No One Walks Away: Four Dead on White Plains Road, City Still Sleeps

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A bus traveling east on East Gun Hill Road struck an SUV, causing head injuries to the bus driver. The impact damaged the left front bumper of the bus and the front center of the SUV. The driver remained conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2018 bus traveling east on East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx collided with a station wagon/SUV. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the bus and the center front end of the SUV. The bus driver, a 60-year-old woman, was injured with a head contusion but remained conscious and was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors or victim behaviors. The collision caused visible damage to both vehicles, highlighting a dangerous interaction between a large bus and an SUV on this roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702551 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan making a left turn collided with a moped traveling straight on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The moped driver, partially ejected and incoherent, suffered serious leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield and driver inexperience as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on White Plains Road near East 218 Street in the Bronx at 16:23. A 62-year-old moped driver was partially ejected and sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries, described as injury severity level 3. The moped was traveling northeast straight ahead when it was struck by a sedan making a left turn southbound. The sedan's left front bumper and the moped's right front bumper were the points of impact. Police identified the sedan driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inexperience as contributing factors. The moped driver wore a helmet, but no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. Alcohol involvement was noted in the crash data, underscoring systemic dangers in driver conduct.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703491 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A southbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Bronx River Parkway. The sedan overturned. A 26-year-old female front passenger suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm injury. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:45 on Bronx River Parkway involving two vehicles traveling southbound. A 2020 Kia SUV struck the left rear bumper of a 2006 Mercedes sedan, causing the sedan to overturn. The impact point was the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the collision. The sedan carried two occupants; a 26-year-old female front passenger was injured, sustaining a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to impact. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700525 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

Three vehicles slammed together on Bronx River Parkway. A 72-year-old woman suffered back abrasions. Police blamed driver inattention, distraction, and tailgating for the chain-reaction crash.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash unfolded on Bronx River Parkway in the Bronx. At least three vehicles, including two SUVs and a sedan, collided while heading north. A 72-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining back abrasions but remained conscious. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as key contributing factors. The impact struck the center front and back ends of the vehicles, showing a rear-end sequence. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash resulted from driver errors—specifically tailgating and distraction—which triggered the pileup.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698369 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

State lawmakers unlocked millions from the Outer Borough Transportation Account. The money will fund toll rebates and transit projects. Some cash backs driving. Some boosts buses. Advocates push for more bus service. Riders need better, faster, safer options now.

Bill: Outer Borough Transportation Account (OBTA) funding allocation. Status: Active as of January 24, 2024. Committee: State legislature, with final approval by the Capital Program Review Board. The OBTA, created in 2018, collects a taxi surcharge as 'Phase I' of congestion pricing. The first $300 million funded subway repairs; the next $50 million now goes to projects chosen by state legislators and the governor. The bill summary notes, 'A special fund created in 2018 to pay for transportation 'carrots' intended to counteract the supposed stick of congestion pricing finally has a balance of tens of millions of dollars.' Assembly Member Nily Rozic (D-Queens) secured restored Q46 bus service. Lisa Daglian of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA called for a weekly City Ticket. Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance demanded better bus service, saying, 'The most important thing is better bus service.' The fund will shape how New Yorkers travel as congestion pricing nears.

• The Money For Congestion Pricing ‘Carrots’ Is Finally Here, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-24

Advocates stormed Albany for Sammy’s Law. They want New York City to set its own speed limits. Last year, Speaker Heastie blocked a vote. Mothers starved in protest. Lawmakers stalled. Now, survivors and families demand action. Data shows lower speeds save lives.

On January 23, 2024, advocates launched a renewed push for Sammy’s Law in Albany. The bill, which would let New York City control its own speed limits, stalled last year when Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refused to allow a vote, despite majority support. Brooklyn Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, a strong supporter, noted, 'Even [lawmakers] who had City Council members from their districts supporting the bill were still not interested.' Queens Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, recently injured by a driver, said, 'Had the car been going faster ... I might not be here.' Amy Cohen of Families for Safe Streets highlighted broad support: 'We have organizations from across the city supporting Sammy’s Law.' City data shows a 36% drop in pedestrian deaths after the 2014 speed limit reduction. The bill remains in limbo, but advocates are not backing down.

• This Year’s Mettle: The Push for Sammy’s Law Begins — With or Without Carl Heastie, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

A sedan hit a 9-year-old boy crossing Burke Avenue in the Bronx. The car’s front end struck the child, leaving him with facial abrasions. He was conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 9-year-old boy was injured when a westbound sedan struck him on Burke Avenue in the Bronx. The child was crossing outside an intersection when the vehicle’s center front end made contact, causing facial abrasions. The report notes the pedestrian’s location as 'not at intersection' and lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian. No driver errors such as Failure to Yield or Reckless Driving are cited. The sedan was traveling straight ahead with a licensed male driver. The focus remains on the impact and the injury to the young pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694942 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

State lawmakers push Sammy’s Law after a deadly year. The bill gives New York City power to set its own speed limits. Advocates cite 257 lives lost to reckless drivers. Lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The fight continues in Albany.

