Hamilton Heights: Three Dead, Hundreds Hurt—Why Won’t the City Act?

A 90-year-old woman died on York Avenue. A cab made a U-turn and struck her. Another car hit her moments later. She was rushed to the hospital. Both drivers stayed. She did not survive.

According to the New York Post (published February 6, 2025), Frances Rickard, 90, was crossing York Avenue at East 72nd Street around 5:40 p.m. when a yellow taxi, driven by a 68-year-old man, made a U-turn and struck her. Police said, “Moments later, a 35-year-old woman driving a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer also struck her.” Rickard was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she died. Both drivers remained at the scene and have not been charged. The sequence highlights the dangers of U-turns and multi-lane crossings for pedestrians. The intersection saw two vehicles collide with a vulnerable road user in quick succession, underscoring persistent risks in city street design and driver behavior.

• Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing York Avenue, New York Post, Published 2025-02-06

Tesla tore north on FDR. It struck a guardrail, flipped, split, burned. The woman driver died at the scene. Her passenger flew from the wreck. Firefighters battled battery flames. Northbound lanes shut. Metal, fire, speed, and loss marked the night.

NY Daily News (2025-02-04) reports a deadly crash on Manhattan's FDR Drive. A Tesla, traveling at high speed—witnesses estimated 'at least 120, 130 [mph]'—lost control near E. 70th St. The car struck a guardrail, overturned, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected. The driver died at the scene; her passenger survived. Firefighters and a hazmat team responded to extinguish the burning lithium-ion battery. The crash shut down northbound lanes. The article highlights excessive speed and the dangers of high-performance vehicles in urban settings. Emergency response was extensive, with 60 firefighters on scene.

• Tesla Crash Kills Woman On FDR Drive, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-04

A 75-year-old man driving a station wagon sport utility vehicle suffered elbow and lower arm injuries after his SUV backed unsafely in Manhattan. The crash caused pain and shock, with damage to the vehicle’s right rear bumper.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:55 PM near West 154th Street in Manhattan. The driver, a 75-year-old male occupant of a 2014 Honda SUV, was injured when the vehicle backed unsafely, striking an object or surface with the right rear bumper. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor. The driver sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle damage was limited to the right rear bumper. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported involved. The incident highlights the dangers posed by unsafe backing maneuvers in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788560 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on Broadway. Both vehicles were traveling southbound. The SUV struck the bike’s left front quarter panel with its right front bumper. No driver errors were specified.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway near 3495 Broadway in Manhattan at 17:12. A 20-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike. Both the SUV and the bike were traveling straight ahead southbound when the SUV’s right front bumper impacted the bike’s left front quarter panel. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Vehicle damage was reported as none for both the SUV and the bike. The bicyclist’s safety equipment status is unknown, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788551 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Henry Hudson Parkway. The sedan’s female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Henry Hudson Parkway in Manhattan around midnight. A northbound station wagon/SUV collided with the center back end of a northbound sedan. The sedan’s 39-year-old female driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash. The police report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead when the SUV struck the sedan’s left rear bumper with its right front bumper. No ejections occurred, and the sedan driver was conscious at the scene. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787602 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 32-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured after colliding with a parked SUV on Broadway in Manhattan. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and lower arm injuries. The crash exposed dangers of unlicensed cycling near stationary vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:40 near 3557 Broadway in Manhattan. A 32-year-old male bicyclist, traveling southbound without a license, collided with a parked 2006 Mercedes SUV. The point of impact was the left side doors of the SUV and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The bicyclist was conscious but not wearing any safety equipment. The report lists no contributing factors from the SUV driver, who was parked and licensed. The bicyclist's unlicensed status and unspecified factors contributed to the crash. This incident highlights the risks posed by unlicensed cyclists interacting with parked vehicles in Manhattan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786719 - 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

