Crash Count for Washington Heights (North)
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,333
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 643
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 178
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 16
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 5
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 31, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Washington Heights (North)?

Blood on 181st: Broken Promises, Broken Bodies

Blood on 181st: Broken Promises, Broken Bodies

Washington Heights (North): Jan 1, 2022 - Aug 5, 2025

The Toll of the Streets

No one is safe on these corners. In the last twelve months, 183 people were hurt in crashes here. Eight were left with serious injuries. Not one week passes without sirens. Not one month without blood on the pavement.

Just days ago, a 29-year-old cyclist was struck at West 181st and Cabrini. The driver made a U-turn, hit her, and ran. The officers checked the scene, then left. The car was abandoned. The woman was hospitalized. The driver vanished. A neighbor watched and said, “No one stops at these stop signs. We see people go through these red lights all the time.”

This is not rare. In the past year, 371 crashes tore through this part of Manhattan. Children, elders, cyclists, and walkers—none spared. The numbers are steady. The pain is constant.

Broken Promises, Slow Progress

Local leaders talk of Vision Zero. They vote for speed cameras and praise redesigns. The city claims a 32% drop in deaths citywide, but the wounds keep coming. Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, and State Senator Robert Jackson all backed the renewal of school speed cameras. The DOT claims a 32% drop in deaths citywide, but here, the danger remains.

Residents know the truth. “I really want there to be speed humps because it’s just terrifying,” said Nina Schmidt. The intersection at 181st and Cabrini is a trap. The city has the power to lower speed limits to 20 mph. They have not used it.

What Comes Next

The crisis is not fate. Every crash is a policy failure. Every injury is a choice made by those in power. The law now allows the city to set safer speeds. The cameras are watching, but the cars keep coming.

Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand real protection for people, not just promises.

Do not wait for another name to be added to the list. Act now. The street will not forgive delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Washington Heights (North) sit politically?
It belongs to borough Manhattan, community board Manhattan CB12, city council district District 10, assembly district AD 72 and state senate district SD 31.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in Washington Heights (North)?
Cars and Trucks were involved in 125 pedestrian injuries (including 5 serious). Motorcycles and Mopeds caused 9 injuries. Bikes were involved in 3 injuries. The biggest threat comes from cars and trucks.
Are these crashes just accidents, or are they preventable?
These crashes are not random. They happen again and again in the same places. Lower speeds, better street design, and real enforcement can prevent them.
What can local politicians do to stop traffic violence?
They can lower the speed limit to 20 mph, redesign dangerous intersections, and support laws that target repeat dangerous drivers. They can act now, not just talk.
What has local leadership done lately for traffic safety?
Local leaders voted to renew school speed cameras and supported citywide safety programs. But they have not yet used their new power to lower speed limits to 20 mph.
How many people have been hurt or killed in recent crashes here?
In the last year, 183 people were injured and 8 suffered serious injuries in 371 crashes. No deaths were reported in the last 12 months, but the toll is steady.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Manny De Los Santos
Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos
District 72
District Office:
210 Sherman Ave. Suite A&C, New York, NY 10034
Legislative Office:
Room 454, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Carmen De La Rosa
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa
District 10
District Office:
618 W. 177th Street, Ground Floor, New York, NY 10033
917-521-2616
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1880, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7053
Twitter: cndelarosa
Robert Jackson
State Senator Robert Jackson
District 31
District Office:
5030 Broadway Suite 701, New York, NY 10034
Legislative Office:
Room 306, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Washington Heights (North) Washington Heights (North) sits in Manhattan, Precinct 34, District 10, AD 72, SD 31, Manhattan CB12.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Washington Heights (North)

2
Sedan and Truck Crash on Henry Hudson Parkway

Sedan struck by merging pick-up on Henry Hudson Parkway. Driver, 73, bruised arm. Passenger, 78, suffered back injury. Police cite unsafe speed and lane change as causes.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Henry Hudson Parkway collided with a pick-up truck merging in the same direction. The sedan’s 73-year-old driver suffered bruising to her arm. Her 78-year-old passenger sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained. The report lists unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors. No other contributing factors, such as victim behavior, were noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736680 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
Unlicensed Motorcycle Driver Injured in High-Speed Crash

