Blood on the Sidewalk, Blame in the Council Chambers

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 truck backing north on E Tremont Ave struck the left side of a northbound sedan. The sedan’s front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite the truck driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:15 on E Tremont Ave in the Bronx. A truck was backing north when it collided with the left side doors of a northbound sedan. The sedan carried one occupant in the front passenger seat, a 43-year-old man who was injured with neck trauma and whiplash, classified as injury severity 3. The passenger was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report identifies the contributing factor as "Following Too Closely," indicating the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance while maneuvering. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The impact damaged the left side doors of the sedan and the right rear bumper of the truck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800238 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck an e-bike from behind on Pelham Parkway. The 25-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles traveled southbound. The crash exposed dangerous following distances and driver inattention in a busy corridor.

According to the police report, at 8:24 a.m. on Pelham Parkway near White Plains Road, a sedan and an e-bike were traveling southbound when the sedan struck the e-bike from behind. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor twice, indicating that the sedan driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the e-bike. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the collision. There was no vehicle damage reported. This crash highlights the risks posed by inadequate following distances and driver errors in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799778 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck a box truck pulling from the curb. The woman driving crushed her shoulder. The man beside her pinned by the seat. Both awake. Both broken. Distraction behind the wheel. Metal and flesh torn in the Bronx dusk.

On Van Nest Avenue near 606 in the Bronx, a sedan collided with a box truck that was pulling from the curb. According to the police report, the sedan's driver, a 34-year-old woman, suffered crush injuries to her shoulder, while her 33-year-old male passenger was pinned and injured in the back. Both were conscious but sustained serious injuries. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the driver and the passenger. The sedan's left front bumper struck the right side doors of the box truck, which sustained no damage. The box truck was starting from parking, while the sedan was going straight ahead. The focus remains on driver distraction as the systemic danger leading to this violent crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797413 - 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

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 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

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

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

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

Before dawn on Bronxdale Avenue, two cars collided head-on. Five young adults, semiconscious, crushed in metal. Parked cars struck, glass and blood on the street. Speed and alcohol tore silence, leaving bodies broken where the morning began.

On Bronxdale Avenue near Cruger Avenue in the Bronx, two vehicles collided head-on, according to the police report. The crash occurred before dawn and left five young adults semiconscious and pinned inside the wreckage, suffering head, chest, and neck injuries. The police report states, 'Five young adults, semiconscious, pinned in twisted steel. Head, chest, neck—broken. Parked cars struck.' The report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, and also notes the presence of alcohol at the scene. Multiple parked vehicles were hit in the aftermath. The data shows all injured persons were vehicle occupants, with no evidence of pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The violence of the impact and the resulting injuries underscore the danger when speed and impairment intersect on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 72-year-old man crossing a marked crosswalk was struck by an unlicensed driver backing a sport utility vehicle. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries. Driver inattention and inexperience were cited as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:20 on Barnes Ave in the Bronx. A 72-year-old male pedestrian was crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal when he was hit by a 2010 Honda SUV backing north. The driver, a female with an unlicensed NY driver’s status, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle’s left rear bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The report explicitly cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Driver Inexperience" as contributing factors. No damage was recorded on the vehicle, indicating a low-speed impact. The pedestrian was conscious but injured. The report does not list any pedestrian behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 26-year-old e-bike rider slammed into a turning SUV on Bronxdale Ave. His head split open. Blood streaked the frame. The SUV turned left. The e-bike went straight. The street fell silent.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old man riding an e-bike was severely injured when he collided with the front quarter panel of a Honda SUV making a left turn on Bronxdale Ave near White Plains Rd. The report states the SUV was 'Making Left Turn' while the e-bike was 'Going Straight Ahead.' The e-bike rider suffered severe head lacerations and was not wearing a helmet. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The narrative describes the SUV turning left and the e-bike proceeding straight, resulting in a violent impact that left the rider's head split open and blood on the frame. The data highlights the danger faced by vulnerable road users when drivers turn across their path.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769860 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 41-year-old man suffered a severe head injury after being struck by an SUV while crossing against the signal. The vehicle, traveling northbound, impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing fractures and dislocations.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Bronx River Parkway East and Boston Road. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when he was struck by a northbound 2009 Honda SUV. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper, which sustained damage. The pedestrian suffered a head injury described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation, with an injury severity level of 3. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists the pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal as a contributing factor, but no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited. The collision highlights the dangers at intersections where pedestrian signals are ignored.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768924 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old woman was struck by a northbound sedan while crossing outside a crosswalk in the Bronx. She suffered severe lower leg injuries, including fractures and dislocations. The driver impacted the pedestrian with the vehicle’s left front bumper.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old female pedestrian was injured at 6:30 AM in the Bronx when a northbound 2017 Hyundai sedan struck her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal on White Plains Road. She sustained fractures, dislocations, and severe injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any pedestrian fault. The collision highlights the dangers posed by vehicles striking pedestrians outside designated crossing areas, with driver control and awareness critical to preventing such injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766268 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 74-year-old woman was struck by a pick-up truck while crossing with the signal at an intersection in the Bronx. She suffered a fractured and dislocated lower arm injury. The driver impacted the pedestrian at the center back end of the vehicle.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling east on Pelham Parkway South struck a 74-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies the point of impact as the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was conscious at the scene. The report does not list any contributing factors for the driver or the pedestrian. The absence of driver errors in the report does not diminish the systemic danger posed by the vehicle's movement through the intersection, which resulted in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765357 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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