Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

Feb 7 - A garbage truck ran a control and struck an SUV in Queens. Two teenage passengers inside suffered severe internal injuries. The truck driver ignored traffic signals. The crash left both teens badly hurt.

According to the police report, a garbage truck traveling east on 35 Avenue struck the left side doors of a northbound SUV on 12 Street in Queens at 23:56. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, showing the truck driver failed to obey signals or signs. Two male passengers, aged 16 and 17, were injured inside the SUV. One was unconscious with head trauma; the other suffered injuries to his entire body but remained conscious. Both sustained severe internal injuries. No contributing factors are listed for the passengers. The crash was caused by the truck driver's failure to follow traffic control.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791837 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Jan 30 - Senate bill S 3832 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Sponsors push for stricter standards. No direct safety impact analysis for pedestrians or cyclists yet.

Senate bill S 3832, now in sponsorship, demands advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill instructs the DMV commissioner to create new rules. Filed January 30, 2025. The matter: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state.' Sponsors are Brad Hoylman-Sigal (primary), Michael Gianaris, and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The measure aims to raise standards but leaves details to future regulations.

• File S 3832, Open States, Published 2025-01-30

Jan 26 - A sedan turning right struck a 49-year-old woman crossing Crescent Street outside a crosswalk. She suffered hip and upper leg injuries and shock. The driver’s inattention caused the crash. No vehicle damage was reported despite the impact.

According to the police report, a 2019 Acura sedan driven by a licensed male driver from New Jersey was making a right turn on Crescent Street in Queens at 2:25 p.m. when the collision occurred. The pedestrian, a 49-year-old woman, was crossing the street outside a crosswalk or signal. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and was in shock, with a minor burn also noted. The vehicle sustained no damage and the point of impact was recorded as 'No Damage.' The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s actions. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in areas with vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788836 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 22 - A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Jan 21 - A 59-year-old woman suffered a head contusion after a sedan hit her at a Queens intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive, striking the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The victim remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Northern Blvd in Queens struck a 59-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection while she was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The sedan's point of impact was the center front end, and despite the collision, the vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The pedestrian was not at fault; the crash resulted from the driver's errors, highlighting systemic dangers at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787550 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 19 - A northbound sedan struck a parked vehicle on its right side doors in Queens. The driver of the parked car, a 45-year-old man, was injured and found semiconscious. Police report illness as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 2025 Honda sedan was parked when it was struck on the right side doors by a northbound 2022 Chevrolet sedan traveling straight ahead. The driver of the parked vehicle, a 45-year-old male occupant, was injured and found semiconscious with unknown bodily injuries. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor, indicating a possible medical condition affecting the driver involved. The collision caused damage to the right side doors of the parked car and the left front quarter panel of the moving vehicle. No other contributing factors such as failure to yield or reckless driving were cited. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788834 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - A moped driver suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a collision in Queens. The crash involved a sedan and occurred during right turns. Police cited improper passing or lane usage as the primary cause, highlighting driver error and systemic risk.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 12 Street near 40 Avenue in Queens at 14:50. The collision involved a sedan and a moped, both traveling east and making right turns. The moped driver, a 30-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly identifies "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. There was no vehicle damage reported, and no other contributing factors such as victim behavior were noted. The incident underscores the dangers posed by improper lane use in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786755 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 16 - 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

Jan 8 - 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

Jan 8 - 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

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 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 planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 3 - Congestion pricing hits Manhattan at midnight. Cars pay to cross south of 60th. Lawmakers split. Some call it a burden. Others hail cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit. The toll stirs anger, hope, and a fight over who pays and who breathes.

On January 3, 2025, congestion pricing (no bill number cited) will begin in Manhattan after a federal judge allowed the toll to proceed. The policy charges most drivers $9 to enter south of 60th Street during peak hours. The matter, titled 'Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll,' has drawn sharp lines. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) opposes the toll, warning, 'I don't know how my district is going to be impacted.' He fears more cars parking in Queens and unclear pollution risks. Council Member Kristy Marmorato (Bronx) calls it a 'cash grab.' In contrast, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas support the measure, citing cleaner air, safer streets, and transit upgrades. González-Rojas says, 'Congestion pricing isn't about penalizing anyone—it's about modernizing our transportation system and tackling climate change.' The judge ordered further study on environmental impacts, but the toll begins as scheduled.

• Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll, amny.com, Published 2025-01-03

Jan 1 - Metal screamed on Queens Plaza North. Two parked cars collided head-on. A 29-year-old man was pinned, neck broken but conscious. The wrong turn twisted steel and bone. The street fell silent, holding the weight of one driver’s error.

A violent collision unfolded on Queens Plaza North near 21st Street at 4:33 a.m., according to the police report. Two parked vehicles—a taxi and an SUV—collided head-on. The report states a 29-year-old male driver was pinned inside, suffering a broken neck and crush injuries, though he remained conscious. Police cite 'Turning Improperly' as the primary contributing factor. The narrative describes metal groaning and the wrong turn that led to the crash. Both vehicles sustained heavy front-end damage. The police report does not list any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the improper turn that set the stage for this devastating impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783679 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 30 - Two sedans collided on Broadway in Queens when a distracted driver failed to stop. The impact struck the rear center of one vehicle, injuring the 24-year-old driver. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention and unlicensed operation in city traffic.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:18 on Broadway in Queens. Two sedans traveling westbound were involved. One vehicle, a 2017 Audi, was stopped in traffic when it was struck in the center back end by a 2015 Jeep going straight ahead. The Jeep driver was cited for driver inattention/distraction. The 24-year-old male driver of the Audi suffered a neck injury and contusion but was not ejected and remained conscious, wearing a lap belt. The Jeep driver was unlicensed, compounding the risk factors. The report highlights driver errors—distraction and unlicensed operation—as primary contributors to the collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784265 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 25 - On Christmas, Streetsblog and Streetfilms released a film showing the year’s wins for livable streets. The montage honors advocates and city leaders. It marks progress for safer roads. The message is clear: change is possible. The fight for safer streets continues.

This advocacy piece, published December 25, 2024, by Streetsblog NYC, is not a council bill but a year-end reflection on the livable streets movement. The article, titled 'On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement,' features a short film by Clarence Eckerson Jr. and highlights the work of groups like OpenPlans, Streetfilms, and StreetsblogNYC. Mayor Adams, Zohran Mamdani, Vickie Paladino, Ydanis Rodriguez, and Governor Kathy Hochul are named as figures in the year’s news. The film and article celebrate progress in street safety and sustainable transportation, showing that advocacy can bring real change for vulnerable road users. No direct safety analyst note is included, but the message is one of hope and continued struggle for safer streets.

• On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-25

Dec 19 - Council moves to test bold pavement markings at crash sites. Five spots per borough. Focus: places where drivers have killed or maimed. Report to follow. Streets marked for danger.

Int 1154-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024. The bill orders a pilot for high visibility pavement markings—at least five locations per borough. The city must target streets with high injury or fatality counts from bad driving. The matter title reads: 'establishing a high visibility pavement marking pilot program.' Council Member Yusef Salaam leads, joined by Menin, De La Rosa, Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Brannan, and Hanif. The law demands a report on results and challenges. The aim: mark danger, force drivers to see, and push the city to act where blood has already been spilled.

• File Int 1154-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19