Two sedans collided on Henry Hudson Parkway at 1 p.m. The front passenger suffered hip and upper leg injuries, experiencing shock and pain. Police cited improper lane usage as the cause. Both drivers were licensed, traveling southbound during the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Henry Hudson Parkway at 13:00 involving two sedans traveling south. One vehicle was going straight ahead, while the other was making a right turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the first sedan and the center back end of the second. The contributing factor was identified as 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' indicating driver error in lane management. The front passenger in one sedan, a 48-year-old woman, sustained hip and upper leg injuries, was not ejected, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. Safety equipment such as air bags and lap belts deployed. Both drivers held valid licenses from NY and NJ respectively. The report does not attribute fault to the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785487 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 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 safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

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

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 37-year-old man suffered serious leg injuries after an SUV failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at a Manhattan intersection when the vehicle struck him with its left front bumper.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:01 AM on West 151st Street near Convent Avenue in Manhattan. A Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicle was making a left turn traveling south when it struck a 37-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was conscious after the collision. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor twice, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact to its left front bumper. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779990 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV struck a 65-year-old woman crossing West 145 Street. She suffered hip and leg bruises. Impact was center front. No vehicle damage. Driver went straight. Police cite unspecified factors. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old woman was crossing West 145 Street outside an intersection when a westbound SUV hit her with its center front end. She suffered a contusion and bruising to her hip and upper leg. The driver, a licensed woman from New York, was going straight at the time. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not name any specific driver errors. The SUV was undamaged. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No pedestrian actions were cited as contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779980 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 44-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg bruises after emerging from near a parked SUV on West 145th Street in Manhattan. The SUV, traveling west, struck him with its right front bumper. The pedestrian remained conscious despite injuries.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle at an intersection on West 145th Street and Convent Avenue in Manhattan. The vehicle involved was a 2020 Lincoln SUV traveling westbound, which struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No damage was reported to the vehicle, and the driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. The report focuses on the collision impact and injuries without attributing fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778205 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 65-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected after a taxi struck him during a right turn on W 152 St. The crash caused chest injuries and shock. Police cite the taxi driver’s failure to yield and the cyclist’s improper turning as factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:51 on W 152 St near St Nicholas Ave in Manhattan. A taxi, traveling southwest and starting in traffic, struck a bicyclist traveling east who was making a right turn. The point of impact was the taxi’s right front bumper and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist, a 65-year-old male, was ejected and suffered chest injuries and shock, with a severity rating of 3. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors for the bicyclist, and 'Starting in Traffic' for the taxi. The taxi driver was licensed in New York. The police report highlights the bicyclist’s improper turning and the taxi driver’s failure to yield as key driver errors leading to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778168 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan and bicyclist collided on Broadway in Manhattan during simultaneous unsafe lane changes. The 25-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions but remained conscious. The sedan’s left front bumper was damaged in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:57 near 3533 Broadway in Manhattan. Both the sedan and the bicyclist were changing lanes unsafely when the collision happened. The sedan, a 2021 BMW registered in New Jersey, struck the bicyclist with its left front bumper, causing damage to the vehicle. The 25-year-old male bicyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions to his knee and lower leg but was conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor for both parties, highlighting driver errors as central to the crash. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s behavior were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777021 - 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

Two sedans collided on West 148th Street in Manhattan. A 60-year-old female driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front quarter panel damage in the eastbound lanes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:43 AM near West 148th Street in Manhattan. Two sedans traveling eastbound were involved. One driver, a 60-year-old woman, was injured with neck trauma and experienced shock but was not ejected from her vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. The first vehicle, a 2022 Ford sedan driven by a licensed male driver, was going straight ahead and sustained damage to its right front quarter panel. The second vehicle, a 2018 Toyota sedan, was parked before the crash and received damage to its left front quarter panel. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775615 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi struck the rear of an SUV stopped in traffic on W 143 St. The SUV driver was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. The crash unfolded in northbound lanes near Amsterdam Ave.

According to the police report, at 8:49 p.m. on W 143 St near Amsterdam Ave in Manhattan, a taxi traveling north rear-ended a northbound SUV stopped in traffic. The taxi's point of impact was its center back end, colliding with the SUV's center front end. The SUV driver, a 40-year-old female passenger, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain proper attention, leading to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in congested urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04