East Midtown Bleeds While Leaders Stall

A 44-year-old man was struck while crossing East 45th Street at Lexington Avenue. The sedan was making a right turn westbound. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his knee and lower leg. No driver errors were listed in the report.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East 45th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a sedan traveling westbound made a right turn and struck him. The impact was to the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was not ejected and no safety equipment was noted. The driver’s license status and sex were not provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664460 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A Ford pickup turned left at East 58th and 2nd. The driver looked away. The truck hit a 67-year-old woman crossing with the signal. Blood pooled on the crosswalk. She was conscious, her head bleeding. Driver inattention and inexperience marked the scene.

A Ford pickup truck, driven by a man, turned left at the corner of East 58th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. The truck struck a 67-year-old woman who was crossing the street with the signal. According to the police report, 'A Ford pickup turned left. A 67-year-old woman, crossing with the signal, was struck head-on. Blood pooled on the crosswalk. Her head was bleeding. She was conscious. The driver had looked away.' The police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The woman suffered a head injury with severe bleeding but remained conscious. No vehicle damage was reported. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to pay attention, especially during turns at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663625 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans crashed on East 59 Street in Manhattan. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The collision struck the center front and back ends of the vehicles. Driver inattention and aggressive driving caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on East 59 Street in Manhattan. The driver of one vehicle, a 50-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The crash involved a Hyundai sedan traveling west going straight ahead and a Honda sedan stopped in traffic. The point of impact was the center front end of the Hyundai and the center back end of the Honda. The report lists driver errors as inattention, distraction, and aggressive driving or road rage. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663191 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

City inspectors hit retailers this weekend. They target illegal lithium-ion batteries and mopeds. The law aims to curb deadly fires and street chaos. Delivery workers face new hurdles. Enforcement falls to DCWP, NYPD, and FDNY. Gaps in moped regulation remain.

On September 16, 2023, Local Law 39 takes effect in New York City. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will start enforcing the ban on uncertified lithium-ion battery sales. Inspectors will also check for illegal mopeds, issuing summonses and referring cases to NYPD and FDNY. DCWP spokesperson Michael Lanza said, 'While inspecting retailers for compliance with LL39, we will also check for illegal motorized scooters [mopeds], issue summonses and refer issues to NYPD and FDNY as appropriate.' Two days earlier, the City Council passed Council Member Keith Powers's bill for a citywide battery buyback program, letting delivery workers swap faulty batteries for certified ones. Powers acknowledged the ongoing problem of illegal mopeds, stating, 'We recognize that problem. We've been talking to the deputy mayor's office about further measures ahead.' The new law targets fire risk and unregulated vehicles, but loopholes in moped sales and enforcement persist.

• Enforcement of Illegal Batteries — and, Apparently, Mopeds — Starts on Saturday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-15

City Council passed a battery buy-back bill. Delivery workers can swap unsafe batteries for certified ones. New rules target deadly lithium-ion fires. Lawmakers demand delivery companies step up. Fourteen dead, over 100 hurt this year. Enforcement on uncertified sales begins soon.

"We know there are folks who can't afford high-priced batteries and bikes, and we will provide them the opportunity to surrender that unsafe equipment and receive a safe replacement." -- Keith Powers

On September 14, 2023, the New York City Council passed a package of bills to fight lithium-ion battery fires. The main bill, introduced by Council Member Keith Powers, creates a city-funded buy-back program for delivery workers to exchange faulty batteries and devices for safe, certified ones. The matter summary states the program aims to address the high cost of certified batteries, which can be prohibitive for low-paid workers. Council Members Oswald Feliz and Gale Brewer sponsored additional bills: Feliz's requires safe bikes and batteries for deliveries, while Brewer's mandates delivery apps provide safety training and equipment. Brewer also called for the Department of Transportation to update its safety course. Powers said, "We will provide them the opportunity to surrender that unsafe equipment and receive a safe replacement." The Council's action follows 180 battery fire incidents, 14 deaths, and over 100 injuries this year. Lawmakers push for delivery companies to take responsibility for worker safety and equipment standards. Enforcement against uncertified battery sales will begin soon.

• Council Passes Battery ‘Buy-Back’ Program and Other Bills to Curb Lithium-Ion Fires, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-14

A 40-year-old woman on an e-scooter collided head-on with a northbound cyclist on 2nd Avenue. The scooter driver was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles showed no damage. Failure to yield right-of-way caused the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred between an e-scooter traveling south and a bicycle traveling north at 1100 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. The e-scooter driver, a 40-year-old woman, was ejected from her vehicle and sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists Failure to Yield Right-of-Way as a contributing factor. Both vehicles had no visible damage. The cyclist held a permit license from New York and was traveling straight ahead. The e-scooter driver was not using any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661935 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 24-year-old male driver suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation after a crash on East 55 Street in Manhattan. The vehicle struck with its front center while making a right turn. Unsafe speed and improper turning caused the collision.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on East 55 Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. The driver, operating a 2023 JIAJUE vehicle, was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The driver sustained a fracture and dislocation to his elbow and lower arm but was not ejected and remained conscious. The vehicle's left front bumper was damaged at the point of impact. The driver held a permit license from New York. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved according to the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4660127 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Delivery workers ride mopeds on dangerous streets. Tech giants profit. City infrastructure lags. Cars and trucks kill most. Enforcement is scattershot. Officials call for safe lanes, charging stations, and real accountability. The crisis demands a fix beyond punishing workers.

