Bodies Break, Leaders Stall—Pelham Bay Streets Still Bleed

A man clung to his car as a thief sped off. The vehicle dragged him down the street. Police found him battered, head and leg broken. The car, abandoned, bore scars of violence. The thief vanished. The city’s system failed to stop it.

According to the New York Post (April 25, 2025), a 32-year-old man was critically injured after being dragged by his own car during a daylight theft on Westchester Avenue in the Bronx. The article reports, 'Officers found the victim badly injured with trauma to his head and leg a block away.' Surveillance footage shows the man trying to stop the thief by grabbing the car window as it sped away. The Infiniti was later found abandoned with heavy damage. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the Bronx 'the absolute best place' in New York City to steal a car, citing a 3.6% rise in thefts in the borough, despite a citywide decrease. The incident highlights ongoing gaps in car theft prevention and prosecution.

• Man Dragged By Stolen Car In Bronx, New York Post, Published 2025-04-25

A 32-year-old man lies broken on Wilkinson Avenue. A sedan and parked SUV stand damaged. Blood stains the Bronx street. Two women watch, unharmed. The city moves on.

A 32-year-old pedestrian suffered crush injuries and was left semiconscious after a collision involving a sedan and a parked SUV on Wilkinson Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, the crash involved a Toyota SUV and an Infiniti sedan. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was the only person injured; two women, listed as registrants, were unharmed. No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are specified in the data. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808056 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Steel met steel at dawn. The box truck flipped. Three people hurt—two in the ambulance, one in the truck. Sirens wailed. All went to Jacobi. The cause is still a question. The Bronx street stayed dangerous.

ABC7 reported on April 15, 2025, that an ambulance and a box truck collided at Pelham Parkway South and Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx just after 6:30 a.m. The article states, "The box truck overturned in the crash. Three people were hurt: the box truck driver and two ambulance workers." All were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause remains under investigation. The crash highlights risks at busy intersections and the potential for severe outcomes when large vehicles collide. No driver actions have been detailed yet. The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns for workers and drivers on city streets.

• Ambulance, Truck Crash Injures Three Bronx, ABC7, Published 2025-04-15

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

A northbound SUV struck the right rear quarter panel of a box truck making a right turn on Country Club Road in the Bronx. The SUV driver, a 40-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:20 on Country Club Road in the Bronx. A 2023 Chevrolet SUV traveling north went straight ahead and impacted the right rear quarter panel of a box truck making a right turn northeast. The SUV's left front bumper was damaged. The SUV driver, a 40-year-old female occupant, was injured with head trauma and whiplash, classified as injury severity 3. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness, and was not ejected. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified, indicating no clear driver error was identified. The box truck driver’s license and sex were not reported. The collision highlights the dangers of vehicle interactions during turning maneuvers on Bronx streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802028 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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 51-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan made an improper turn on Westchester Ave in the Bronx. The collision caused abrasions and left the cyclist conscious but injured, highlighting driver errors in lane use and turning.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:15 on Westchester Ave in the Bronx. A 2019 Kia sedan, traveling west and making a U-turn, collided with a bicyclist traveling east. The bicyclist, a 51-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with abrasions reported. The police cited 'Turning Improperly' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors attributed to the sedan driver. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the impact. Vehicle damage was noted on the bike's center front end, while the sedan showed no damage. The report emphasizes driver errors in improper turning and lane usage as the cause, with no contributing factors assigned to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794763 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

SUV struck a 64-year-old woman crossing Parkview Avenue in the Bronx. She suffered knee and leg injuries. The driver failed to avoid her. No vehicle damage reported. Impact hit her left front side.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old woman was hit by a Mercedes SUV while crossing Parkview Avenue in the Bronx at 6:40 AM. The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk. She suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error. The point of impact was the SUV's left front quarter panel. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No damage was reported to the vehicle. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions or safety equipment were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788007 - 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 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

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

Businesses in Manhattan’s toll zone pass new $9 congestion fee to customers. Councilman Holden calls it a scam tax. Residents pay even if they don’t drive. Gridlock grows near the border. Critics warn of rising costs and slower emergency response.

On January 5, 2025, New York City began enforcing congestion pricing below 60th Street, charging drivers $9 during peak hours. The measure, discussed in the article 'NYC residents slapped with congestion pricing ‘surcharge’ by fed-up companies paying new toll: ‘Hochul inflation’,' has sparked backlash. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden, representing District 30, condemned the move, stating, 'It’s no surprise that businesses will pass the Congestion Scam Tax on to consumers.' Companies like CompuVoip and Dream Events & Decor now add surcharges for customers in the zone. Holden’s criticism joins that of Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato and others, who warn of higher costs and increased gridlock. Emergency unions claim response times will suffer. The bill’s impact on vulnerable road users was not assessed.

