after the impact. The report cites the van driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the van’s right front bumper. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to yield and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726227 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 29 - A sedan making a U-turn struck a westbound motorcycle on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. Both motorcycle occupants were ejected and suffered serious injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 14:20 on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, a 2022 Jeep sedan was making a U-turn when it collided with a westbound 2017 Yamaha motorcycle. The sedan's left front bumper struck the motorcycle's right front bumper. The motorcycle driver, a 19-year-old male wearing a helmet, and his 23-year-old female passenger, also helmeted and hanging on outside the motorcycle, were both ejected from the vehicle. Both sustained serious injuries including neck contusions and abrasions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. No other factors involving the victims were cited. The sedan driver was licensed and female, with no occupants in the vehicle. The collision caused center front end damage to the sedan and right front quarter panel damage to the motorcycle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721003 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18