Sammy’s Law, a state bill, would let New York City control its own speed limits. The measure stalled last year when Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie blocked a vote, despite support from Governor Hochul, the state Senate, Mayor Adams, and the City Council. Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, who sponsors the bill, rallied outside Heastie’s office, saying, 'Last year, 257 people were killed on New York City streets by reckless and speeding drivers. Each of these deaths was preventable.' Amy Cohen, whose son Sammy was killed in 2013, called for urgent action: 'We can’t wait any longer. People like Sammy, and so many others are dying on our streets.' Advocates point to a 36-percent drop in pedestrian deaths after the city lowered speed limits in 2014. The bill would not set new limits automatically, but would give the city the power to act.

• New Year, New Opportunity to Pass ‘Sammy’s Law’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-18

SUV rear-ends sedan at unsafe speed on Bronx River Parkway. Sedan driver, 45, suffers neck injury. Night crash. Slippery road. Impact leaves driver hurt, system exposed.

According to the police report, an SUV struck a sedan from behind on the Bronx River Parkway. The sedan’s 45-year-old driver suffered a neck injury described as whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed as a key driver error, with slippery pavement also contributing. Both vehicles were traveling straight before the crash. The SUV carried two occupants; the sedan had one. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The crash highlights the danger of speed and road conditions for those inside vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688355 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 27-year-old man was struck while walking outside an intersection on Carpenter Avenue in the Bronx. He suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries and was in shock. The crash caused pain and nausea. Details on the vehicle and driver remain unspecified.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Carpenter Avenue in the Bronx after being hit while performing other actions in the roadway outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists the contributing factor as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. Vehicle details, including type and driver information, were not provided. The pedestrian was not ejected and no safety equipment or helmet was noted. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688127 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 68-year-old man was injured while getting on or off a vehicle at an intersection on Burke Avenue in the Bronx. The SUV hit him on the right side, causing a fractured shoulder and dislocation. The driver was distracted at the time.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Burke Avenue in the Bronx when a 2023 SUV traveling west struck him on the right side doors. The pedestrian was getting on or off a vehicle at the intersection. The injury included a fractured and dislocated upper arm. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. There is no mention of pedestrian fault or safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in areas with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 61-year-old woman was struck on East 215 Street in the Bronx. She suffered a severe head injury with fractures and dislocations. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported.

According to the police report, a 61-year-old female pedestrian was injured on East 215 Street near Paulding Avenue in the Bronx. She sustained a head injury described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle actions are provided. The pedestrian's location and actions at the time of the crash remain unknown. No safety equipment or other factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688051 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 34-year-old man crossing White Plains Road was struck by a southbound moped. The rider, unlicensed and distracted, hit the pedestrian at the center front. The victim suffered elbow and lower arm injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on White Plains Road in the Bronx struck a 34-year-old male pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was in shock at the scene. The report lists driver errors including inattention, distraction, and unsafe speed. The moped driver was unlicensed. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal. No victim fault or safety equipment is noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A BMW SUV struck a Jeep SUV from behind on East 233 Street in the Bronx. The BMW driver, a 53-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash happened at 1:29 a.m. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV traveling east on East 233 Street rear-ended a Jeep SUV traveling south. The 53-year-old male driver of the BMW was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as contributing factors. The BMW struck the Jeep's right rear quarter panel with its center front end. Both drivers were licensed. The BMW driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The crash caused damage to both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689718 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two SUVs slammed together at East 222nd and Bronxwood. Metal twisted. A woman in the front seat took the blow. Blood ran from her head. Speed killed the silence. The night held its breath.

Two sport utility vehicles crashed at the corner of East 222nd Street and Bronxwood Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight when they collided. A 47-year-old woman, riding as a front passenger and wearing a seatbelt, suffered severe head lacerations. The report states, 'Speed too high. Signals missed.' The listed contributing factor is 'Unsafe Speed.' No driver or vehicle occupant errors beyond speed are noted in the data. The crash left the street quiet and the woman injured, her wounds a stark reminder of the force unleashed when drivers move too fast.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688839 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 52-year-old woman was struck while crossing East 211 Street in the Bronx. The vehicle hit her with its front center. She suffered injuries to her entire body and was in shock. The driver turned improperly, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on East 211 Street near White Plains Road in the Bronx. The 52-year-old woman was crossing outside a crosswalk when a vehicle struck her with its center front end. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The vehicle type and driver details were unspecified. The crash highlights the dangers of improper vehicle turns to pedestrians crossing mid-block.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682229 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A bus traveling west struck a parked sedan on East 228 Street in the Bronx. The bus clipped the sedan’s right front panel with its left rear quarter. A 4-year-old girl passenger on the bus suffered an abrasion to her elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a bus traveling west on East 228 Street in the Bronx collided with a parked sedan. The point of impact was the bus’s left rear quarter panel hitting the sedan’s right front quarter panel. A 4-year-old female passenger on the bus was injured, sustaining an abrasion to her elbow and lower arm. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor to the crash. The child was not ejected and remained conscious. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The sedan was parked with no occupants. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680324 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two sedans crashed on East Gun Hill Road. Metal tore open the KIA’s rear. A two-year-old girl sat strapped in the back. She suffered deep cuts. The street fell silent. The child did not cry. The wreckage pressed in, sharp and cold.

Two sedans collided on East Gun Hill Road near Olinville Avenue. According to the police report, the KIA’s rear crumpled in the impact. A two-year-old girl, belted in the back seat, suffered severe lacerations. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The child was not ejected. No helmet or signal issues were noted. The crash left the metal folded around her, silent and sharp. The police report describes the scene in stark detail: 'She did not cry. The metal folded around her, silent and sharp.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673089 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05