Blood on Broadway: Slow the Cars, Save the Living

A sedan making a left turn struck a bicyclist going straight on West 162 Street in Manhattan. The 28-year-old male cyclist suffered a head contusion. The driver was licensed and alone in the vehicle. The bicyclist remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a 2016 Honda sedan traveling southeast made a left turn and collided with a bicyclist traveling south on West 162 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist, a 28-year-old man, sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The sedan's center front end struck the center front end of the bike. The driver, licensed in Pennsylvania, was alone in the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not identify any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No safety equipment details were provided for the bicyclist. The collision caused visible damage to both vehicles' front ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643334 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

An SUV pulling out of parking struck a northbound sedan on Broadway. The sedan’s front passenger, a 23-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and shock. The driver’s distraction caused the crash. The passenger was restrained and not ejected.

According to the police report, an SUV starting from parking on Broadway collided with a northbound sedan. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the SUV and the right front bumper of the sedan. A 23-year-old female front passenger in the sedan was injured, suffering head trauma and shock, and complained of pain and nausea. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The SUV driver’s failure to maintain attention while starting from parking led to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636516 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 77-year-old woman crossing a marked crosswalk was struck by an SUV backing unsafely at high speed. She suffered a fractured knee and lower leg. The driver caused the crash by failing to back safely and driving too fast.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk on West 163rd Street in Manhattan. The crash involved a 2023 SUV traveling east that was backing up unsafely. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee and lower leg. The report lists the contributing factors as "Backing Unsafely" and "Unsafe Speed" by the driver. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but forceful enough to cause serious injury. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No driver license or occupant information was provided. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe backing maneuvers in areas with pedestrian traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636519 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Mothers starve for Sammy’s Law. Hochul offers sympathy, not action. Heastie keeps the bill off the floor. The law would let New York City lower speed limits. Assembly support grows. Vulnerable road users wait. Streets stay deadly. Lawmakers stall. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, stalled in the New York State Assembly, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. On June 7, 2023, Governor Hochul expressed sympathy for hunger-striking mothers but refused to pressure Speaker Carl Heastie, who blocks the bill from a vote. The bill passed the Senate and has City Council and mayoral support. The matter summary: 'Hochul has previously expressed support for Sammy's Law, which would allow New York City to set its speed limits below 25 miles per hour.' Amy Cohen, a mother and advocate, demanded action, showing Heastie photos of victims. Seven new Assembly members, including Yudelka Tapia, Al Taylor, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and Brian Cunningham, now back the bill, giving it majority support among NYC Assembly members. Still, the Speaker’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed to speeding drivers and systemic danger.

• Hunger Strike Day 2: Gov. Hochul is ‘Sympathetic,’ But Won’t Pressure Heastie on Sammy’s Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-07

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

A moped struck the right side of a sedan on West 157 Street in Manhattan. The moped driver, a 25-year-old man, suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Unsafe speed and driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on West 157 Street collided with a sedan also heading north. The moped driver, a 25-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The moped was passing at the time of impact, which struck the right side doors of the sedan, damaging its right rear quarter panel. The moped was demolished on impact. The sedan driver was not reported injured. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of speeding and distracted driving in Manhattan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634518 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

NYPD and Jo Anne Simon call for tougher drunk driving laws. Police ramp up DWI patrols for Memorial Day. Officials urge Albany to drop legal BAC to .05%. They cite rising deaths. Advocates say alcohol fuels a third of crashes. Streets stay deadly.

On May 26, 2023, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (District 52) joined NYPD and city officials to announce increased traffic enforcement for Memorial Day and to advocate for state legislation lowering the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold from .08% to .05%. The announcement, made at One Police Plaza, highlighted the bill sponsored by Simon and Sen. John Liu. The matter summary states, 'Officials called on Albany to pass legislation to lower the BAC threshold to .05%, arguing it would reduce DWI fatalities by about 10% and align with other countries.' Simon declared, 'Lowering the BAC limit from .08% to .05% is desperately needed to adequately tackle this epidemic of traffic violence.' NYPD Chief Kim Royster and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez echoed the urgency. The bill awaits action in Albany. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but officials cite 43 NYC DWI deaths in 2021 and say 30% of state crashes involve alcohol.

