Blood on Broadway: Slow the Cars, Save the Living

A new traffic light will rise at a deadly Queens corner. A girl died here. Her brother begged for change. The city listened. Officials promise more: stop signs, curb extensions, clearer crosswalks. The driver who killed her ran a stop sign. He was unlicensed.

On March 30, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced new safety measures at a Queens intersection where 7-year-old Dolma Naadhum was killed by an SUV. The agency will install a traffic light by May, following a petition from Dolma’s brother and pressure from local leaders. State Senator Michael Gianaris, representing District 12, pledged to honor the family's request, stating, 'We fix Newtown Road where this happened.' The DOT will also add all-way stop signs at a nearby crossing and has already improved crosswalks, extended curbs, and restricted parking for better visibility. The driver in the fatal crash ran a stop sign and lacked a proper license. The city’s action comes after years of complaints about dangerous driving at this intersection.

• NYC to install traffic light at corner where girl died after brother’s plea, nypost.com, Published 2023-03-30

Council Member Lincoln Restler joined advocates at City Hall. They pressed Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits. Families mourned children lost to speeding drivers. The Assembly remains the last barrier. The push is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

On March 29, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other city officials rallied for Sammy’s Law, a bill allowing New York City to set its own speed limits without state approval. The bill, named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a speeding driver in 2013, would let the city lower limits to 20 mph. The matter, described as 'Let New York City lower its own speed limits,' has strong support from the mayor, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, and advocates like Families for Safe Streets. Restler’s action was public advocacy. The Assembly is the final hurdle; the bill is already in the governor’s and Senate’s budgets. Advocates cite a 36% drop in pedestrian deaths after the 2014 speed limit change. Families demand action to prevent more deaths.

• City polls, advocates call on Assembly to let NYC set its own speed limits, amny.com, Published 2023-03-29

City rips out a car lane on Ninth Avenue. Eleven feet of painted sidewalk now stretch for blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists claim more space. Locals breathe easier. But paint is no barrier. Drivers, even cops, still intrude. Enforcement remains a question.

On March 22, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced a major redesign on Ninth Avenue in Manhattan, following a decade-long utility overhaul. The project, not a council bill but a city initiative, expanded pedestrian space with 'super sidewalks'—painted sidewalk extensions between 50th and 59th streets. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez pledged to bring this design citywide, stating, 'While we are excited to bring this improvement to Hells Kitchen, we look forward to expanding these efforts elsewhere.' Council member Erik Bottcher called for similar changes on 10th and 11th Avenues. Local advocate Christine Berthet called the new space 'just like having air to breathe.' The redesign removed a car lane in a neighborhood where most households lack cars. Still, the use of paint over concrete means drivers, including NYPD, sometimes park illegally on pedestrian space. DOT says it will work with police to protect these 'sacred spaces.'

• More is More: City Unveils Painted ‘Super Sidewalks’ Expansions in Hells Kitchen, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-22

A 69-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV backing unsafely on West 178 Street near Audubon Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg injury. The driver caused the crash by unsafe backing.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at an intersection on West 178 Street near Audubon Avenue in Manhattan. The driver of a 2018 Honda SUV was entering a parked position and backed unsafely, striking the pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614871 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

A driver killed Dolma Naadhun, age seven, on Newtown Road. The city offered a curb extension, not a stop light. Over 30,000 demanded more. Parents and advocates called for real change: plazas, enforcement, protection. The city’s answer fell short. The danger remains.

On March 20, 2023, after the death of 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun, the city faced pressure to act on Newtown Road. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, refused to commit to a stop light, promising only to study the site and add a curb extension. The matter, described as 'significant street safety improvements,' drew outrage. Over 30,000 signed a petition for a stop light. Community voices—Dolma’s family, local parents, advocates—demanded more: pedestrian plazas, Open Streets, enforcement. Sarah Chu said, 'And if the family wants a stop light, just give it to them.' Ivana Bologna called for ticketing drivers. The city’s limited response, with only signage and paint, was widely seen as inadequate. Advocates insisted on physical changes to protect lives, not half-measures.

