Three Dead, Hundreds Hurt: Morris Park Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Mar 22 - 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

Mar 18 - Two sedans crashed head-on on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx. Both male drivers suffered serious injuries including fractures and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the sole contributing factors in this violent collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:59 AM on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx involving two sedans traveling in opposite directions. Both drivers, a 33-year-old man and a 71-year-old man, were injured with serious trauma: the younger driver sustained a fractured hip and upper leg, while the older driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles, indicating a head-on collision. The report explicitly identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers, with no other causes or victim behaviors noted. Both drivers were licensed and conscious after the crash, and neither was ejected from their vehicles. This crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 13 - An SUV driver, parked and inattentive, struck a northbound e-scooter rider on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx. The e-scooter driver was ejected and suffered head injuries. The crash exposed dangers from driver distraction and vehicle positioning.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:35 on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx. A northbound e-scooter, operated by a 24-year-old female driver, collided with a parked SUV that was struck on its left side doors. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain awareness. The e-scooter driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained head injuries, including contusions and bruises. The SUV was a 2023 Toyota SUV, and the driver was licensed in New York. The e-scooter driver was not wearing safety equipment, but no contributing factors related to victim behavior were noted. This crash highlights the systemic danger posed by distracted drivers and parked vehicles obstructing or interacting with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798639 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 26 - A city bus turned onto Brook Avenue. The driver struck a cyclist. The man died at the scene. Police stayed. No charges filed. Another crash in Queens left one dead, one charged. The city’s streets remain hostile to the unprotected.

Gothamist reported on February 26, 2025, that an MTA bus driver fatally struck a 57-year-old cyclist while turning from East 149th Street onto Brook Avenue in the Bronx. The crash happened around 10:45 p.m. The bus, running as a subway replacement shuttle, was empty. The driver stayed at the scene and was not charged. NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the incident. The article also details a separate fatal crash in Queens involving a suspected drunk driver. As Gothamist notes, 'Police are investigating two fatal crashes in the Bronx and Queens.' The Bronx crash highlights the persistent risks at intersections where turning vehicles endanger cyclists. No policy changes were announced.

• MTA Bus Turns, Cyclist Killed Bronx, Gothamist, Published 2025-02-26

Feb 25 - 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

Feb 13 - 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

Feb 6 - A 60-year-old man crossing Pelham Parkway was struck by a westbound bus making a left turn. The bus driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered a shoulder injury and bruising but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a bus traveling west on Pelham Parkway was making a left turn when it struck a 60-year-old male pedestrian crossing against the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian was located at the intersection and suffered an upper arm and shoulder contusion, classified as injury severity 3. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors on the part of the bus driver. The point of impact was the bus's left front bumper. The bus sustained no damage and had one occupant, a licensed female driver. The pedestrian remained conscious after the collision. The report does not list any pedestrian behaviors as contributing factors beyond crossing against the signal, which is noted but the focus remains on the driver's failure to yield and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790858 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 2 - A female SUV driver suffered chest injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. The collision involved three parked vehicles and was linked to driver errors including handheld cell phone use and other vehicular factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:42 on Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. A 36-year-old female driver of a 2017 Jeep SUV was injured with contusions and chest trauma, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites driver errors including handheld cell phone use and other vehicular contributing factors. The collision involved three vehicles, all initially parked, with impact points at their center front ends. The injured driver was conscious and restrained with an air bag and lap belt. The report highlights driver distractions and other vehicular errors as primary causes, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789900 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 19 - A 20-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries in a rear-end crash on Pelham Parkway South. Two vehicles traveling east collided, striking the sedan’s center back end. The driver was conscious and restrained but sustained whiplash.

According to the police report, at 20:09 two vehicles—a 2004 Honda sedan and a 2022 Mazda SUV—were traveling east on Pelham Parkway South when the SUV struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 20-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma described as whiplash. He was conscious, wearing a lap belt and harness, and not ejected from the vehicle. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify victim behavior or pedestrian involvement. The collision was a rear-end impact, indicating a failure in maintaining safe distance or attention by the striking vehicle’s driver. No other injuries or factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789548 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - A city bus teetered over a Bronx overpass after swerving to dodge a double-parked car. Steel scraped concrete. Debris rained down. No one was hurt. The wall broke. The rules broke first.

NY1 reported on January 17, 2025, that a BxM1 MTA bus nearly plunged from the Henry Hudson Parkway overpass after the driver swerved to avoid an illegally double-parked car. The bus crashed into the wall, leaving it hanging over the edge. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, "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." No injuries were reported, but the crash caused structural damage and scattered debris below. City Councilman Eric Dinowitz noted, "It speaks to the importance of enforcing our parking rules because it was going around a double-parked car." The incident highlights the danger posed by lax parking enforcement and infrastructure vulnerable to impact.

• MTA Bus Hangs Off Bronx Overpass, NY1, Published 2025-01-17

Jan 13 - 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

Jan 8 - 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

Jan 8 - 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

Jan 8 - 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

Jan 5 - 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

Jan 4 - Two SUVs collided on Williamsbridge Road. One SUV hit a parked car, overturned, and trapped its 22-year-old driver. Police cite driver inattention. The crash left the driver injured and in shock.

According to the police report, two SUVs were involved in a crash on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx. One SUV, traveling north, struck a parked SUV with its right front bumper, then overturned. The 22-year-old male driver of the overturned vehicle was trapped and suffered injuries and shock. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The report notes the injured driver was not using any safety equipment. No other contributing factors or victim actions are mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 3 - 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

Jan 3 - 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

Dec 30 - An e-bike rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with a sedan traveling west on E Tremont Ave in the Bronx. The impact struck the left front of the e-bike and the right front bumper of the sedan. The rider remained conscious.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 14:35 on E Tremont Ave in the Bronx involving a 2019 Jeep sedan and an e-bike, both traveling west. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the sedan and the left front bumper of the e-bike. The e-bike driver, a 43-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3, and was conscious at the scene. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors explicitly. The sedan had no occupants and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. No victim behaviors or helmet use were noted as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable e-bike riders when sharing roadways with motor vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782737 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 15 - An SUV traveling north struck an e-bike making a left turn on Eastchester Road. The e-bike rider, partially ejected and injured, suffered bruises and arm injuries. Police cite rider confusion as a contributing factor; no driver errors were reported.

According to the police report, at 18:35 on Eastchester Road near Stillwell Avenue, a 2024 Kia SUV traveling northgoing straight ahead collided with an e-bike making a left turn. The point of impact was the left front bumper of both vehicles. The e-bike rider, a 44-year-old male wearing a helmet, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The SUV driver, a licensed female driver from New York, had two occupants and no contributing driver errors were cited. The police report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor, indicating confusion on the part of the e-bike rider but does not assign fault to the SUV driver. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front bumper on both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779450 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19