No More Blood on Canal Street: Demand Safer Roads Now

Feb 4 - A Tesla hit a guardrail on the FDR. The car flipped, burned. The driver died at the scene. Her passenger survived but was badly hurt. Debris scattered. Police closed lanes for hours. The cause is still under investigation.

According to the New York Post (2025-02-04), a Tesla crashed on Manhattan's FDR Drive near 70th Street early Tuesday. The car struck a guardrail, flipped, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected. The article states, 'A female driver was killed and her passenger seriously injured after they were tossed from a Tesla that flipped and then burst into flames.' The driver died at the scene; the passenger was hospitalized in stable condition. Photos showed 'large pieces of the vehicle scattered across the road.' Police have not determined if speed was a factor and continue to investigate. The crash closed all northbound lanes for several miles as fire crews responded. The incident highlights the violent consequences of high-speed impacts and the dangers posed by vehicle ejection and fire.

• Tesla Crash Ejects Two On FDR Drive, New York Post, Published 2025-02-04

Jan 11 - A taxi traveling east on Canal Street struck a 25-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The crash exposed a failure to yield right-of-way by the taxi driver at a busy Manhattan intersection.

According to the police report, a 2017 Toyota taxi was traveling straight ahead eastbound on Canal Street in Manhattan when it struck a 25-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the impact. The point of impact was the taxi's right front bumper. The report explicitly cites the taxi driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor to the collision. No vehicle damage was recorded. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in intersections heavily trafficked by vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785474 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 10 - Two SUVs collided head-on on Madison Street in Manhattan. The female driver of one vehicle suffered a shoulder injury and bruising. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles struck each other’s left rear quarter panels during the crash.

According to the police report, at 12:10 PM on Madison Street in Manhattan, two SUVs traveling in opposite directions collided. The female driver of a 2011 Chevrolet SUV, traveling westbound, sustained an upper arm shoulder injury and contusions but was conscious and not ejected. The collision involved impact on the left rear quarter panels of both vehicles. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as the primary contributing factors for the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash caused damage to the right front bumper of the Chevrolet and the left rear quarter panel of the other SUV. The report highlights systemic danger from driver distraction leading to serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785453 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 6 - A sedan making a left turn collided head-on with a southbound moped on Madison Street. The moped driver, a 52-year-old man, was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:04 AM on Madison Street in Manhattan. A sedan traveling south was making a left turn when it struck a moped also traveling south. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The moped driver, a 52-year-old male occupant, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan driver’s failure to maintain attention while turning led to the collision. The moped driver was wearing a helmet, but no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784675 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 30 - A 34-year-old male e-scooter driver was ejected and suffered severe hip and leg injuries after a collision with a sedan on Canal Street. The crash involved disregard for traffic control, causing significant vehicle damage and serious injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:05 on Canal Street in Manhattan. The e-scooter driver, a 34-year-old male, was traveling north and was struck on the center front end by a westbound sedan impacting its left front quarter panel. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' twice as contributing factors, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. The e-scooter driver was ejected from the vehicle and sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to the hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The e-scooter driver was conscious but severely injured. Both vehicles sustained damage at the points of impact. The report does not list any contributing victim behaviors, focusing on the drivers' failure to respect traffic controls as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783672 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 26 - A taxi veered off Sixth Avenue, mounted the curb, and struck a crowd near Herald Square. Three pedestrians, including a child, landed in the hospital. The driver stayed at the scene. Metal, flesh, and concrete met in Midtown’s holiday rush.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a Midtown crash where a taxi driver, experiencing a medical episode, drove onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, injuring a 9-year-old boy and two women. Police said, 'they did not suspect any criminality in the crash.' The driver, 58, remained at the scene and was taken for evaluation. Four others declined medical attention. The article notes, 'the driver was driving northbound on Sixth Avenue around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd.' The incident highlights the persistent risk posed by vehicles in crowded pedestrian zones, regardless of intent or driver health. No policy changes were announced.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

