Lower the Speed, Save a Life—Or Bury Another Neighbor

Feb 13 - A motorcycle slammed into a sedan’s rear on Henry Hudson Parkway. The rider flew off, hit hard, and suffered head wounds. Both drivers were distracted. The crash left the motorcyclist bruised and in shock.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on Henry Hudson Parkway struck the center back end of a sedan moving in the same direction. The 30-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected, sustaining head injuries, contusions, and shock. The sedan driver, a licensed woman, was alone in her vehicle. Contributing factors listed in the report include driver inattention and distraction for both drivers, and the sedan driver disregarding traffic control. The motorcyclist wore a helmet. The impact was severe, with the motorcyclist’s injuries classified as level 3.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4607156 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - A 38-year-old woman driving a sedan on Henry Hudson Parkway crashed at 4:14 a.m. She suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding. The vehicle hit with its left front quarter panel. Police cited unsafe speed and driver distraction as causes.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver was injured in a crash on Henry Hudson Parkway. She was driving a 2021 Nissan sedan northbound when the vehicle sustained damage to the center front end and left front quarter panel. The driver suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding, experiencing shock but was not ejected. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605074 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - A 36-year-old man was hit by a pick-up truck while crossing Columbus Avenue at West 89th Street. The driver failed to yield right-of-way during a right turn. The pedestrian suffered facial contusions but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and West 89th Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2009 Dodge pick-up truck, traveling south and making a right turn, struck him with the right front bumper. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained facial contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle showed no damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605632 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 2 - Assembly bill A 3180 demands complete street design on state and federally funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. The bill calls for public guidance. Streets must serve people, not just cars.

Assembly Bill A 3180 was introduced on February 2, 2023, and is 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 think of people first. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note is available, but the bill’s intent is clear: streets must protect all users, not just drivers.

• File A 3180, Open States, Published 2023-02-02

Jan 30 - Senate bill S 3304 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Photo devices would catch violators. Sponsors say it’s time to protect cyclists. The bill stands at the sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 3304, sponsored by Brad Hoylman-Sigal with co-sponsors Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, and Julia Salazar, was introduced on January 30, 2023. The bill is in the sponsorship stage. It seeks to 'establish in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The measure targets drivers who block bike lanes, aiming to keep space clear for cyclists. No safety analyst note is available. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or vote.

• File S 3304, Open States, Published 2023-01-30

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 17 - Senate bill S 1952 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Hoylman-Sigal leads. Gianaris and Gonzalez back him. No safety analyst review yet. Action at sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 1952, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 17, 2023, it 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal sponsors, joined by Michael Gianaris and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The bill awaits further action and committee assignment.

• File S 1952, Open States, Published 2023-01-17

Jan 15 - An SUV struck an 84-year-old woman in the Amsterdam Avenue crosswalk. She stayed conscious, bruised and broken. She died on the painted lines, under winter streetlights. The driver kept straight. The city lost another pedestrian to steel and speed.

An 84-year-old woman was killed crossing Amsterdam Avenue near 97th Street when a northbound Mercedes SUV hit her in the crosswalk. According to the police report, she was conscious after the crash, suffering bruises and broken bones, but died at the scene. The SUV, driven by a licensed man, sustained front-end damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The only pedestrian action noted is 'Crossing Against Signal.' No mention of helmet use or signaling appears in the data. The crash ended another life on city streets, under cold winter lights.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597979 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 15 - A 53-year-old male bicyclist was ejected on Columbus Avenue. He suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The crash involved confusion and limited visibility. The rider wore a helmet but sustained serious injuries.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old male bicyclist riding south on Columbus Avenue was ejected from his bike. He sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" and "View Obstructed/Limited" as contributing factors. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. The crash involved no other vehicles and caused no vehicle damage. The driver error identified was confusion on the part of the bicyclist, compounded by limited visibility. The injuries were severe, including fractures and dislocations, indicating a violent impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597985 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - Senator Hoylman-Sigal pushes S 1651. Bill drops speed threshold for owner liability to seven miles over limit. Aims to catch more reckless drivers. No safety analyst note. Action at sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 1651 was introduced on January 13, 2023, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, seeks to 'reduce the speed for owner liability for failure of operator to comply with certain posted maximum speed limits to more than seven miles per hour over such posted maximum speed limits.' No vote has taken place yet. The bill aims to tighten enforcement by lowering the speed threshold for liability. There is no safety analyst note on its impact for vulnerable road users.