A 15-year-old male motorcycle driver suffered severe leg injuries in a violent collision on Broadway Terrace. The crash involved a speeding unlicensed motorcycle and a sedan in police pursuit. The impact fractured and dislocated the rider's lower limb.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:57 on Broadway Terrace in Manhattan. The collision involved a 2024 motorcycle traveling east and a 2017 Ford sedan traveling west during a police pursuit. The motorcycle driver, a 15-year-old male, was injured with fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor and notes the motorcycle driver was unlicensed. The motorcycle's left front bumper and the sedan's left front bumper sustained damage at the point of impact. The injured occupant was the left rear passenger on the motorcycle, who was conscious and not ejected. The report highlights driver errors including unsafe speed and unlicensed operation, without attributing fault to the injured rider.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734057 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
Sedan Slams Cyclist on Broadway, Rider Hurt

A sedan struck a cyclist on Broadway. The rider was thrown, suffering full-body trauma and burns. Police cite driver distraction and bicyclist confusion as causes. The crash left the cyclist in shock.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2020 Ford sedan traveling south on Broadway struck him at 12:07. The sedan hit the cyclist with its center front end. The impact partially ejected the rider, causing injuries to his entire body and minor burns. The cyclist was left in shock. The police report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with pedestrian or bicyclist error or confusion. Both drivers were licensed. The sedan was going straight ahead; the cyclist was moving east. The crash shows the danger of driver distraction and confusion for those on bikes.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734467 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
S 8607
De Los Santos votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.


A 7652
De Los Santos votes yes on Schenectady school speed cameras, boosting child pedestrian safety.

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.


A 7652
De Los Santos votes yes on Schenectady school speed cameras, boosting child pedestrian safety.

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.


S 9752
Jackson votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.


S 9752
Jackson votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.


S 8607
Taylor votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.


A 7652
Taylor votes yes on Schenectady school speed cameras, boosting child pedestrian safety.

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.


A 7652
Taylor votes yes on Schenectady school speed cameras, boosting child pedestrian safety.

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.


Res 0079-2024
De La Rosa votes yes to lower Open Streets speed limit, improving safety.

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.


S 8607
De Los Santos votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.


S 8607
Jackson votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.


S 8607
Jackson votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.


S 8607
Taylor votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.


S 9718
Jackson votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.


SUV Backs Into Elderly Pedestrian on Fort George Hill

SUV reversed on Fort George Hill. Struck a 91-year-old man. Head injury. No vehicle damage. Driver backed unsafely. Pedestrian conscious. Streets remain dangerous for the old and unprotected.

According to the police report, a 91-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2017 Nissan SUV backed unsafely on Fort George Hill near Fairview Avenue. The SUV, driven by a licensed New York woman, struck the man at the center back end while he crossed outside a crosswalk or signal. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. No damage was reported to the SUV. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were cited. This crash underscores the risk when drivers reverse without care in areas where people walk.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729402 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
E-Bike Rider Killed Striking Parked Truck

A man on an e-bike rode east on West 181st Street and collided with the rear of a parked diesel truck. His chest was crushed. He wore a helmet. There was no movement, only silence in the dark.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old man riding an e-bike eastbound on West 181st Street struck the right rear bumper of a parked diesel tractor truck. The report states the crash occurred in darkness and notes the cyclist was wearing a helmet. The narrative describes the impact as crushing the rider's chest and causing internal bleeding, with no skid marks at the scene. The e-bike's front end was damaged. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The parked truck, registered in Indiana, was unoccupied at the time. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor beyond noting helmet use after listing driver error. The collision left the cyclist motionless and silent, underscoring the lethal consequences of distraction and systemic street danger.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729767 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
S 9718
Jackson votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.