Crash Count for Lower East Side
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,601
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 866
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 221
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 15
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 8
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Lower East Side?

Blood on the Crosswalks: How Many More Must Die Before They Act?

Lower East Side: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 17, 2025

The Toll in Flesh and Blood

Eight dead. Fourteen left with injuries so severe they may never walk the same. In just over three years, the Lower East Side has seen 1,525 crashes. Cars, trucks, bikes, and mopeds—steel against skin. Pedestrians and cyclists take the brunt.

A pickup truck on Water Street crushed four people on July 4, 2024. Three women and a man, all pedestrians, died where they stood. An eleven-year-old boy survived with his face torn open. No warning. No time to run. Crash data from NYC Open Data.

A city worker, fixing a street sign at dawn, was slashed by a delivery cyclist after a near miss. “They weren’t even in the bike lane, they were parked on the corner, fixing the light or the sign or something,” a witness said. The worker bled on the sidewalk. The cyclist fled.

Leadership: Promises and Delays

Local leaders have moved, but not fast enough. Council Member Marte co-sponsored a bill to ban parking near crosswalks, aiming to clear sightlines and protect those on foot. The bill sits in committee, waiting. Council records on Legistar.

Senator Kavanagh voted yes on the Stop Super Speeders Act, a bill to force repeat dangerous drivers to install speed-limiting devices. The law targets the worst offenders, but the carnage continues while the process drags on. Bill details on Open States.

On Canal Street, Council Member Marte said, “The time is long overdue to take action in response to the dire conditions of Canal Street. He pledged his support to take action.”

The Cost of Waiting

Every delay is another body on the pavement. The city has started daylighting intersections and lowering speed limits, but the pace is glacial. The Fifth Avenue redesign cut bike and bus lanes to keep car lanes wide. “We want a real solution to the bike and pedestrian safety issue,” said a community board leader.

The dead cannot wait.

Call your council member. Call your senator. Demand safer streets now.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Grace Lee
Assembly Member Grace Lee
District 65
District Office:
Room 302, 64 Fulton St., New York, NY 10038
Legislative Office:
Room 429, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Christopher Marte
Council Member Christopher Marte
District 1
District Office:
65 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002
212-587-3159
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1815, New York, NY 10007
212-587-3159
Twitter: ChrisMarteNYC
Brian Kavanagh
State Senator Brian Kavanagh
District 27
District Office:
Room 2011, 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Legislative Office:
Room 512, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Lower East Side Lower East Side sits in Manhattan, Precinct 7, District 1, AD 65, SD 27, Manhattan CB3.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Lower East Side

A 1077
Lee co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.

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.


Int 1160-2025
Rivera co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.


2
Rear-End Collision Injures Two Sedan Occupants

Two men in sedans collided on Suffolk Street in Manhattan. The rear vehicle struck the front car’s center back end. Both drivers were conscious but suffered chest and neck injuries. Slippery pavement contributed to the crash dynamics.

According to the police report, at 1:00 PM on Suffolk Street in Manhattan, a rear-end collision occurred involving two sedans traveling south. The front vehicle was stopped in traffic when the following sedan struck its center back end. The drivers, both licensed men from New York, were conscious but sustained injuries: the front passenger suffered a chest contusion, and the driver experienced whiplash to the neck. Both occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected. The report cites 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor, indicating road conditions played a role. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly noted in the data. The collision caused damage to the center back end of the front sedan and the center front end of the rear sedan.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784272 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
E-Scooter Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

A 59-year-old woman crossing Columbia Street with the signal was struck by an eastbound e-scooter. The impact caused head injuries and bruising. According to police, the e-scooter driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision.

At 16:55 on Columbia Street in Manhattan, an e-scooter traveling westbound struck a 59-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal, according to the police report. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and contusions, classified as injury severity level 3. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-scooter, which sustained damage in the same area. The police report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the e-scooter driver as the contributing factor. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the scene. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions or safety equipment were noted. The driver was operating the e-scooter straight ahead with two occupants onboard. This crash highlights the dangers posed by failure to yield by micromobility vehicle operators at intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783532 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians

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.


NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path

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.


Distracted Driver Hits Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

A sedan making a right turn struck a pedestrian crossing with the signal on East Houston Street. The 42-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, causing the collision at a busy intersection.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing East Houston Street at an intersection with the crossing signal. The collision occurred at 19:19 in Manhattan near Allen Street. The driver, operating a 2007 Ford sedan traveling south and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with the center front end of the vehicle. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to the knee, lower leg, and foot. Vehicle damage was reported as none. The driver was licensed in New York and the vehicle had one occupant. The crash highlights systemic dangers posed by driver errors in yielding and attention at intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778193 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Int 1138-2024
Marte co-sponsors bill to ban parking near crosswalks, boosting street safety.

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.


Int 1138-2024
Rivera co-sponsors bill to ban parking near crosswalks, boosting street safety.

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.


2
Unlicensed Motorcyclist Strikes Pedestrian on Essex

A motorcycle, driven without a license, hit a pedestrian crossing against the signal on Essex Street. Both suffered injuries and shock. The crash left bruises, bleeding, and exposed the dangers of unlicensed driving.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old unlicensed motorcycle driver traveling southwest on Essex Street struck a 40-year-old woman who was crossing against the signal at an intersection. The motorcycle's right front bumper hit the pedestrian, causing injuries to her knee and lower leg with minor bleeding. The driver sustained contusions and bruises to his elbow and lower arm. Both were in shock. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The driver was operating the motorcycle without a valid license, a critical error noted in the data. The crash highlights the risks of unlicensed vehicle operation and confusion at busy Manhattan crossings.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776289 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Int 1105-2024
Rivera co-sponsors bill boosting street safety transparency and project accountability.

Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.


Sedan Fails to Yield, Injures Pedestrian Crossing

A 22-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan made an improper right turn and failed to yield at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck, sustaining pain and shock from the impact.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection near Allen Street in Manhattan. The report states the sedan, registered in New Jersey, was making a right turn and failed to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock following the collision. The contributing factors listed include 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' by the driver. The vehicle showed no damage at the point of impact. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The incident highlights driver error in yielding and improper turning as the cause of the pedestrian's injuries.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771088 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Driver Injured in Manhattan Collision

A sedan driver suffered upper arm injuries and shock after a crash on Delancey Street. The vehicle’s right front quarter panel struck the sedan’s left rear side. Driver distraction was cited as the cause, trapping the man inside his car.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:20 AM on Delancey Street in Manhattan. The driver of a 2020 Honda sedan was injured, sustaining upper arm and shoulder injuries and experiencing shock. The report states the driver was trapped inside the vehicle after the collision. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of an unspecified vehicle striking the left rear quarter panel of the sedan. The police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The injured driver was not using any safety equipment at the time. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in urban traffic.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Strikes Pedestrian at Manhattan Intersection

A 36-year-old man suffered severe leg fractures after an SUV struck him on Delancey Street. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, compounding the impact. The pedestrian was left in shock with significant lower limb injuries.

According to the police report, at 4:10 AM on Delancey Street in Manhattan, a 2024 SUV traveling east struck a 36-year-old male pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in injury severity level 3 and shock. The point of impact was the SUV's left front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors attributed to the driver. The pedestrian was engaged in 'Other Actions in Roadway' but no victim fault is assigned. The vehicle showed no damage despite the severe pedestrian injuries, highlighting the danger posed by the driver's failure to yield and aggressive behavior.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768352 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Passes Too Closely, Injures Bicyclist

A 53-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a 2019 Jeep SUV passed too closely on East Houston Street. The SUV struck the bike’s front center, causing injury without ejection. The driver was licensed and traveling east.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on East Houston Street in Manhattan at 8:25 PM. A 2019 Jeep SUV, occupied by two people and driven by a licensed female driver, was initially parked before the collision. The SUV passed too closely to a 53-year-old male bicyclist traveling eastbound, striking the bike's center front end with its right front quarter panel. The bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions to the knee, lower leg, and foot, but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Passing Too Closely' as the contributing factor, highlighting the driver’s error. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766385 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Against Signal

A 47-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries when a northbound taxi struck him at an intersection on Broome Street. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. The taxi's right front bumper impacted the victim, causing contusions and bruises.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Broome Street struck a 47-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Chrystie Street. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the collision occurred. The taxi's right front bumper was the point of impact, resulting in injuries to the pedestrian's knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered contusions and bruises. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists no contributing factors attributed to the driver, but the pedestrian’s crossing against the signal is noted. This crash highlights the dangers at intersections where pedestrian signals are ignored, placing vulnerable road users at risk from moving vehicles.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766583 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Strikes Elderly Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

A 76-year-old woman suffered a head injury and concussion after an SUV made a left turn and struck her at an intersection. The driver’s view was obstructed, contributing to the crash. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:10 on Jackson Street. A 2013 SUV, traveling west and making a left turn, struck a 76-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle's right front bumper hit her. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to see the pedestrian due to limited visibility. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and concussion, resulting in shock. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report highlights driver error related to obstructed view during the left turn, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764454 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
2
Rear-End Crash Injures Two Passengers on Delancey

Two sedans collided on Delancey Street. Rear-end impact. Two women in the back seats suffered neck injuries. Both were conscious. No driver errors listed. The crash left both passengers hurt.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Delancey Street near Franklin D Roosevelt Drive collided at 15:16. One sedan struck the left rear bumper of the other. Two female rear-seat passengers, ages 62 and 68, were injured. Both were conscious and suffered neck injuries consistent with whiplash. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and going straight ahead. The impact left both passengers with moderate injuries. No mention of helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash underscores the risk to passengers in rear-end collisions.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763905 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Pedestrian Struck Crossing Henry Street in Manhattan

A 26-year-old man was hit and injured while crossing Henry Street away from an intersection. He suffered arm abrasions. The crash exposes the threat vehicles pose to people outside crosswalks.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male pedestrian was struck and injured on Henry Street near Jackson Street in Manhattan at 4:50 AM. The pedestrian was in the roadway, not at an intersection, performing 'Other Actions in Roadway.' He sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists no contributing factors for the driver or the pedestrian. The vehicle type and driver actions are unspecified. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are noted. The incident underscores the persistent danger vehicles present to pedestrians outside marked crossings.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763715 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Right Turn Collides with E-Scooter on FDR Drive

A 43-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured after an SUV made a right turn on FDR Drive. The collision caused abrasions and elbow injuries. Limited visibility contributed to the crash, highlighting dangers of obstructed views at intersections.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:33 on FDR Drive in Manhattan. A 43-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured when a 2022 Toyota SUV made a right turn and struck the e-scooter traveling northbound. The point of impact was the SUV's left front bumper. The e-scooter driver was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to the elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver’s limited visibility played a role. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling southbound before making the turn. No contributing factors were listed for the e-scooter driver. The report highlights driver error related to limited sightlines during the turn, resulting in a severe collision with a vulnerable road user.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763686 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04