• After a Child’s Death, Can Newtown Road Be Reimagined?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-20

A 2013 SUV made a left turn on West 178 Street in Manhattan. It collided with a southbound sedan. Two male passengers in the sedan suffered shoulder fractures and dislocations. The crash caused front bumper damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred when a 2013 SUV, traveling north, made a left turn and disregarded traffic control. The SUV struck a southbound sedan going straight ahead on West 178 Street in Manhattan. Two male passengers, ages 22 and 29, in the sedan were injured with fractures and dislocations to their shoulders. Both were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper, and the sedan was damaged on its right front bumper. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615687 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 24-year-old man was struck by an SUV on West 178 Street in Manhattan. The impact hit the pedestrian’s back, causing abrasions and shock. The driver disregarded traffic control, leading to the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2019 Jeep SUV traveling east on West 178 Street struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered back abrasions and was in shock. The crash involved two vehicles, including a sedan traveling north, but the primary cause was the SUV driver disregarding traffic control. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and did not contribute to the crash. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the driver’s error. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613616 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 73-year-old man rode his e-bike north on West 165th. He lost consciousness. He fell. His head struck the pavement. He died alone. No other vehicles. No impact. The street stayed quiet. The man did not get up.

A 73-year-old man riding an e-bike on West 165th Street at Saint Nicholas Avenue lost consciousness and fell, striking his head. According to the police report, 'A 73-year-old man riding an e-bike lost consciousness mid-ride. No crash. No impact. He fell, struck his head, and died alone on the pavement in the afternoon light.' No other vehicles were involved. The only listed contributing factor is 'Lost Consciousness.' No driver errors or external hazards are cited. The report notes the rider was not using any safety equipment, but this is mentioned only after the primary cause. The man died where he fell. The street remained unchanged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614269 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

DOT pushed back the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path again. The city blames old timelines and deck repairs. Council Member Julie Won calls the delay unacceptable. Pedestrians wait. Cars still rule. Safety hangs in the balance. Promises break. Danger lingers.

At a City Council oversight hearing on March 17, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed the Queensboro Bridge south outer roadway pedestrian path will not open until early 2024. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez blamed inaccurate timelines from the previous administration and ongoing upper deck reconstruction. Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton said, 'We feel very committed to turn that south outer roadway into the pedestrian path,' but insisted the deck work must finish first. Council Member Julie Won, voicing frustration, declared, 'It is unacceptable that DOT continues delaying the timeline.' She demanded the city stop prioritizing cars over pedestrians and open the path by the end of 2023 as promised. The delay leaves vulnerable road users exposed, with Won warning, 'Every delay means more serious injuries from traffic violence.'

• Delay Ahead: Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path Now Put Off Til ‘Early 2024’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-17

Speed cameras in school zones snapped 40 percent fewer tickets since going 24/7. City officials call it a win. Streets grow safer as drivers slow. Data shows most speeders do not reoffend. Advocates push for more cameras and tougher enforcement.

On March 17, 2023, the city released data showing a 40 percent drop in speeding tickets from its 750 school-zone speed cameras since the program expanded to 24/7 operation in August. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called this a 'major victory,' saying, 'Our speed camera saves lives and this data is another reminder that this program is a valuable tool to change driver behavior and make our streets safer.' Data expert Jehiah Czebotar noted that most vehicles caught speeding do not receive a second ticket and urged state legislators to permanently authorize automated enforcement of all traffic rules and expand red-light camera programs. The report highlights the effectiveness of automated enforcement in reducing dangerous driving and calls for broader use to protect New York’s most vulnerable road users.

• ‘Major Victory’: Drivers Getting Nabbed With Fewer Speeding Tickets: City, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-17

A 30-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash in a collision on West 170 Street. The crash involved two eastbound vehicles, a sedan and a pickup truck. Police cited aggressive driving and unsafe speed as factors.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on West 170 Street in Manhattan involving a 2011 Dodge pickup truck and a 2018 Nissan sedan, both traveling eastbound. The pickup truck's right front bumper struck the sedan's left rear bumper. The driver of the pickup truck, a 30-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists aggressive driving/road rage and unsafe speed as contributing factors. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was wearing a lap belt. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' quarter panels and side doors of nearby parked cars. The police report does not indicate any victim fault or other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613611 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Albany’s push for residential parking permits risks locking in car dominance. Critics say low fees fuel car ownership, crowding out transit, bikes, and green space. Experts warn it’s a subsidy for drivers, not a fix for congestion or emissions.