• NYPD to step up enforcement of drink driving over Memorial Day weekend, amny.com, Published 2023-05-26

Council backs home rule for Sammy’s Law. The move lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Lawmakers and advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. The vote puts safety first.

Bill: Home rule message for Sammy’s Law. Status: Poised for passage by the City Council on May 24, 2023. Committee: State and Federal Legislation, chaired by Council Member Shaun Abreu. The measure, titled 'City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday,' lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council Member Jen Gutierrez announced the Council’s intent to pass it, calling it crucial for safety. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'The city's ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Mayor Eric Adams, and State Senator Andrew Gounardes all support the move. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. Data cited shows lower speed limits increase pedestrian survival. Advocates stress urgency to protect New Yorkers.

• City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-24

Council Member Brooks-Powers wants more parking. She says it will clear bus and bike lanes. DOT officials push back. They say streets must serve all. Brooks-Powers opposes bus lanes and safety redesigns, even as deaths rise in her district.

At a May 22, 2023 DOT budget hearing, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, called for more municipal parking citywide. She argued, "DOT has a responsibility to also ensure that there also is parking, even municipal lots or garages available, as we look to share the street." Brooks-Powers claimed more parking would clear cars from bus and bike lanes. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Executive Deputy Commissioner Paul Ochoa disagreed, stressing the need to share streets among all users. Brooks-Powers has opposed bus lane projects and a safety redesign in her own district, despite high traffic fatality rates. Her stance favors drivers, not vulnerable road users. No safety analyst has assessed the impact, but her opposition to proven safety measures puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

• Council Transportation Committee Chair Says City Needs More Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-22

A sedan making an improper U-turn on Riverside Drive was struck on its left side by a northbound SUV. The sedan driver, a 26-year-old man, suffered elbow and arm injuries and was semiconscious. The SUV driver was unlicensed. Airbags deployed.

According to the police report, a sedan was making an improper U-turn on Riverside Drive in Manhattan when it was struck on the left side by a northbound SUV traveling straight ahead. The sedan driver, a 26-year-old male occupant, was injured with elbow and lower arm trauma and was semiconscious at the scene. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and airbags deployed. The SUV driver, who was unlicensed, failed to yield while the sedan was turning improperly. The collision caused damage to the left side doors of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630692 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 4-year-old boy was hit by a taxi at an intersection in Manhattan. The child suffered a head injury and concussion. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. The taxi showed no damage. The boy remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a 4-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a westbound taxi at the intersection near 120 Audubon Avenue in Manhattan. The child was crossing against the signal when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion but remained conscious. The taxi, driven by a licensed male driver, was traveling straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian on its left rear quarter panel. The vehicle showed no damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the pedestrian crossing against the signal. No safety equipment or other factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630693 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 56-year-old woman was struck while crossing with the signal on West 169 Street in Manhattan. The SUV driver failed to yield and was inattentive. Both the pedestrian and the SUV driver suffered neck injuries and shock.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing West 169 Street at an intersection with the signal. The crash involved a Ford SUV traveling west and a BMW sedan traveling south. The pedestrian was struck by the SUV, which failed to yield right-of-way and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and was in shock. The SUV driver, a 37-year-old man, also sustained neck injuries and shock. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The SUV's front bumper and the sedan's left front quarter panel were damaged in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630691 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A southbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Henry Hudson Parkway. The sedan’s female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The SUV’s brakes were defective. Both vehicles were damaged at their center ends. The driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2019 SUV traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway rear-ended a 2008 sedan also heading south. The sedan’s 43-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report lists defective brakes on the SUV as a contributing factor. Both vehicles sustained damage at their center ends. No other driver errors were specified. The collision caused injury to the sedan’s driver but did not result in ejection or loss of consciousness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630688 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16