• File S 1651, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 12 - A 67-year-old man was struck while crossing West 78 Street at Columbus Avenue. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and hit the pedestrian at the center front end. The man suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing West 78 Street at Columbus Avenue with the signal. The crash involved a 2020 Toyota sedan driven by a licensed female driver making a right turn. The vehicle struck the pedestrian at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was not blamed and was crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 10 - Governor Hochul backs Sammy’s Law. She wants Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits. Advocates and city officials support her. Lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The fight now moves to the legislature. Streets could get safer. The city waits.

On January 10, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced her support for a state bill—known as Sammy’s Law—that would let New York City lower its own speed limits. The bill, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, has stalled in the legislature before. Hochul’s State of the State address declared, 'she will introduce her own version of the existing "Sammy's Law" bill.' Hoylman-Sigal called City Council members his 'partners' and urged their support. Amy Cohen, whose son was killed by a speeding driver, pressed the Council to act, saying, 'We need the Council to make it a priority to support Sammy's Law and redesign streets ... at a safe speed limit.' DOT spokesman Vin Barone added, 'DOT strongly supports Sammy’s Law.' The Adams administration and street safety advocates back the measure. If passed, the law would let the city drop speed limits below 25 mph citywide and below 15 mph near schools, giving local officials real power to protect vulnerable road users.

• State of the State: Hochul Seeks to Let New York City Lower its Speed Limits, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-10

Jan 6 - Three sedans raced north on Henry Hudson Parkway. A man walked in the dark. One car struck him head-on. His body broke on the cold asphalt. He died alone, under the headlights. Two drivers were injured. Unsafe speed ruled the night.

A man walking north along Henry Hudson Parkway, near 96th Street, was struck and killed by a sedan. According to the police report, 'Three sedans came fast. One struck him head-on. His body shattered on the cold road. He died there, alone, beneath the speeding lights.' Two drivers were injured—one to the shoulder and upper arm, the other to the head. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor in the crash. The data also shows one driver was unlicensed. The crash left a pedestrian dead and two drivers hurt, all under the shadow of reckless speed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595960 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 4 - Senate bill S 153 cracks down on bus lane violators. Owners face liability. Cameras catch drivers blocking buses. Sponsors push for stronger enforcement. Streets clear for buses, danger cut for those on foot.

Senate bill S 153, sponsored by Liz Krueger (District 28) with Andrew Gounardes (26) and Brad Hoylman-Sigal (47) as co-sponsors, is at the sponsorship stage. Introduced January 4, 2023, it 'relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions and to the adjudication of certain parking infractions.' The bill extends a bus rapid transit demonstration program, using cameras to enforce bus lane rules. No safety analyst note was provided. The sponsors aim to hold vehicle owners accountable and keep bus lanes clear, a move that can reduce risk for pedestrians and bus riders.

• File S 153, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Jan 4 - Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.

Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Dec 28 - A Honda sedan slammed forward on West 90th. Aggressive driving fueled the crash. The right front caved in. The driver, 48, died in the seat. No passengers. The street fell silent. Metal twisted. One life ended.

A 2001 Honda sedan crashed on West 90th Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The sole occupant, a 48-year-old male driver, was killed. According to the police report, 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' caused the collision. The right front quarter panel of the Honda was crushed. No other injuries were reported. The police report lists no contributing factors for the victim beyond the aggressive driving. The crash left the driver dead at the scene. No passengers were present. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. This crash highlights the lethal consequences of aggressive driving, as documented in the official report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595452 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 17 - Two SUVs collided head-to-tail on Henry Hudson Parkway. The 32-year-old male driver of the rear vehicle was injured and incoherent. Both vehicles were traveling southbound. Police noted illegal drug use as a contributing factor. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway collided, with the rear SUV striking the front SUV's center back end. The 32-year-old male driver of the rear vehicle was injured and incoherent but was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists illegal drug use as a contributing factor. The rear vehicle's point of impact was the center back end, indicating a rear-end collision. No other driver errors were specified. The injured driver was not using any safety equipment. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591985 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 17 - A 67-year-old woman was struck while crossing West 96 Street at Broadway. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash left her in shock. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 96 Street and Broadway in Manhattan. She was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was left in shock. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type were provided. The pedestrian was not ejected and no safety equipment or other factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590598 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19