Van Cortlandt Park: Blood on the Asphalt, Silence in City Hall

A 24-year-old male driver fractured his hip and upper leg when his sedan struck a parked truck on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. The collision, caused by driver inattention, damaged the sedan’s right front bumper and the truck’s left rear bumper.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:48 on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. The 24-year-old male driver of a 2022 Nissan sedan was traveling north when he collided with a parked 2015 Volvo 3-door truck. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end and the truck’s left rear bumper. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating a clear failure on the driver’s part to maintain focus. The driver suffered a fracture and dislocation to his hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity 3. The driver was not ejected and was operating the vehicle without safety equipment. The parked truck had no occupants at the time. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759715 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 23-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his SUV rear-ended a stopped pickup truck on the Major Deegan Expressway. The crash involved defective brakes, causing a violent impact to the front of the SUV and rear of the truck.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on the Major Deegan Expressway. A 23-year-old male driver in a 2004 SUV was injured with back trauma and whiplash. The SUV struck the rear of a stopped 2010 pickup truck traveling southbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the truck. The report cites 'Brakes Defective' as a contributing factor to the collision, indicating mechanical failure on the SUV. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed by vehicle maintenance failures, specifically brake defects, leading to rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756501 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

SUV veered on Major Deegan. Metal hit metal. A woman and a four-year-old girl hurt. Both in shock. Both left with pain. No outside cause named. The road stays hard.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old woman driving a 2022 Honda SUV changed lanes southbound on the Major Deegan Expressway. The SUV’s left front quarter panel struck the left front bumper of another vehicle. The driver suffered a moderate neck injury and was in shock. A 4-year-old girl in the right rear seat, secured in a child restraint, sustained a moderate chest injury and was also in shock. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or crash. The pre-crash action was changing lanes. No victim actions or external factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738871 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans traveling north on Henry Hudson Parkway collided. The impact injured a 21-year-old male driver, who suffered back injuries but remained conscious. Both vehicles sustained damage, with the BMW’s right front quarter panel impacted.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling straight ahead northbound on Henry Hudson Parkway when they collided. The BMW sedan sustained damage to its right front quarter panel, indicating the point of impact. The 21-year-old male driver of one vehicle was injured, suffering back injuries classified as injury severity level 3, but he was not ejected and remained conscious. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver’s actions, but no explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision resulted in internal complaints and vehicle damage described as 'other.' The data highlights the risks of multi-vehicle crashes on this roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742352 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Jeep SUV lost control on the Major Deegan. Tire failure sent it crashing. Driver and front passenger bruised, conscious, belted. The wreck lay demolished, metal twisted by sudden mechanical betrayal.

According to the police report, a 2002 Jeep SUV traveling north on the Major Deegan Expressway suffered a tire failure, listed as 'Tire Failure/Inadequate.' The crash left the vehicle demolished. The driver, a 53-year-old woman, and the front passenger, a 54-year-old man, both sustained chest and back contusions. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report cites tire failure as the sole contributing factor. No driver errors or other behaviors are noted. This crash shows how mechanical breakdowns can inflict sudden harm, even when occupants are secured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735732 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Albany lawmakers passed a bill to quadruple red light cameras in New York City. The cap jumps from 150 to 600 intersections. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie led the move. The street sweeper camera bill died. Streets stay dangerous. Enforcement rises.

On June 7, 2024, the New York State Assembly passed legislation to expand red light cameras from 150 to 600 intersections. The bill, steered by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (District 83), marks a major shift in automated enforcement. The matter summary states: 'State legislators are expected to pass a dramatic expansion of red light cameras at New York City intersections.' Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, 'People shouldn’t run red lights... when they do that they endanger other people’s lives, and people have died.' Heastie controlled the vote. A separate bill to ticket cars blocking street sweepers failed to reach the floor. Advocates pushed for both measures, but only the camera expansion passed. The next legislative session is in January.

• More red light cameras coming to NYC intersections under newly passed legislation, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 2024-05-28

Three occupants suffered head injuries and whiplash in a late-night collision involving two SUVs and a sedan. The crash, marked by unsafe speed, caused center and side impact damage. All injured were restrained but experienced serious trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:10 on the Major Deegan Expressway involving a 2023 Cadillac SUV, a 2022 Kia SUV, and a 2014 Audi sedan. The report cites unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The Cadillac SUV sustained center front end damage, impacting the Kia SUV on its left side doors, while the Audi sedan had damage to its center front end and right front bumper. Three occupants were injured: a 22-year-old male driver, a 24-year-old female front passenger, and a 23-year-old female rear passenger, all wearing lap belts and harnesses. Each suffered head injuries and whiplash, with one passenger unconscious at the scene. The collision dynamics and driver errors, specifically unsafe speed, led to significant trauma despite proper restraint use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726868 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Mosholu Parkway at 9:02 a.m. The rear vehicle struck the front SUV’s back end. A 34-year-old female driver and an 8-year-old passenger suffered injuries. Police cited following too closely as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Mosholu Parkway at 9:02 a.m. Two station wagons/SUVs traveling southbound collided when the rear vehicle impacted the center back end of the front vehicle. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The front vehicle, a 2019 Nissan SUV driven by a licensed female driver aged 34, sustained center back end damage. She was injured in the crash, suffering back injuries and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The rear vehicle, a 2024 Subaru SUV driven by a licensed male driver, struck the front SUV’s rear. An 8-year-old male passenger in the rear SUV was also injured, with knee, lower leg, and foot injuries and minor bleeding, also restrained by a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724494 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two northbound vehicles collided on the Major Deegan Expressway. The SUV’s front passenger suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited aggressive driving and unsafe lane changing as key factors in the crash, highlighting driver errors behind the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:20 on the Major Deegan Expressway involving a 2010 SUV and a 2020 pick-up truck, both traveling north. The SUV sustained center back end damage while the pick-up truck hit the SUV with its center front end. The front passenger in the SUV, a 50-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and shock, restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors for both vehicles, with unsafe lane changing specifically noted for the SUV passenger’s contributing factors. These driver errors led directly to the collision and the passenger’s injuries, underscoring the systemic dangers of aggressive behavior on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721370 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04