Westchester Square: Two Dead, Seventy‑Seven Hurt

Feb 13 - 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 2024-02-13

Feb 9 - SUV hit sedan merging west. Elderly woman at wheel took neck injuries and whiplash. Metal crumpled. Five in SUV, one in sedan. Both drivers licensed. Road left scarred.

According to the police report, an SUV struck a sedan on the Cross Bronx Expressway at 16:30. The sedan, merging west, carried a 77-year-old woman who suffered neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The SUV, traveling straight, hit the sedan's front end with its left front bumper. Both drivers held New York licenses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors. The crash left both vehicles with front-end damage. The SUV had five occupants; the sedan had one. No blame is assigned to the injured driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701634 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 4 - A 22-year-old on a Suzuki slammed into a pickup’s rear on East Tremont. A tire failed. He flew off, legs torn, bleeding out on Bronx asphalt. No gear, only pain. The road gave no mercy, just blood and steel.

A violent collision unfolded on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx when a 22-year-old motorcyclist struck the rear of a Ford pickup truck, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 2:00 PM, with both vehicles traveling southeast. The police report cites 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist, operating a 2004 Suzuki, was partially ejected from his bike and suffered severe lacerations to his legs. The narrative states, 'A tire gave out. He flew partway off. Legs torn. Awake. Bleeding.' The report further notes the rider wore no protective gear. Driver actions—specifically following too closely—are listed as primary causes. The pickup truck sustained damage to its left rear bumper, while the motorcycle’s front end was crushed. The crash left the young rider conscious but gravely injured, underscoring the lethal consequences of driver error and mechanical failure.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700216 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - 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 2024-01-30

Jan 12 - A distracted SUV driver struck a passenger inside the vehicle, causing a facial contusion. The impact occurred on the right front bumper, injuring a 54-year-old man seated in the rear. Driver inattention was the sole contributing factor.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in the Bronx near Westchester Avenue at 2:17 AM. The vehicle involved was a 2010 Honda SUV traveling north, with three occupants inside. The point of impact was the right front bumper, damaging the right front quarter panel. The injured party was a 54-year-old male passenger seated in the rear of the station wagon. He sustained a facial contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the sole contributing factor to the crash, cited twice. There is no mention of victim error or contributing factors related to the passenger. The injury resulted directly from the driver's failure to maintain attention, highlighting systemic danger posed by distracted driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696091 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 2 - A moped slams into a turning SUV at East Tremont and Saint Peters. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, is ejected. Blood pools on the concrete. He lies conscious, head split open. Distraction and speed left metal twisted and a man broken.

A crash at East Tremont Avenue and Saint Peters Avenue in the Bronx left a 49-year-old moped rider injured. According to the police report, the moped struck the side of a turning SUV. The rider was ejected and suffered severe head bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The moped rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet, as noted after the driver errors. The SUV’s right side doors were smashed in the impact. No injuries were reported for the SUV driver. The crash highlights the deadly consequences of distraction and speed on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 11 - A Ford SUV and a pickup truck collided on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. Three occupants in the SUV suffered whiplash injuries. The crash involved driver distraction. All injured were conscious and restrained by lap belts.

According to the police report, a 2013 Ford SUV traveling east on East Tremont Avenue collided with a pickup truck making a right turn. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the SUV and the right front bumper of the pickup. Three occupants in the SUV, including the female driver and two passengers aged 30 and 32, sustained neck and back injuries consistent with whiplash. All were conscious and wearing lap belts at the time of the crash. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The pickup truck driver’s license status and identity remain unspecified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669965 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 29 - A 26-year-old man was injured crossing Rowland Street near Tratman Avenue in the Bronx. He suffered a head injury and was semiconscious with complaints of pain and nausea. The vehicle showed no damage and was traveling straight ahead.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on Rowland Street in the Bronx. The 26-year-old male pedestrian sustained a head injury and was semiconscious, complaining of pain and nausea. The vehicle involved was traveling straight ahead and showed no damage at the point of impact. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The pedestrian's location and actions at the time of the crash are unknown. No safety equipment or helmet use was recorded. The crash caused injury severity level 3 to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670978 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 27 - Assembly bill A 8079 would force scooter riders to get licensed, insured, and schooled. No license, no sale. Lawmakers push paperwork, not street fixes. Vulnerable users still face the same steel threat.