• NYC residents slapped with congestion pricing ‘surcharge’ by fed-up companies paying new toll: ‘Hochul inflation’, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-05

Congestion pricing hits Manhattan at midnight. Cars pay to cross south of 60th. Lawmakers split. Some call it a burden. Others hail cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit. The toll stirs anger, hope, and a fight over who pays and who breathes.

On January 3, 2025, congestion pricing (no bill number cited) will begin in Manhattan after a federal judge allowed the toll to proceed. The policy charges most drivers $9 to enter south of 60th Street during peak hours. The matter, titled 'Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll,' has drawn sharp lines. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) opposes the toll, warning, 'I don't know how my district is going to be impacted.' He fears more cars parking in Queens and unclear pollution risks. Council Member Kristy Marmorato (Bronx) calls it a 'cash grab.' In contrast, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas support the measure, citing cleaner air, safer streets, and transit upgrades. González-Rojas says, 'Congestion pricing isn't about penalizing anyone—it's about modernizing our transportation system and tackling climate change.' The judge ordered further study on environmental impacts, but the toll begins as scheduled.

• Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll, amny.com, Published 2025-01-03

As congestion pricing begins, unions and politicians rage. They claim tolls hurt workers and raise costs. Facts show most commuters use transit. Fewer cars mean faster emergency response. The toll funds transit upgrades. The drama masks real safety gains for all.

On January 3, 2025, public debate erupted as New York City prepared to activate congestion pricing in Manhattan. The measure, set to fund $15 billion in subway and rail improvements, drew fierce opposition from unions and Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, who called it a 'cash grab' that would 'increase all costs in our daily lives.' The union for FDNY EMTs argued the toll would burden low-wage workers, but data shows 90% of commuters already use public transit. City officials, including mayoral spokesperson Liz Garcia, insisted emergency response would not suffer. The measure's summary notes that reducing car traffic will speed up emergency vehicles and protect passengers. The uproar highlights the tension between entrenched driving privileges and the urgent need to make streets safer for vulnerable road users.

• Congestion Pricing Is Happening: Cue the Irrational Drama from the Placard Elite and the Suburbs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-03

A 21-year-old male driver suffered a concussion and head injury after crashing his BMW sedan on Bruckner Expressway. Police report cites unsafe speed as the cause. Airbag deployed; driver remained inside vehicle but was incoherent at the scene.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male driver operating a 2009 BMW sedan on Bruckner Expressway was injured in a crash at 3:32 a.m. The vehicle was traveling north, going straight ahead when it impacted with its center front end, damaging the left front bumper. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the sole contributing factor to the collision. The driver was not ejected but sustained a head injury resulting in a concussion and was incoherent at the scene. The vehicle's airbag deployed during the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The data highlights the driver's excessive speed as the critical error leading to the crash and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781463 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan overturned on Bruckner Expressway at night, injuring both occupants. The driver suffered upper arm injuries and shock, while the front passenger sustained facial injuries and minor bleeding. Unsafe speed and lane changing contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:43 on Bruckner Expressway involving a 2007 Lexus sedan traveling southwest. The driver, a 24-year-old male, was injured with upper arm trauma and shock, restrained by a lap belt. The front passenger, a 22-year-old male, also suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding, also wearing a lap belt. The driver’s contributing factors included unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing, as noted in the report. The vehicle overturned after the driver attempted to avoid an object in the roadway, impacting the roof. The report explicitly cites driver errors—unsafe speed and lane changes—as causes. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782653 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Tesla SUV struck a Honda sedan from behind on Bruckner Expressway at 11 p.m. The sedan driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cite alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:00 on Bruckner Expressway involving a Tesla SUV and a Honda sedan. The Tesla, traveling south and going straight ahead, struck the Honda sedan from behind, impacting the sedan's right front bumper and the SUV's center back end. The sedan driver, a 22-year-old male occupant, was injured with whiplash and injuries to the entire body but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The report identifies alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors to the crash. Additionally, improper or inadequate lane markings are noted as a systemic factor. The sedan driver was changing lanes at the time of impact. The collision highlights driver errors and roadway conditions as central causes, with no fault attributed to the injured occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780484 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04