No More Waiting—Lower the Speed, Save a Life

A man pedaled east on West 72nd. His bike crumpled beneath him. Blood pooled on the street. His skull split. He did not fall, but something inside him broke. The city’s hard edge met flesh and bone.

A 31-year-old man riding a bike eastbound on West 72nd Street near Central Park was severely injured, according to the police report. The report states the cyclist suffered a major head injury with severe bleeding after the back of his bike folded under him. The narrative describes, 'His head split open. Blood spilled onto the pavement. The back of the bike folded under him. He stayed upright. Something inside him didn’t.' The only contributing factor listed in the police report is 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' No other vehicles are cited as involved. The crash occurred at 16:48 in Manhattan’s 10023 zip code. The police report does not specify helmet use or other safety equipment. The focus remains on the confusion and systemic dangers that can lead to such devastating outcomes for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723865, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan door snapped open on West 68th. Metal met muscle. A cyclist’s leg split, blood pooling in the street. The driver never looked. The cyclist, helmeted and conscious, bore the wound. Distraction behind the wheel left flesh torn.

A cyclist traveling east on West 68th Street in Manhattan collided with the left-side door of a parked sedan, according to the police report. The incident occurred at 19:48 and resulted in severe lacerations to the cyclist’s knee and lower leg. The report states, 'A sedan door flung open. Steel caught his leg. Flesh tore. Blood pooled on the asphalt. He wore a helmet. He stayed conscious. The driver hadn’t looked.' The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s driver opened the door without checking for oncoming traffic, causing the impact. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary cause cited is the driver’s failure to pay attention before opening the door.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719706, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A box truck driver made an improper U-turn and failed to yield right-of-way, colliding with a motorcycle traveling straight. The motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries but remained conscious. The truck showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway near West 72 Street in Manhattan at 14:04. The box truck driver, a 54-year-old man, was making a U-turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a motorcycle traveling westbound. The point of impact was the truck's left side doors and the motorcycle's center front end. The truck driver sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The motorcycle driver was the sole occupant and had damage to the center front end of the vehicle. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors, highlighting driver error as the cause. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715984, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 66-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a southbound cyclist on Amsterdam Avenue. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg abrasions, left in shock. The cyclist’s failure to yield right-of-way caused the collision at the intersection.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling southbound on Amsterdam Avenue struck a 66-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in injury severity level 3 and emotional shock. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors attributed to the cyclist. The point of impact was the center front end of the bicycle, which sustained no damage. This collision highlights the cyclist’s failure to yield right-of-way as the primary driver error leading to the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713449, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 24-year-old woman suffered back contusions after a taxi struck her while crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver’s inattention caused the crash. The pedestrian was conscious and injured, highlighting dangers from distracted driving in Manhattan.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on West 59th Street in Manhattan struck a 24-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing in a marked crosswalk but without a crossing signal. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian's crossing without a signal was noted as a secondary factor but does not mitigate the driver’s failure to maintain attention. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. No vehicle damage was recorded, indicating a low-speed collision. This incident underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712820, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 15-year-old boy riding a bike was injured when a flat rack truck struck him on Broadway. The truck driver failed to yield right-of-way. The bicyclist suffered facial contusions but was conscious and not ejected from his bike.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway at 7:00 AM involving a flat rack truck traveling south and a 15-year-old male bicyclist traveling west making a left turn. The truck struck the bicyclist on the right side doors, impacting the left rear quarter panel of the truck. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor by the truck driver. The bicyclist, who was not wearing any safety equipment, sustained a facial contusion and was injured but remained conscious and was not ejected from the bike. The truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. Vehicle damage was not reported on either vehicle. No other contributing factors were specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709859, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 66-year-old man suffered severe chest injuries after a sedan collided with him at a Broadway intersection in Manhattan. The vehicle struck the pedestrian’s right front quarter panel, causing fractures and dislocations. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Broadway and West 68 Street in Manhattan at 9:15 PM. The collision involved a 2022 Honda sedan traveling northbound, which struck the pedestrian with its right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained chest injuries including fractures and dislocations, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before impact. Vehicle damage was limited to the right front quarter panel, indicating the point of impact. No additional contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699713, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A southbound SUV and westbound taxi collided on Broadway at dawn. The SUV driver, a 24-year-old woman, suffered back contusions. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Broadway at 5:53 a.m. involving a 2018 Ford SUV traveling south and a 2015 Toyota taxi traveling west. The SUV driver, a 24-year-old female occupant, was injured with back contusions and remained conscious. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the taxi. The report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers held valid New York licenses and were going straight ahead before the collision. The SUV had two occupants, and the taxi had one. The SUV driver was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697869, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A collision on Amsterdam Avenue sent two men into shock and injury. The SUV struck the sedan’s left rear quarter panel as both vehicles traveled straight. Driver errors included disregarding traffic control and inattention. Both occupants suffered pain and trauma.