Assembly Bill A 8079, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Filed September 27, 2023, it aims to require a safety manual, licensing, and insurance for electric scooter operators in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes a bicycle and electric scooter operator's safety manual; provides for the issuance of a license...; requires liability insurance for electric scooters in cities having a population of one million or more.' Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr. leads, with Rebecca Seawright, Michael Benedetto, Deborah Glick, Jeffrion Aubry, David McDonough, and Michael Novakhov co-sponsoring. The bill targets paperwork and compliance. It does not address the core dangers faced by pedestrians and cyclists on city streets.

• File A 8079, Open States, Published 2023-09-27

Sep 26 - A southbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Eastchester Road in the Bronx. The sedan driver, a 37-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles were damaged at their centers.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male driver in a sedan was injured when a southbound SUV rear-ended his vehicle on Eastchester Road in the Bronx. The sedan driver sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash occurred as both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665515 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 3 - E-bike rider struck on Eastchester Road. Driver inattention led to crash. Rider bruised, shaken, left on pavement. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a collision took place on Eastchester Road at Bassett Avenue in the Bronx. An e-bike rider, age 31, suffered knee and lower leg bruises after being struck by another vehicle traveling west. The crash point was the right front quarter panel of the e-bike. The report lists driver inattention and other vehicular factors as contributing causes. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The rider was conscious and not ejected. This crash shows the danger posed by distracted drivers and systemic risks for cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4659199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 18 - Two SUVs slammed together on Zerega Avenue in the Bronx. One driver suffered a head wound and bled. Police cited traffic control disregard and unsafe speed. Airbags burst. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Zerega Avenue at Waterbury Avenue in the Bronx. One driver, a 60-year-old man, was injured with a head wound and minor bleeding. He was incoherent but not ejected; airbags deployed and his lap belt was fastened. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. Both vehicles took heavy front-end damage. The injured driver was traveling straight, while the other was turning left. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655453 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - A moped and an SUV collided on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx. The moped driver, 24, suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. Police cited the SUV driver for passing too closely and unsafe speed. The moped driver was unlicensed but helmeted.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx involving a moped and an SUV, both traveling north. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, sustained a fractured and dislocated elbow. The report lists the SUV driver's errors as "Passing Too Closely" and "Unsafe Speed." The moped driver was unlicensed but wore a helmet. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped and the left front quarter panel of the SUV. The moped driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The crash highlights dangerous driver behavior contributing to serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648606 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 11 - A sedan backed down Zerega Avenue. An 87-year-old woman crossed with the light. The bumper struck her head. Blood pooled on the street. The driver did not see her. The car showed no damage. She lay injured, bleeding.

An 87-year-old woman was struck by a reversing sedan near 1551 Zerega Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, she was 'crossing with the light' when a 2014 Honda backed into her, hitting her head with its bumper. The report states, 'Blood pooled on the asphalt. The driver saw nothing. The car bore no mark.' The pedestrian suffered a head injury and severe bleeding but remained conscious. Police listed 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The data does not mention any errors by the pedestrian. The crash highlights the danger of reversing vehicles at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 10 - A 65-year-old man was injured while getting on or off a vehicle on East Tremont Avenue. The impact struck his shoulder and upper arm, causing bruising. The pedestrian remained conscious after the collision with a Ford truck.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male pedestrian was injured on East Tremont Avenue while getting on or off a vehicle other than a school bus. The collision involved a 2018 Ford truck, which struck the pedestrian on the right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his shoulder and upper arm but remained conscious. The report lists unspecified contributing factors with no clear driver errors identified. The pedestrian's location and exact actions remain unclear, and no safety equipment or helmet use was noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645493 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 6 - 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 2023-06-06

Jun 6 - 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 2023-06-06

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