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

May 5 - An SUV made a right turn and struck an e-scooter from behind on West 79 Street in Manhattan. The e-scooter driver suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured when a 2021 Lincoln SUV struck him from behind on West 79 Street near West End Avenue. The SUV was making a right turn while the e-scooter was traveling straight north. The point of impact was the SUV's left rear bumper and the e-scooter's left front bumper. The e-scooter driver sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was in shock. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor to the crash. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4526113 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 28 - Senator Hoylman pushes S 8916 to drop the speed for owner liability. Now, drivers face penalties for going just seven miles over the limit. The bill targets reckless speed, aims to close loopholes.

Senate bill S 8916 was introduced on April 28, 2022, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill 'reduces 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.' Senator Hoylman, the primary sponsor, seeks to tighten speed camera enforcement. The bill would hold more drivers accountable for speeding, a known threat to pedestrians and cyclists. No safety analyst note was provided, but the measure signals a move to protect vulnerable road users.

• File S 8916, Open States, Published 2022-04-28

Apr 23 - A taxi driver struck a parked taxi on West 80 Street just after midnight. The moving taxi hit the parked vehicle’s right front bumper with its right rear bumper. The driver, 67, suffered a head contusion but was not ejected. Both vehicles damaged.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on West 80 Street rear-ended a parked taxi. The point of impact was the moving taxi’s right rear bumper hitting the parked taxi’s right front bumper. The driver of the moving taxi, a 67-year-old man, sustained a head contusion and was injured but remained inside the vehicle, secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. Both vehicles sustained damage to their right bumpers. The driver held a valid New Jersey license and was the sole occupant of the moving taxi.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4523008 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 17 - Two men suffered neck injuries in a crash on West 96th Street near Amsterdam Avenue. The driver, impaired by alcohol, failed to yield right-of-way. Both occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected. Whiplash and shock followed impact to their vehicles.

According to the police report, two occupants were injured in a collision involving two sedans on West 96th Street in Manhattan. The 27-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash, as did the 53-year-old male front passenger. The driver was found to have alcohol involvement and failed to yield right-of-way, contributing to the crash. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and were not ejected from their vehicles. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of one sedan and the left rear quarter panel of the other. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as driver errors. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4519803 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 14 - Two SUVs collided on Broadway. An 84-year-old woman crossing outside a crosswalk was struck. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The crash involved following too closely. Both drivers were licensed and traveling east.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling east on Broadway collided, with one striking an 84-year-old female pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No other contributing factors were specified. The collision caused front and rear damage to the vehicles involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4519821 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 7 - A garbage truck making a left turn hit a 49-year-old man working in the roadway at West 75 Street and Amsterdam Avenue. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was semiconscious. The truck showed no damage. Oversized vehicle contributed.

According to the police report, a garbage truck traveling west on West 75 Street made a left turn and struck a 49-year-old male pedestrian working in the roadway at the intersection with Amsterdam Avenue. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was semiconscious at the scene. The truck, occupied by a licensed male driver, showed no damage upon impact. The report lists "Oversized Vehicle" as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors are specified. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors. The incident highlights the dangers posed by large vehicles operating in busy Manhattan intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4519277 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 30 - A new survey shows most drivers use phones while driving. Calls, texts, video chats—nothing stops them. Distracted driving kills. The public wants action. Advocates demand tougher rules, better tech, and higher fines. The toll mounts. Streets stay dangerous.

On March 30, 2022, a survey commissioned by Selective Insurance and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety revealed that 70 percent of licensed drivers used a mobile device while driving in the past three months. The survey, which polled 2,073 U.S. adults, found that 86 percent of those driving for work used a device, and nearly a third joined video calls while driving. The matter summary states: 'A whopping 70 percent of drivers used their cellphones while driving in the last three months, according to a new survey—a startling statistic amid a nationwide spike in traffic crashes and fatalities.' Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, called for advanced safety technologies in all new vehicles. Brenda Hall of Selective Insurance urged employers to enforce distracted driving policies. The survey highlights broad public support for stricter distracted driving enforcement, advanced vehicle safety tech, and higher penalties. No council bill or committee action is attached, but the findings fuel calls for urgent policy change.