Dec 23 - A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

Dec 19 - A 75-year-old man suffered a head contusion after an e-scooter struck him at an intersection in Manhattan. The collision occurred as the pedestrian crossed against the signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and used improper lane passing.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:39 on Catherine Street near Henry Street in Manhattan. A 75-year-old male pedestrian was injured, sustaining a head contusion and classified with injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the collision happened. The involved vehicle was an e-scooter traveling west, driven by a male operator going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-scooter, which sustained no damage. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and improper passing or lane usage as contributing factors. The pedestrian's crossing against the signal is noted but the primary errors stem from the driver's actions. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782447 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - A motorbike traveling south struck a 71-year-old pedestrian off the roadway near 50 Bowery. The pedestrian suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inexperience and inattention as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a motorbike operated by a licensed male driver from New Jersey was involved in a collision near 50 Bowery in Manhattan at 17:52. The motorbike was initially parked before the crash. The pedestrian, a 71-year-old female, was injured with fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the motorbike's left front bumper. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the collision. There is no indication of pedestrian fault or contributing behavior. The motorbike sustained no damage despite the impact. This incident highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced and distracted drivers to vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777876 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Nov 27 - A 26-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered a severe head injury on FDR Drive. The crash occurred during a right turn. Police cited driver inattention and reaction to an uninvolved vehicle as contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured and ejected while making a right turn on FDR Drive at 11:20 PM. The motorcycle sustained damage to the left front quarter panel at the point of impact. The rider was wearing a helmet but suffered a head injury and was incoherent after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as contributing factors, emphasizing the rider's loss of control during the maneuver. The driver held a permit license from New York. The crash narrative highlights the systemic danger of driver distraction leading to severe injury and ejection, with no fault attributed to the victim's actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775213 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 25 - A sedan making a left turn collided with an eastbound e-bike on Forsyth Street in Manhattan. The 24-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:33 on Forsyth Street near Henry Street in Manhattan. A 2023 Tesla sedan, traveling south and making a left turn, struck an eastbound e-bike at the center front end of both vehicles. The e-bike rider, a 24-year-old male, sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor for the collision, specifically citing the sedan driver’s failure to maintain attention while turning. No other contributing factors such as victim behavior or helmet use were noted. Vehicle damage was minimal, but the impact caused injury to the vulnerable bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775215 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - A 68-year-old man suffered a severe back injury at a Manhattan intersection. He was crossing Grand Street with the signal when struck. The police report lists no driver errors or victim faults. The crash left him conscious but fractured.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Grand Street at the intersection with Chrystie Street in Manhattan at 5:50 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. He sustained a severe back injury described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation, and was conscious at the scene. The report does not specify any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No vehicle details or driver information were provided, and the pedestrian was not ejected from the impact. The absence of cited driver errors or victim contributing factors in the police report highlights a systemic danger at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771085 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 12 - A 70-year-old woman crossing Grand Street with the signal was struck by a vehicle traveling south. The vehicle disregarded traffic control, hitting her at the intersection. She suffered a severe lower leg fracture and remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Grand Street and Chrystie Street in Manhattan at 13:52. The 70-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle traveling south struck her with its center front end. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the primary contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The pedestrian sustained a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at level 3. She was conscious following the collision. The vehicle was going straight ahead and had no occupants other than the driver. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776447 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 10 - A motorcycle rider was partially ejected and injured in a northbound collision with a sedan on FDR Drive. The rider suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles were traveling straight when the impact occurred at the motorcycle's front center.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on FDR Drive involving a northbound motorcycle and a sedan. The motorcycle driver, a 22-year-old male wearing a helmet, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The motorcycle's point of impact was the center front end, while the sedan was struck on its right rear bumper. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not indicate any pedestrian or cyclist fault. The motorcycle driver was conscious after the crash. Driver errors such as failure to yield or other specific violations were not explicitly cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 24 - Two SUVs crashed on Pike Street. Metal tore. Glass broke. Drivers and front passengers suffered limb injuries. Traffic control ignored. Sudden moves. Pain followed. Manhattan streets, danger inside steel.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 12:35 on Pike Street in Manhattan. The crash struck the left side doors of one vehicle and the front bumper of the other. Both drivers and front passengers were injured, suffering abrasions and injuries to knees, legs, elbows, and hands. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as contributing factors, highlighting failures to obey signals and improper responses to traffic. Both drivers were licensed and wore lap belts. No one was ejected. All victims remained conscious at the scene. The injuries were serious but not fatal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766549 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 24 - Two women were injured in a violent crash between SUVs on Henry Street in Manhattan. Both occupants suffered serious injuries, including head trauma and leg wounds. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight when the collision occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:03 on Henry Street, Manhattan, involving two sport utility vehicles traveling east and north. The female driver of the 2017 Ford SUV and her female front-seat passenger were both injured. The driver suffered head injuries and was in shock, while the passenger was semiconscious with knee and lower leg injuries. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for the driver’s role in the crash, indicating driver error or vehicle-related issues. The Tesla SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight north, while the Ford SUV driver was traveling straight east. Impact points were the right front bumper of the Ford and the left front quarter panel of the Tesla. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766026 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 23 - A 12-year-old boy crossing against the signal was struck by a southbound SUV on Allen Street. The impact fractured his lower leg and foot. The driver, proceeding straight, hit the pedestrian with the vehicle’s right front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Allen Street and Hester Street in Manhattan around 3:50 PM. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when he was struck by a 2021 Honda SUV traveling southbound. The vehicle's point of impact was the right front quarter panel, causing fractures and dislocations to the boy's knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists the pedestrian's action as crossing against the signal but does not cite any driver contributing factors explicitly. The collision highlights the dangers posed by vehicle movements in intersections where pedestrian signals are ignored.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765937 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 20 - A pedestrian crossing against the signal was struck by an eastbound SUV in Manhattan. The driver’s inattention caused a center-front collision, leaving the pedestrian incoherent with head injuries. The crash occurred near East Broadway late at night.

According to the police report, a 2019 Chevrolet SUV traveling eastbound struck a male pedestrian who was crossing against the signal near East Broadway in Manhattan at 11:42 p.m. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and was incoherent at the scene. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, emphasizing the driver’s failure to maintain attention. The pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor by the police. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. This collision highlights the critical role of driver distraction in pedestrian injuries during nighttime hours.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765996 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19