Three Dead, No Charges: Blood on York Avenue, Silence at City Hall

A northbound sedan struck the right rear quarter panel of a Mercedes Sprinter van on East 65th Street in Manhattan. The front passenger in the sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver inexperience was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the collision occurred on East 65th Street near 1st Avenue in Manhattan at 18:56. A Honda sedan traveling northbound went straight ahead and impacted the right rear quarter panel of a northbound Mercedes Benz Sprinter van. The sedan's left front bumper sustained damage. The front passenger in the sedan, a 47-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced drivers in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789173 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27

A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

A 65-year-old woman suffered head injuries and incoherence after an SUV made a left turn and struck her at an intersection. The driver’s inattention and inexperience caused the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:15 on East 74th Street near 1st Avenue in Manhattan. A 65-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2018 Jeep SUV made a left turn and struck her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was incoherent, with minor bleeding reported. The report identifies the driver’s inattention and inexperience as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787089 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator 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 bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

A van traveling north on East 77th Street collided with a parked box truck. The impact injured a front-seat passenger, causing neck trauma and a concussion. Police cited unsafe speed as the contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, at 12:04 PM on East 77th Street in Manhattan, a van traveling north struck a parked box truck. The box truck was stationary before the collision, described as 'Parked' with damage to its center back end. The van, also traveling north, sustained damage to its center front end. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating driver error on the van operator's part. The front passenger in the van, a 36-year-old female, was injured with neck trauma and a concussion. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt with an airbag deployed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785261 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now 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 consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Lawmakers face a $33 billion MTA budget gap. The new Manhattan congestion toll hits drivers, but it is not enough. Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins objects to the unfunded plan. More taxes and fees loom. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On January 6, 2025, the MTA’s $33 billion budget shortfall dominated debate. The matter, titled "MTA eyes new taxes, fees to plug $33B budget hole — even after NYC’s $9 congestion toll!", landed in the spotlight after the new toll failed to close the gap. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, district 35, formally objected to the unfunded capital plan with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Their joint letter blocked the plan’s January 1 start, forcing negotiations. Governor Hochul, who backs the $68 billion plan, promised no income tax hikes but left other taxes and fees on the table. Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger called for transparency. The MTA’s future—and the safety of those who rely on it—hangs in the balance. No direct safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• MTA eyes new taxes, fees to plug $33B budget hole — even after NYC’s $9 congestion toll!, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-06

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.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

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.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

A 63-year-old man suffered facial abrasions and shock after an SUV struck him at an intersection on East 72nd Street. The driver, making a right turn, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2017 SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, struck him at the intersection of East 72nd Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan at 10:51 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the SUV, traveling southeast and making a right turn, impacted him at the center front end. The report cites driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained facial abrasions and was in shock. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the pedestrian's behavior beyond crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old man crossing outside a crosswalk was struck by a moped traveling west on East 73rd Street. The pedestrian suffered bruises and lower leg injuries. The crash involved driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on East 73rd Street in Manhattan struck a 25-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report identifies the moped driver's errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were cited. The moped showed no vehicle damage or point of impact damage, indicating the collision impact was likely to the pedestrian. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians, especially outside designated crossing areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council moves to test bold pavement markings at crash sites. Five spots per borough. Focus: places where drivers have killed or maimed. Report to follow. Streets marked for danger.

Int 1154-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024. The bill orders a pilot for high visibility pavement markings—at least five locations per borough. The city must target streets with high injury or fatality counts from bad driving. The matter title reads: 'establishing a high visibility pavement marking pilot program.' Council Member Yusef Salaam leads, joined by Menin, De La Rosa, Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Brannan, and Hanif. The law demands a report on results and challenges. The aim: mark danger, force drivers to see, and push the city to act where blood has already been spilled.

• File Int 1154-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

A northbound sedan struck a helmeted bicyclist on East 63rd Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered bruises and arm injuries. Police cited the driver’s failure to yield and limited view as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 2022 BMW sedan and a helmeted female bicyclist collided on East 63rd Street near 1st Avenue in Manhattan at 7:03 PM. The sedan was parked before the crash, and the bicyclist was traveling northbound. The bicyclist was ejected from her bike and sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report explicitly cites the sedan driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor, alongside a limited or obstructed view. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed in New York and had two occupants in the vehicle. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of both vehicles, indicating a collision during movement from a parked position.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779848 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn collided head-on with a southbound moped on East 66th Street. The moped driver, unlicensed, suffered knee and leg injuries and a concussion. Police cite driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:56 AM on East 66th Street in Manhattan. A 34-year-old male moped driver, traveling southbound, collided head-on with a Ford sedan making a left turn. The moped driver was injured with knee, lower leg, and foot trauma and suffered a concussion but was conscious and not ejected. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling southbound as well. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to properly observe or yield during the left turn. The moped driver was unlicensed, but no other contributing factors involving the victim were noted. Vehicle damage was centered on the front ends of both vehicles, underscoring the direct collision impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777882 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Taxi lunged from traffic. Cyclist struck. Chest crushed, skin scraped. No metal bent, only flesh. Inattention behind the wheel left a man hurt, trapped, conscious on East 72nd.

According to the police report, a taxi starting in traffic on East 72nd Street struck a westbound bicyclist. The taxi’s left front bumper hit the bike’s right side. The 58-year-old cyclist was trapped, suffering chest injuries and abrasions. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the taxi driver and the cyclist, with the taxi driver failing to maintain attention while moving into traffic. The cyclist wore no safety equipment, but this was not listed as a contributing factor. No vehicle damage was reported. The crash left the cyclist conscious but seriously hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774443 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 35-year-old woman suffered back contusions after a sedan backing west on East 68th Street hit her outside the roadway. The driver’s inattention and unsafe backing caused the impact, leaving the pedestrian injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on East 68th Street in Manhattan was backing when it struck a 35-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian was located outside the roadway and sustained back contusions, classified as injury severity level 3. The report identifies 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle’s point of impact was the right rear bumper, and despite the collision, the sedan sustained no damage. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact. This incident highlights driver errors in vehicle backing maneuvers and distraction as the primary causes, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775546 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04