"We need to cut off the flow of these vehicles before they get onto these streets." -- Alex Bores

This policy debate, published August 23, 2023, analyzes New York City’s 'moped crisis.' The article, reviewed by Streetsblog NYC, highlights systemic failures: unsafe streets, lack of charging infrastructure, and tech companies shifting risk onto underpaid delivery workers. Council Member Alexa Aviles urges rapid expansion of e-bike charging stations and blames corporate greed. State Senators Jessica Ramos and Brad Hoylman-Sigal call for industry accountability and a standardized, safe delivery vehicle. The matter summary states, 'The city needs a systemic fix, justice for workers and accountability by tech giants.' Advocacy groups reject punitive crackdowns on workers, pushing instead for expanded bike lanes and public infrastructure. The piece concludes that only a multi-pronged, structural approach—never just enforcement—will protect vulnerable road users and delivery workers alike.

• The Moped Crisis — An Analysis: The City Needs a Systemic Fix, Justice for Workers and Accountability by Tech Giants, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-23

A sedan driven by an unlicensed man struck another vehicle on 2 Avenue. Both driver and front passenger, men aged 31, suffered internal injuries to head and abdomen. The crash caused center front-end damage. Driver inattention was a key factor.

According to the police report, a 2023 Honda sedan traveling south on 2 Avenue collided front-center with another vehicle. The driver, an unlicensed 31-year-old man, was distracted at the time of the crash. Both he and the front passenger, also 31, sustained internal injuries—head injury for the passenger and abdomen-pelvis injury for the driver. Neither occupant was ejected, and both remained conscious. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The sedan suffered center front-end damage. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver’s unlicensed status and distraction were critical errors leading to this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655640 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A box truck struck the right rear quarter panel of an SUV making a right turn on East 57 Street in Manhattan. The SUV driver, a 41-year-old woman, suffered abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. Both drivers were distracted.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on East 57 Street collided with an SUV making a right turn northeast. The impact occurred at the SUV's right rear quarter panel. The SUV driver, a 41-year-old woman, was injured with abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. Both drivers were cited for driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The box truck driver was licensed in New Jersey, and the SUV driver was licensed in New York. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in vehicle-to-vehicle collisions at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657092 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 59-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and injured in a crash with a sedan on East 56 Street near Park Avenue. The bicyclist suffered neck abrasions but remained conscious. Both vehicles were traveling north with no reported vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on East 56 Street in Manhattan involving a sedan and a bicycle. The 59-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and sustained neck abrasions, classified as injury severity 3. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet. Both the sedan and bicycle were traveling straight ahead when the crash happened. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor, indicating an error on the part of the bicyclist. No driver errors by the sedan operator are noted. Neither vehicle sustained damage. The bicyclist remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654610 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 27-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 3 Avenue near East 57 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist, wearing a helmet, suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV showed no damage. The crash occurred while both vehicles traveled straight.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with a 2016 Chevrolet SUV on 3 Avenue near East 57 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The point of impact was the center back end of the bicycle and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV showed no damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for either party. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653303 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans slammed together on FDR Drive near midnight. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Alcohol and distraction fueled the crash. Both cars were headed north. Metal twisted. Lives changed.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on FDR Drive collided. The impact struck the right rear quarter panel of one car and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651280 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate bill S 7621 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets trigger mandatory speed control tech. Sponsors push to curb repeat danger. No votes yet. Streets stay tense.

Senate bill S 7621, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed August 2, 2023, it 'relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill forces drivers with eleven points in eighteen months, or six speed/red light camera tickets in a year, to install speed-limiting devices. No safety analyst note yet. The measure aims to cut repeat speeding and protect those outside the car.

• File S 7621, Open States, Published 2023-08-02

Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

A bus struck a 53-year-old man on a bike in Manhattan. The cyclist’s arm and elbow broke and twisted. The oversized bus and bike moved south on East 57th. Steel met flesh. The street stayed silent.

According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle collided on East 57th Street near Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The 53-year-old male bicyclist suffered a fractured and dislocated lower arm and elbow. The report lists 'Oversized Vehicle' as a contributing factor, pointing to the bus’s size as a cause. Both the bus and the bike were traveling straight when the crash happened. No other driver errors or contributing factors were listed. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, as noted after the driver error. No vehicle damage was reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650485 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A box truck struck a 49-year-old woman crossing Lexington Avenue with the signal. She suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the scene.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Lexington Avenue struck a 49-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to her elbow and lower arm. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor twice, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian. The truck had no visible damage and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The crash highlights the danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan turning left struck a northbound bicyclist on 1 Avenue. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries but remained conscious. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor. The bike's front end and sedan's left bumper were damaged.

According to the police report, a 2022 Tesla sedan making a left turn collided with a bicyclist traveling north on 1 Avenue. The bicyclist, a 20-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's left front bumper and the bike's center front end were damaged. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the impact. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or cyclist error were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers turning across bike lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647257 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 24-year-old male e-scooter driver suffered a head contusion after colliding with a sedan on Manhattan’s 2 Avenue near East 58 Street. The sedan driver was avoiding an object in the roadway. Police cited driver inattention as a factor.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 2 Avenue near East 58 Street in Manhattan between a sedan and an e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 24-year-old man, was injured with a head contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The sedan driver, a licensed female, was traveling south and was avoiding an object in the roadway when the impact occurred on the sedan’s right side doors. The e-scooter struck the left front quarter panel of the sedan. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643565 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07