SoHo-Little Italy: Four deaths, hundreds hurt — and the cars keep coming

Mar 2 - A 68-year-old man suffered upper leg injuries and shock after an SUV struck him while crossing Broadway without a signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian with the vehicle’s right front bumper. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, at 16:19 in Manhattan near 503 Broadway, a BMW SUV traveling south struck a 68-year-old male pedestrian crossing the street without a signal. The collision occurred at the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg and was reported in shock with a minor burn. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The vehicle was going straight ahead and sustained no damage. The pedestrian’s crossing without a signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the critical danger posed by driver errors such as failure to yield in areas where pedestrians cross outside designated signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796194 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 24 - A 27-year-old unlicensed moped driver collided head-on with an SUV on Hudson Street in Manhattan. The impact ejected him, causing knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite improper lane usage and pedestrian confusion as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Hudson Street in Manhattan involving a 2023 moped and a 2024 SUV. The moped driver, a 27-year-old male, was unlicensed and was ejected upon impact, sustaining injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, was traveling north and struck the moped at the center front end. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a vehicle driver error contributing to the collision, alongside 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' The moped driver wore a helmet, but the report does not attribute this as a contributing factor. The collision caused significant vehicle damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. No blame is assigned to the moped driver for the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794722 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 21 - Taxi doors struck a northbound cyclist on West Broadway. The rider suffered arm and shoulder injuries, shock, pain, and nausea. Police cite passenger distraction and confusion. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a taxi parked near 475 W Broadway in Manhattan struck a northbound bicyclist at 20:21. The taxi's right side doors hit the cyclist, causing upper arm and shoulder injuries. The cyclist, a 33-year-old man, was in shock and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists 'Passenger Distraction' as a contributing factor for the taxi driver, showing the driver was distracted by passengers. 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' is also cited, indicating confusion played a role. The taxi's right side doors were damaged. The report highlights driver distraction as a key cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 21 - Steel shrieked at Lafayette and Grand. Two Toyotas collided. A 67-year-old woman crossing the intersection fell, her leg torn open. Blood pooled. Drivers licensed, but distraction ruled. She left with pain and silence, flesh split by careless hands.

A 67-year-old woman was seriously injured at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Grand Street in Manhattan when two Toyotas, a sedan and an SUV, collided. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling south and 'struck' at the corner, resulting in the woman being knocked down with 'severe lacerations' to her lower leg. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and remained at the scene. The pedestrian was crossing at the intersection when the crash occurred. The police report does not list any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on driver distraction and inexperience, which led to the violent impact and left the woman with lasting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794593 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 15 - A 22-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan making a left turn failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck. The driver’s failure to yield caused the collision and injury.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Grand Street in Manhattan was making a left turn when the driver failed to yield right-of-way. This driver error led to a collision with a 22-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver and pedestrian. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating impact was likely limited but sufficient to cause injury. The driver was licensed and operating a 2006 Toyota sedan. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792725 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 14 - A 48-year-old man riding west on East Houston crashed and suffered bruises to his knee, leg, and foot. No other vehicles or people were involved. Police list unspecified factors. The rider was unlicensed.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old male bicyclist traveling west on East Houston Street in Manhattan was injured in a solo crash at 3:30 PM. He suffered contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor, with no details on the cause. The bicyclist was unlicensed. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The point of impact and vehicle damage were both marked as 'Other.' No victim actions were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792667 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

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 11 - Two SUVs collided on Avenue of the Americas. Both drivers suffered bruises and contusions. The male driver’s distraction caused the crash. Impact hit the rear of one vehicle and the front of the other. Injuries were moderate but no ejections occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:23 on Avenue of the Americas involving two SUVs traveling north. The male driver, operating a 2022 Jeep SUV, was slowing or stopping when his vehicle’s center back end was struck by a 2023 Subaru SUV driven by a female driver going straight ahead. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the male driver. Both drivers were injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to the head and elbow-lower-arm-hand areas, with injury severity rated at 3. Both occupants were conscious, wearing lap belts, and were not ejected. The collision’s impact points were the center back end of the Jeep and the center front end of the Subaru, indicating a rear-end collision caused by driver distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792463 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 11 - Two SUVs collided on West Street just after midnight. The rear passenger in the struck vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and following too closely as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:06 a.m. on West Street near Canal Street. Two sport utility vehicles traveling southbound collided, with the Nissan SUV striking the rear of the Toyota SUV. The point of impact was the center front end of the Nissan and the center back end of the Toyota. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. A 28-year-old male occupant seated in the left rear passenger position of the Toyota SUV was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not indicate any victim fault or contributing behaviors. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction and tailgating on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792337 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 6 - A 90-year-old woman died on York Avenue. A cab made a U-turn and struck her. Another car hit her moments later. She was rushed to the hospital. Both drivers stayed. She did not survive.