According to the police report, at 12:21 a.m., a 2018 Chevrolet SUV traveling west struck the left rear quarter panel of a 2014 Kia sedan traveling north on Amsterdam Avenue. The SUV driver disregarded traffic control and was inattentive, contributing to the crash. The sedan carried two male occupants: a 21-year-old driver and a 44-year-old right rear passenger. Both were injured with complaints of pain and nausea and experienced shock. The driver suffered head injuries, and the passenger sustained back injuries. Both wore lap belts and were not ejected. Vehicle damage was noted on the SUV’s left rear quarter panel and the sedan’s right front bumper. The report cites “Traffic Control Disregarded” and “Driver Inattention/Distraction” as primary contributing factors, highlighting driver errors as central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693598, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two SUVs collided on Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The left rear passenger in one vehicle suffered a head contusion. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as causes. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The injured passenger remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Amsterdam Avenue near West 62 Street. The crash involved a northbound SUV changing lanes and another going straight ahead. The left rear passenger in one SUV, a 56-year-old man, was injured with a head contusion and bruising. The report lists driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The point of impact was the right front bumper of one vehicle and the left front quarter panel of the other. The injured occupant was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690539, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 28-year-old woman working in the roadway was struck by a southbound cyclist on Columbus Avenue near West 72nd Street. She suffered a head contusion and remained conscious. The bike showed no damage. Police list unspecified factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a male cyclist traveling south on Columbus Avenue struck a 28-year-old female pedestrian who was working in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and remained conscious after the collision. The bike showed no damage and the point of impact was the center front end of the bicycle. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. The pedestrian was not at an intersection at the time of the crash. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted. The incident highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians working in traffic lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685539, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 33-year-old man suffered a head injury after a taxi hit him at West 72 Street and Columbus Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. The taxi driver failed to yield right-of-way, distracted by a passenger. The victim sustained a concussion.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on West 72 Street struck a 33-year-old male pedestrian crossing against the signal at the intersection with Columbus Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion. The report lists the taxi driver's failure to yield right-of-way and passenger distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the taxi. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685346, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Jeep struck a parked Toyota on Broadway. The Jeep fled. Inside the wreck, a nine-year-old girl bled from the eye. Her face was cut deep. She stayed conscious. The street ran south. The light still held. Metal and blood marked the scene.

A Jeep crashed into a parked Toyota sedan at Broadway and West 61st Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the Jeep vanished after impact. A nine-year-old girl, riding as a passenger in the Toyota, suffered severe lacerations to her face and eye but remained conscious. The report states, 'A parked Toyota, front crushed. A Jeep vanished. Inside the wreck, a 9-year-old girl, bleeding from the eye, stayed conscious. Her face cut deep.' The contributing factor listed is 'Other Vehicular.' No driver errors such as speeding or failure to yield are specified in the data. The girl’s use of safety equipment is unknown. The crash left the street marked by violence and loss.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684172, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 36-year-old man was struck by a southbound sedan on West End Avenue. The pedestrian crossed against the signal and suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot. The sedan hit the pedestrian with its right front bumper.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing West End Avenue against the signal. The pedestrian was struck by a 2019 Ford sedan traveling southbound, which impacted him with the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No specific driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. The pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal was noted, but no blame is assigned. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684134, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 38-year-old woman was struck by a backing SUV on 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The vehicle’s right rear bumper hit her outside an intersection. She suffered a back contusion and remained conscious. Limited view contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2022 Nissan SUV backed up on 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The vehicle struck her with its right rear bumper while traveling south. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection and suffered a back contusion. The report lists "View Obstructed/Limited" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s limited visibility during the backing maneuver. Additionally, "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" was noted, but no driver license issues or vehicle damage were reported. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686851, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 30-year-old woman was struck by an SUV entering a parked position on West 65th Street in Manhattan. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing West 65th Street outside an intersection. The SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was entering a parked position when it struck the pedestrian. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No helmet or signaling factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676124, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 59-year-old man crossing West 65 Street with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his entire body.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing West 65 Street at the intersection with Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2023 SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, made a left turn and struck him at the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations affecting his entire body. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other safety equipment or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675386, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped collided with a pick-up truck on West End Avenue. The 22-year-old moped driver was partially ejected and suffered a head injury. The truck made a left turn. Improper lane usage caused the crash. The moped driver was unlicensed but helmeted.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male moped driver traveling north on West End Avenue was partially ejected and sustained a head injury after colliding with a pick-up truck making a left turn eastbound. The moped's left front bumper struck the truck, which showed no damage. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error related to lane control. The moped driver was unlicensed but wore a helmet. The truck driver was licensed and showed no vehicle damage. The crash caused internal complaints and a serious head injury to the moped driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674163, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan hit a bicyclist traveling south on West 71 Street near Amsterdam Avenue. The 26-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as factors. The cyclist wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist was injured after a collision with a 2021 Porsche sedan on West 71 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience. The sedan was traveling west, and the bike was traveling south when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the bike and the center front end of the sedan. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665958, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 19-year-old motorcyclist struck a sedan from behind on Henry Hudson Parkway. The rider was partially ejected, suffering knee and lower leg injuries. The crash stemmed from following too closely and reacting to an uninvolved vehicle. The rider wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male motorcyclist traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway collided with the rear of a sedan also traveling south. The motorcyclist was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" and "Following Too Closely." The sedan showed no damage and had no occupants at the time. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. The crash highlights the dangers of close following distances and sudden reactions to unrelated vehicles on the road.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665100, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15