One Crash, One Death, One Demand: Slow Bartow Down Now

Nov 9 - A box truck driven by an unlicensed male driver struck the rear of a northbound SUV. The SUV carried a 19-year-old male passenger who suffered a concussion and back injury. The collision caused center front and back end damage to the vehicles.

According to the police report, a 2024 Ford box truck traveling north on New England Thruway collided with the left rear bumper of a 2013 Toyota SUV also traveling north. The truck driver was unlicensed, a critical driver error contributing to the crash. The SUV carried a 19-year-old male passenger in the rear seat, who was injured with a concussion and back injury but was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness. The report notes the truck's point of impact was the left front bumper, while the SUV sustained center back end damage. No other contributing factors were specified. The collision highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers operating large vehicles on city roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770150 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 14 - A convertible, moving too fast, crashed into a stationary Jeep on Hutchinson River Parkway East. Metal shrieked. The 56-year-old driver bled from the head, semiconscious, trapped in his seat. Sirens broke the silence over Bartow Avenue.

According to the police report, a convertible traveling at unsafe speed rear-ended a stopped Jeep on Hutchinson River Parkway East near Bartow Avenue in the Bronx at 2:00 p.m. The report states the convertible 'slammed into the rear of a stopped Jeep,' with 'metal screamed' and emergency responders arriving as 'sirens chased silence.' The 56-year-old driver of the convertible suffered severe head bleeding and was found semiconscious in his seat. Police cited 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors in the crash. The Jeep was stationary in traffic when struck. The report does not list any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the lethal consequences of driver speed and improper lane use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763635 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 11 - Two rear-seat passengers suffered neck injuries in a Bronx crash involving two sedans traveling north on Peartree Ave. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts. Police reports cite alcohol involvement as a contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Peartree Ave in the Bronx at 17:24. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead northbound. The point of impact was the center front end of a 2022 Kia sedan striking the center back end of a 2016 Toyota sedan. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the Kia and the right rear bumper of the Toyota. Two female rear-seat passengers, ages 22 and 28, were injured with neck trauma described as whiplash. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained with lap belts. The report explicitly lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver impairment played a role. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The focus remains on the driver error related to alcohol use that led to this collision and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769077 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 28 - Two SUVs crashed on Bartow Avenue in the Bronx just before 1 a.m. Both drivers, men aged 39, suffered contusions and bruises. The collision struck the left rear quarter panel of one vehicle and the front center of the other. Driver distraction was cited.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:59 a.m. on Bartow Avenue in the Bronx involving two sport utility vehicles traveling west and north. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the westbound SUV and the center front end of the northbound SUV. Both drivers, 39-year-old men, were conscious and injured, suffering contusions and bruises to the elbow, lower arm, hand, knee, lower leg, and foot. Both drivers were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in multi-vehicle collisions on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760169 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 26 - Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 19 - Two sedans collided on Coop City Boulevard. A 54-year-old driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite alcohol and unsafe speed as causes. Impact struck the rear of a stopped car.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Coop City Boulevard in the Bronx at 19:18. The striking vehicle hit the rear of a stopped sedan. The 54-year-old female driver was injured, suffering back trauma and whiplash. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The first sedan was stopped in traffic when the second, traveling south, struck it. Impact points were the left front bumper of the striking car and the center back end of the stopped vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report attributes the crash to driver errors and impairment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4757317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 5 - A sedan turned wrong on Baychester Avenue. An SUV struck its side. The woman driving the sedan broke her hip and leg. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a crash happened at 8:48 a.m. on Baychester Avenue at Tillotson Avenue in the Bronx. A 2017 Audi sedan made an improper U-turn and was struck by a 2024 Mazda SUV traveling straight. The sedan’s female driver, age 32, suffered a fractured and dislocated hip and upper leg. She remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report lists 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The impact left both vehicles damaged, with the sedan hit on its left side and the SUV’s front end crushed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753872 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 11 - Three people hurt in a chain-reaction crash on New England Thruway. SUVs and sedans slammed together. Driver distraction listed. Victims suffered head and back injuries. Metal twisted. Sirens followed.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash struck New England Thruway in the Bronx at 1:30 PM. SUVs, sedans, and a truck, all heading north, collided. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. Three people were injured: a 66-year-old woman driving suffered head injuries, a 23-year-old male passenger and a 58-year-old male driver both suffered back injuries. All remained conscious and were not ejected. Damage hit center back ends and left side doors. The police report lists driver distraction as the cause, with no victim actions contributing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747402 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 1 - A distracted pick-up truck driver struck a 29-year-old woman emerging from behind a parked vehicle on Bartow Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries with bruising. The truck showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:20 on Bartow Avenue in the Bronx. A 29-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a pick-up truck, traveling north and starting from parking, struck her as she emerged from in front of or behind a parked vehicle. The point of impact was the truck's left rear quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The truck driver failed to notice the pedestrian, leading to the collision. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating the pedestrian absorbed the force of the impact. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746980 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 11 - An e-bike rider was violently ejected after an SUV made a right turn on Conner Street. The rider suffered head injuries and shock, with police citing the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, at 7:37 AM on Conner Street near the New England Thruway, an SUV making a right turn collided with an e-bike traveling straight ahead. The e-bike rider, a 67-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained head injuries, resulting in shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The report explicitly identifies the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor to the crash. The e-bike rider was riding or hanging on the outside of his vehicle at the time, but no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles failing to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740146 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 - 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 - 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