According to the New York Post (published February 6, 2025), Frances Rickard, 90, was crossing York Avenue at East 72nd Street around 5:40 p.m. when a yellow taxi, driven by a 68-year-old man, made a U-turn and struck her. Police said, “Moments later, a 35-year-old woman driving a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer also struck her.” Rickard was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she died. Both drivers remained at the scene and have not been charged. The sequence highlights the dangers of U-turns and multi-lane crossings for pedestrians. The intersection saw two vehicles collide with a vulnerable road user in quick succession, underscoring persistent risks in city street design and driver behavior.

• Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing York Avenue, New York Post, Published 2025-02-06

Feb 4 - Tesla tore north on FDR. It struck a guardrail, flipped, split, burned. The woman driver died at the scene. Her passenger flew from the wreck. Firefighters battled battery flames. Northbound lanes shut. Metal, fire, speed, and loss marked the night.

NY Daily News (2025-02-04) reports a deadly crash on Manhattan's FDR Drive. A Tesla, traveling at high speed—witnesses estimated 'at least 120, 130 [mph]'—lost control near E. 70th St. The car struck a guardrail, overturned, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected. The driver died at the scene; her passenger survived. Firefighters and a hazmat team responded to extinguish the burning lithium-ion battery. The crash shut down northbound lanes. The article highlights excessive speed and the dangers of high-performance vehicles in urban settings. Emergency response was extensive, with 60 firefighters on scene.

• Tesla Crash Kills Woman On FDR Drive, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-04

Jan 31 - SUV and sedan crashed at Broome Street. Sedan driver, a 28-year-old woman, suffered head injury and shock. Police cite traffic control disregard. Both cars left scarred and battered.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV and a sedan collided near 555 Broome Street in Manhattan. The sedan driver, a 28-year-old woman, was injured with head trauma and shock. Police list 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the main cause, pointing to ignored signals or signs by a driver. The sedan took damage to its left front and side doors. The SUV's front end and bumper were hit. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight before the crash. The report does not list any contributing factors for the victim, focusing on the traffic control violation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789923 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Jan 29 - A 32-year-old woman suffered severe leg injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a left turn in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting critical driver error in yielding right-of-way.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:05 on Spring Street near Greenwich Street in Manhattan. A sedan traveling east was making a left turn when it struck a 32-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. There are no contributing factors listed for the pedestrian. This collision underscores the driver's failure to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing, resulting in serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789320 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Jan 25 - Three sedans collided on Greenwich Street in Manhattan shortly after midnight. Two male drivers suffered serious injuries including head trauma and whole-body pain. Police cited alcohol involvement as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:10 a.m. on Greenwich Street near Spring Street in Manhattan. Three sedans traveling north and south collided, with impacts reported on the left front bumper and quarter panels, as well as the center front end of the vehicles. Two male drivers, ages 53 and 45, were injured. The 53-year-old driver suffered head injuries and whiplash, while the 45-year-old driver was incoherent and complained of pain or nausea affecting his entire body. Both drivers were restrained with lap belts and were not ejected. The police report explicitly identifies alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the collision. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788865 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Jan 17 - A sedan’s improper lane use struck a 37-year-old e-scooter rider on Broadway. The rider took the hit to his abdomen and pelvis. He stayed conscious. The car barely dented. The man did not.

According to the police report, a sedan collided with a 37-year-old male e-scooter rider on Broadway near Spring Street in Manhattan at 3:00 PM. The e-scooter rider suffered contusions to his abdomen and pelvis but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, showing the sedan driver’s error. The sedan, registered in New Jersey and initially parked, struck the scooter’s left front bumper with its right side doors. No safety equipment was noted for the rider. The crash left the vulnerable road user hurt, while the vehicles showed little damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787529 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 15 - SUV driver, distracted, struck a 25-year-old e-biker near 501 Broadway. Cyclist ejected, suffered facial bruises. Impact shows the danger drivers pose to riders in Manhattan’s crowded streets.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 19:41 near 501 Broadway in Manhattan. A 25-year-old male e-bike rider was traveling south when a distracted SUV driver struck him. The cyclist was ejected and suffered facial contusions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The cyclist wore a helmet, but the driver’s error is cited as the cause. This crash left a vulnerable road user injured, underscoring the risks drivers create for cyclists in New York City.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786377 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Jan 9 - Assembly bill A 1236 hits Albany. It targets drivers who block bike lanes. The bill adds a mandatory surcharge. Money goes to the court. Cyclists get no relief until cars clear the lane.

Assembly bill A 1236 was introduced on January 9, 2025. It sits at the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to violations and a mandatory surcharge for parking in a bicycle lane,' would require drivers who block bike lanes to pay a mandatory surcharge to the court that finds them liable. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) leads as primary sponsor, joined by Deborah Glick (District 66) and Tony Simone (District 75) as co-sponsors. The bill aims to penalize drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking bike lanes, but its impact depends on enforcement and driver behavior. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 1236, Open States, Published 2025-01-09

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 - Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 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 planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08