• Three-Quarters of Licensed Drivers Used a Mobile Device While Driving, New Survey Finds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-30

Mar 24 - A 22-year-old bicyclist suffered a head injury and concussion in a collision involving a pick-up truck and an SUV on West 96 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected. Improper lane usage by a driver contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash involving a pick-up truck and a sport utility vehicle on West 96 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist sustained a head injury and concussion but remained conscious and was not ejected from his bike. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error. The pick-up truck struck the bicyclist on the left rear quarter panel while traveling west. The bicyclist was traveling south and had no safety equipment. The SUV and bike both sustained front-end damage. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513309 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 9 - A pick-up truck turning right struck a bicyclist going straight on Amsterdam Avenue. The 57-year-old cyclist suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The truck’s right front bumper hit the bike’s front center. Driver inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck making a right turn on Amsterdam Avenue collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead. The bicyclist, a 57-year-old man, sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the crash. The point of impact was the truck’s right front bumper and the bike’s center front end. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the truck driver and the bicyclist. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The truck had two occupants, and the driver was licensed. The bicyclist was unlicensed. No other factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4508893 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - City wants to loosen idling rules. Community Board 4 says no. Advocates warn of dirtier air, sicker kids. DEP claims clarity, but enforcement already weak. Spectrum wants a break. No one supports it. Drivers idle near playgrounds, hospitals. Danger grows.

On March 4, 2022, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) held a public hearing on a proposed rule change to New York City's vehicle idling law. The change would broaden the definition of 'processing device,' letting more vehicles idle legally. Manhattan Community Board 4 voted unanimously to reject the change, warning, 'These exemptions... would create an argument that just about any activity that requires power in a vehicle is an idling defense.' State Sen. Brad Hoylman testified, 'Drivers most often idle in front of highly trafficked pedestrian areas... those that live near large roadways face serious health repercussions.' Advocates, residents, and Dr. Patrick Schnell all opposed the proposal, citing health and environmental harm. Spectrum requested a variance, but all testimony opposed it. The DEP claims the change clarifies the law, but enforcement is already weak and large companies are frequent violators. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• AIRBORNE ASSAULT: City Considers Weakening Idling Law that Will Lead to More Pollution, Advocates Say, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-04

Mar 3 - A 30-year-old man was struck by a southbound taxi on Broadway near West 81st Street. The pedestrian crossed against the signal and suffered a head contusion. The taxi's right front bumper made impact. The victim remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a taxi traveling south on Broadway struck him at the intersection near West 81st Street. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal, which is listed as a contributing factor under 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' The taxi, a 2015 Chevrolet, was going straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing a head contusion. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle properly. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal was the sole contributing factor identified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509754 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 1 - A 47-year-old woman was struck by a taxi making a left turn on Broadway at West 83rd Street. She was crossing with the signal when the taxi failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered bruises and leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on Broadway made a left turn and struck a 47-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. Additionally, pedestrian confusion or error was noted but does not assign blame. The taxi showed no vehicle damage, and the driver was licensed. The impact occurred at the taxi's left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4507244 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 25 - Council members move to ban delivery apps from touting fast times. They say speed promises push riders to risk lives. Brewer slams dark stores for skirting zoning. Gorillas drops its 10-minute pledge, adds store pickup. Riders and pedestrians remain in danger.

On February 25, 2022, Council Member Gale A. Brewer (District 6) joined calls to rein in grocery delivery apps. The bill, still in early stages, aims to ban advertising of rapid delivery times. The matter summary reads: 'ban apps from advertising quick delivery times, arguing they encourage delivery workers to break traffic laws and endanger themselves and pedestrians.' Brewer also pressed for enforcement against 'dark stores' operating in retail zones. She criticized Gorillas' changes as cosmetic, saying, 'They're doing this just to conform [to zoning rules] but it's not really their model.' Councilman Christopher Marte is leading the bill. No safety analyst has formally assessed the impact, but the council’s focus is clear: speed kills, and zoning violations breed chaos.

• Grocery app Gorillas drops 10-minute delivery pledge, adds store pick-up option, nypost.com, Published 2022-02-25

Feb 24 - A westbound SUV struck a 65-year-old woman crossing with the signal at West 79th and Broadway. The left bumper hit her hip. Blood pooled on the street. She stayed conscious. The driver was distracted. The city’s danger showed in steel and blood.

