Four Dead in Queensbridge—How Many Numbers Before City Hall Wakes Up?

Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

A motorcycle struck a sedan turning left on 21 Street near 34 Avenue. The motorcyclist was ejected, suffering abdominal and pelvic injuries. The sedan’s right rear quarter panel was damaged. Driver errors included improper passing and turning.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on 21 Street collided with a sedan making a left turn eastbound near 34 Avenue in Queens. The motorcyclist, a 24-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his abdomen and pelvis. The sedan’s right rear quarter panel was damaged on impact. Contributing factors listed include the sedan driver’s improper turning and the motorcyclist’s improper passing or lane usage, along with driver inattention or distraction. The report highlights driver errors without assigning fault to the injured motorcyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647859 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Motorcycle slammed into SUV turning left on Vernon Boulevard. Rider thrown, left unconscious with head and internal injuries. Police cite driver inexperience as cause.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west struck the right rear quarter panel of an SUV making a left turn on Vernon Boulevard in Queens. The motorcyclist, a 48-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a severe head injury, internal injuries, and unconsciousness. Police list driver inexperience as a contributing factor in the crash. The SUV driver was licensed but inexperienced. The report does not specify other contributing factors. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648324 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

An e-bike rider was ejected and suffered head injuries after colliding with an SUV on 21 Street in Queens. The crash happened at night. The rider was in shock and complained of pain and nausea. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling southbound.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male e-bike rider was injured and ejected during a collision with a southbound SUV on 21 Street in Queens. The e-bike struck the right front quarter panel of the SUV, damaging both vehicles. The rider suffered head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was also traveling southbound. The report lists 'Cell Phone (hands-free)' as a contributing factor, indicating driver distraction. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable e-bike riders when motor vehicle drivers are distracted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647259 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

An SUV made a right turn at unsafe speed and struck a sedan traveling straight on 21 Street. The sedan’s driver and two passengers suffered head injuries and shock. All three were restrained but sustained whiplash and contusions.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling south on 21 Street was making a right turn at unsafe speed when it collided with a sedan going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper hitting the sedan’s left rear bumper, which was demolished. Three occupants in the sedan—a 30-year-old male driver and two male passengers aged 32 and 35—were injured. All suffered head injuries and shock, with complaints of whiplash and contusions. The report lists the contributing factors as unsafe speed and turning improperly by the SUV driver. All injured occupants were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650551 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

SUVs kill. Their bulk crushes bodies and streets. Lawmakers want heavier vehicles to pay more. Revenue would fund safer roads. The bill follows a grim rise in deaths, especially among children. The city bleeds. The council moves. The fight is on.

Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill to increase registration fees for heavy vehicles and SUVs in New York. The proposal, announced June 23, 2023, aims to direct new revenue toward street safety projects. The report behind the bill states: 'Injuries from crashes involving large vehicles increased by 91 percent and fatalities by 75 percent between 2016 and 2019.' Mamdani said, 'This is an initiative to make our streets safer for our children.' Gounardes called out the public cost of 'mini-tanks.' The bill responds to data showing nearly half of children killed on city streets were struck by drivers of large vehicles, rising to 80 percent in 2022. Lawmakers call this common-sense action to address the deadly toll of oversized cars.

• Report Provides More Reasons to Rein in Supersized SUVs (As If You Needed More), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-23

Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani pushes a bill to raise registration fees for heavy vehicles. The move comes as injuries and deaths from SUVs surge. Lawmakers say the fees will fund safer streets. The city’s children pay the price for oversized cars.

Assembly Bill (no number cited) was introduced by Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and Senator Andrew Gounardes on June 23, 2023. The bill, now under consideration, would 'raise the existing by-weight registration fees to make them more likely to disincentivize the purchase of larger cars.' The proposal responds to a Transportation Alternatives report showing a 91% jump in injuries and a 75% rise in fatalities from large vehicle crashes between 2016 and 2019. Mamdani, at a press conference, said, 'This is an initiative to make our streets safer for our children.' Gounardes added, 'We the public has had to bear the cost of people's decisions to drive these mini-tanks.' The bill earmarks new revenue for street safety projects, aiming to protect vulnerable road users from the growing threat of oversized vehicles.

• Report Provides More Reasons to Rein in Supersized SUVs (As If You Needed More), streetsblog.org, Published 2023-06-23

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

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

A driverless sedan rolled onto 37 Street in Queens. It struck a 49-year-old woman walking outside an intersection. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. The vehicle showed no damage and had no occupants.

According to the police report, a 2023 sedan in Queens became a driverless, runaway vehicle on 37 Street. The vehicle was parked before the incident and had no occupants at the time. It struck a 49-year-old female pedestrian who was walking outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Driverless/Runaway Vehicle' as the contributing factor. There was no damage to the vehicle, and no driver was present. The pedestrian's actions were described as 'Other Actions in Roadway.' No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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

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 2023-05-22

Albany spared suburban businesses from a payroll tax hike meant to save the MTA. Black and Latino city workers now shoulder more of the cost. Lawmakers like Mamdani call it unfair. Suburban interests win. City’s vulnerable lose. Racial disparity grows.

On May 19, 2023, state lawmakers finalized a payroll tax policy as part of the MTA funding negotiations. The measure raised the payroll mobility tax only for New York City businesses with high payrolls, exempting suburban firms after pushback from their legislators. The Fiscal Policy Institute found this move shifted the tax burden onto Black and Latino workers in the city. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani condemned the policy, saying, 'this illustrates the consequences of fiscal policy that privileges the suburbs over the larger MTA region.' Assembly Member Robert Carroll was one of the few to oppose the exemption. FPI’s Emily Eisner noted, 'there will be a 25-percent decline in the share of white workers impacted by the tax, and a 36-percent increase in the share of Black workers impacted.' Governor Hochul defended the plan as necessary to save the MTA. The bill’s racial and geographic inequity remains stark.

• Albany’s Fealty to Suburbs Hurts Black, Latino Workers: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-19

An 11-year-old boy was struck by a bus while crossing outside an intersection in Queens. He suffered fractures to his knee and lower leg. The bus showed no damage. The boy was conscious and injured but not ejected.

According to the police report, an 11-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a bus traveling south struck him with its left front bumper. The boy was crossing the street outside a crosswalk or signal. He sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bus had no visible damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for the crash. The pedestrian was conscious and not wearing any safety equipment. The incident occurred near 39-01 21 Street in Queens. No other vehicles or driver errors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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 2023-05-16

Two sedans slammed together on 24 Street at 38 Avenue. Three people hurt. Neck, knee, and full-body injuries. Police blame driver distraction and ignored signals. All stayed inside the cars.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 24 Street and 38 Avenue in Queens. Three people were injured: a 28-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries, a 20-year-old female driver had injuries to her entire body, and a 19-year-old female passenger sustained knee and lower leg injuries. All experienced shock and minor burns, but none were ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Traffic Control Disregarded" as contributing factors for both drivers. Both vehicles were traveling straight before the crash. No other factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629175 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10