On March 16, 2023, a Senate proposal surfaced to create a Residential Parking Permit system in New York City. The plan, now under City Council review, would charge drivers up to $30 per month for curbside parking, with revenue aimed at funding the MTA. The proposal leaves key details—like reserving 20% of spaces for non-residents—to the Council. The bill’s summary claims it will reduce emissions and support transit. Senator Michael Gianaris supports the measure, but critics are blunt. Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt calls it a 'big nothingburger.' Donald Shoup says the $30 fee is a subsidy for cars. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives argues, 'public space should be used for transit, bike lanes, and green space, not car storage.' Studies show similar programs in other cities have failed to cut congestion or emissions, and may even increase car ownership. The Department of Transportation has testified against the plan, warning it entrenches private car storage at the expense of vulnerable road users.

• Albany’s Residential Parking Program Won’t Be Good for New York City: Analysis, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-16

Sedan flipped on Henry Hudson Parkway. Driver, 42, trapped inside. Chest injuries and minor bleeding. Unsafe lane change and reaction to another vehicle listed as causes. No others hurt.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old woman driving a sedan south on Henry Hudson Parkway overturned her vehicle. She was trapped inside and suffered chest injuries with minor bleeding. The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. No other vehicles, pedestrians, or passengers were involved. The sedan was demolished in the crash. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling. The crash left the driver in shock and underscores the risks posed by sudden lane changes and unpredictable reactions to other vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613197 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

City eyes a temporary highway atop Brooklyn Heights. Trucks may thunder down quiet blocks. Residents brace for noise, danger, and disruption. Officials promise green space and safer bike links, but locals call the plan reckless. Streets meant for people, not freight.

On March 1, 2023, NYC DOT floated a plan to build a temporary highway through Brooklyn Heights during the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) rebuild. The agency outlined two options: diverting traffic onto local streets or constructing a bypass road. The matter, described as 'a controversial possibility reminiscent of an earlier plan,' sparked outrage. Assembly Member Robert Carroll slammed the idea of sending trucks onto residential blocks as 'insane.' Lara Birnback of the Brooklyn Heights Association called the plan disruptive and wasteful. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez highlighted public calls for 'safer bike and pedestrian connections' and new green space. No bill number or committee was cited. The plan remains a proposal, with no set price or location. Vulnerable road users face increased risk if trucks flood neighborhood streets.

• City May Build A Temporary Highway Through Brooklyn Heights After All, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-01

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

A driver killed 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun at a Queens intersection. City workers made minor fixes. Council members demanded daylighting and real barriers. DOT resisted, citing flexibility. Advocates want curb extensions. The city’s slow action leaves streets deadly.

On February 24, 2023, Council Members Julie Won, Tiffany Cabán, and Selvena Brooks-Powers sent a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) after a driver killed Dolma Naadhun. They demanded daylighting, neckdowns, speed bumps, stop signs, and reflective markings at Newtown Road intersections. The lawmakers wrote, “Nothing can bring back Dolma Naadhun, but we can prevent further loss of life so that no family must experience the loss of a loved one.” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez opposed a Council bill mandating 100 daylighted intersections per year, arguing for flexibility and physical infrastructure in daylit spaces. Advocates and experts agree: daylighting without barriers is flawed. They call for curb extensions to slow drivers and protect people. Residents remain frustrated by the city’s slow, limited response after repeated deaths and injuries.

• R.I.P. DOLMA: A Deep Dive on DOT’s Daylighting Dilemma, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-24

A 68-year-old woman was hit by an SUV making a left turn on West 160 Street in Manhattan. She suffered neck injuries and shock. The driver was distracted. The pedestrian crossed against the signal. The crash left her in pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old female pedestrian was injured when an SUV making a left turn on West 160 Street struck her. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the time of impact. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The vehicle, a 2022 Chevrolet SUV, sustained damage to its center front end. The driver was licensed and traveling northbound. The report does not specify any contributing factors related to the pedestrian beyond crossing against the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4607992 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 20-year-old male e-scooter driver collided with a sedan on Broadway in Manhattan. The scooter hit the sedan’s left rear bumper. The rider suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police noted driver inattention and distraction as factors.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male operating an e-scooter collided with a sedan traveling north on Broadway near West 174th Street in Manhattan. The point of impact was the sedan’s left rear bumper. The e-scooter driver sustained abrasions to the knee, lower leg, and foot, and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The e-scooter driver was not ejected and wore no specified safety equipment. The collision caused damage to the front center of the e-scooter and the left rear bumper of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609728 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16