A 65-year-old woman was hit by a westbound SUV while crossing Broadway at West 79th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when the SUV’s left bumper struck her hip, causing severe bleeding. The driver, a 75-year-old woman, was listed as distracted at the time of the crash. The report states: “The driver was distracted.” The official contributing factor is 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The pedestrian’s actions—crossing with the signal—are not listed as a cause. The SUV’s impact left the woman injured and conscious at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4506835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 20 - A moped and sedan collided on Broadway. The moped driver was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and traffic control disregard. The sedan struck the moped’s right side. The rider wore a helmet but was badly hurt.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on Broadway collided with a westbound sedan. The moped driver, a 33-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and traffic control disregard as contributing factors. The sedan struck the moped on its right side doors, causing the moped driver’s ejection. The moped driver wore a helmet, but the injuries were severe. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to pay attention and disregard traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504298 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 19 - A 43-year-old man on an e-scooter suffered a head injury in a Manhattan crash. The driver was distracted while changing lanes. The impact caused a fracture and dislocation. The rider remained conscious but seriously hurt.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured on West 87 Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The crash involved another vehicle changing lanes while the e-scooter was traveling straight north. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor twice, indicating the other driver failed to maintain attention. The e-scooter driver sustained a head injury described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-scooter, which suffered damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504283 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 16 - Kwok Kwan, an e-cyclist, died after a taxi passenger doored him on 11th Avenue. No summons issued. The strip is notorious for crashes. Council Member Bottcher and Senator Hoylman rallied for protected bike lanes. The city’s deadly streets claim more lives.

On February 16, 2022, e-bike rider Kwok Kwan died after being doored by a taxi passenger on Manhattan’s 11th Avenue near 37th Street. No summons was issued to the driver or passenger for the illegal act. The area, plagued by 913 crashes in three years, has injured dozens of cyclists and pedestrians. Council Member Erik Bottcher and State Senator Brad Hoylman responded by rallying with advocacy groups, demanding protected bike lanes on 10th and 11th avenues. Hoylman tweeted, 'The City must make the streets of the West Side safer!' The Hudson River Greenway, a nearby bike path, bans legal e-bikes, forcing riders like Kwan onto dangerous streets. This was the city’s first cyclist death of 2022, amid a rising toll of road fatalities.

• E-Cyclist Dies After Being Doored On Deadly West Side Strip, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-16

Feb 14 - Speed cameras do not target Black or Brown neighborhoods. Data shows crashes drop where cameras go. But unsafe roads remain. Leaders demand more cameras and street redesigns. Council Member Adrienne Adams backs calls for action. Cameras alone cannot stop traffic violence.

""I want all the red light cameras I can get."" -- Gale A. Brewer

On February 14, 2022, Council Member Adrienne Adams (District 28) was mentioned in a Streetsblog analysis titled, "New York’s Speed Cameras Aren’t Racist — But the City’s Road Design Is." The report, not tied to a specific bill, reviewed automated enforcement and street design. It found speed cameras are evenly distributed and reduce crashes, but dangerous road design still puts lives at risk. Adams and other leaders called for more cameras and urgent street redesigns, echoing the article’s summary: 'Cameras have led to fewer crashes, injuries, and fatalities, but high numbers of tickets in some neighborhoods are attributed to unsafe road design, not camera placement.' Community voices stressed that automated enforcement helps, but cannot replace permanent fixes to deadly streets. The Department of Transportation’s lack of transparency on camera locations remains a concern. Adams and others demand systemic change to protect vulnerable New Yorkers.

• Analysis: New York’s Speed Cameras Aren’t Racist — But the City’s Road Design Is, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-02-14

Feb 14 - Speed cameras do not target Black or Brown neighborhoods. City data proves it. But wide, dangerous roads run through these communities. Tickets pile up. So do injuries. Cameras catch speeders, but bad design breeds violence. Leaders demand street fixes, not just enforcement.

""I want all the red light cameras I can get."" -- Gale A. Brewer

This Streetsblog NYC analysis, published February 14, 2022, reviews New York’s speed and red light camera programs. The report finds, “New York City's speed cameras are evenly distributed and not disproportionately concentrated in low-income communities of color.” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards says, “Cameras don't discriminate.” Marco Conner DiAquoi of Transportation Alternatives adds, “We don’t see any correlation between the demographics of a zip code and the number of speeding violations there.” Council Member Gale Brewer calls for more red light cameras. Wilfredo Florentino, Brooklyn Community Board 5, says, “Just placing cameras ain't gonna cut it.” The analysis shows that dangerous, wide arterials in communities of color drive up traffic violence. Advocates and officials agree: automated enforcement helps, but only street redesigns will end the bloodshed. The Department of Transportation still withholds exact camera locations.

• Analysis: New York’s Speed Cameras Aren’t Racist — But the City’s Road Design Is, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-14

Feb 10 - A 69-year-old woman was struck by a sedan backing on Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. The impact hit her head, causing injury and shock. The driver failed to back safely, striking the pedestrian who was not in the roadway.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Columbus Avenue in Manhattan backed unsafely, striking a 69-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian was not in the roadway when the collision occurred. The impact was to the pedestrian's head, resulting in injury and shock. The driver’s error was 'Backing Unsafely,' as noted in the contributing factors. The vehicle’s point of impact was the right rear bumper, with damage to the center back end. No other contributing factors or victim errors were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4502829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19