Four Dead in Woodside—Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Seven lawmakers demand Mayor Adams open the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The project sits finished. Cyclists and walkers still cram into a narrow, crash-prone lane. Delays keep thousands at risk. City Hall stalls. Advocates plan protest. Danger lingers.

On April 9, 2025, seven elected officials—including Council Members Julie Won and Julie Menin—sent a public letter demanding Mayor Adams open the long-promised Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The Department of Transportation had planned to open the dedicated walkway on March 16, but the mayor's office intervened, citing the need for a briefing. The lawmakers wrote, 'The reasons given for this delay are not satisfactory, as all communications from the DOT have indicated that the project is complete and ready to open to the public.' They warned, 'Any further delays to this project that is otherwise ready to open will unnecessarily put at risk the thousands of New Yorkers who cycle and walk the current shared path every day.' The project, in the works since at least 2017, remains stalled. Cyclists and pedestrians are forced to share a cramped, hazardous lane. City Hall insists on more review, while advocates plan a protest ribbon-cutting.

• Pols Demand Adams Open Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-09

A BMW and motorcycle collided on Woodhaven Boulevard. Both vehicles burned. The motorcyclist died at the scene. The BMW driver survived. No arrests. Police are investigating. Another life lost on a wide, fast Queens road.

According to NY Daily News (April 5, 2025), a fatal crash occurred at 60th Drive and Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park, Queens. A BMW SUV and a motorcycle, both heading south, collided around 9:22 a.m. Both vehicles caught fire. Police said, 'only the car driver survived the collision.' EMS pronounced the motorcycle rider dead at the scene. The BMW driver was hospitalized in stable condition. No arrests have been made, and police continue to investigate. The crash highlights the persistent dangers on major Queens thoroughfares, where high speeds and heavy traffic put vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motorcyclist Killed In Queens Collision Blaze, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-05

A driver lost control near a Queens school. The car struck two children and a man. A seven-year-old girl’s leg snapped. Sirens wailed. Police arrested the driver. The sidewalk bore the scars. The city’s danger was plain.

According to the New York Post (April 4, 2025), an unlicensed driver reversed into a box truck, then spun onto the sidewalk outside Our World Neighborhood Charter School in Astoria, Queens. The crash injured three: a 7-year-old girl with a broken femur and head injury, a 14-year-old girl with leg injuries, and a 58-year-old man with bruises. The article states, 'Bah was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving and driving without a license.' This incident follows another recent crash involving a suspended license, highlighting recurring risks from unlicensed drivers. The crash underscores the persistent threat cars pose to people on city sidewalks, especially near schools.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits Kids Outside School, New York Post, Published 2025-04-04

Two cars struck Jorman Esparza-Olivares at a busy Rego Park crossing. He suffered head and body trauma. Medics rushed him to Elmhurst. He died six days later. Both drivers stayed. No charges. The intersection remains dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 3, 2025, that Jorman Esparza-Olivares, 23, was killed after being struck by two drivers while riding his e-bike north on 63rd Drive at Queens Blvd. The crash occurred just before 5:30 p.m. on March 19. According to police, 'It wasn't clear if any of the men involved in the crash ran a red light.' Esparza-Olivares suffered severe injuries and died six days later at Elmhurst Medical Center. Both drivers, operating a Ford SUV and a Mercedes Benz, remained at the scene and were not immediately charged. The incident highlights persistent risks for cyclists at major intersections and raises questions about traffic controls and driver awareness on Queens Blvd.

• E-Bike Rider Killed At Queens Intersection, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-03

A bus and sedan collided on Broadway in Queens. A 17-year-old passenger suffered a fractured arm. Police cite unsafe speed as a factor. Metal and glass met. The system failed the vulnerable again.

A bus and a sedan crashed on Broadway at 57th Street in Queens. According to the police report, unsafe speed contributed to the collision. A 17-year-old male passenger was injured, suffering a fractured arm and dislocation. The crash involved multiple vehicles and left one young passenger hurt. Police listed 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. No other injuries were specified. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804999 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.

• Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

A 19-year-old pedestrian was struck by a northbound garbage truck on 61st Street in Queens. The impact injured the pedestrian’s knee and lower leg. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the truck’s right front bumper made contact.

According to the police report, a garbage truck traveling north on 61st Street in Queens struck a 19-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing against the signal. The truck’s right front bumper was the point of impact, causing injuries to the pedestrian’s knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered abrasions. The report identifies the pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal but does not list any contributing driver errors explicitly. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when struck. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the pedestrian’s crossing behavior as a factor. No victim blame is implied; the focus remains on the hazardous conditions created by the vehicle-pedestrian interaction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 56-year-old male driver lost consciousness behind the wheel in Queens. His sedan struck multiple parked vehicles. He was injured and incoherent at the scene. The crash caused front-end damage to his vehicle and rear impacts to parked SUVs and vans.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old male driver in Queens lost consciousness while driving his sedan southbound near 34-37 59th Street. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness but became incoherent and injured during the crash. The sedan's front end struck the center back end of a parked van and the right rear quarter panel of a parked SUV. Additional parked SUVs sustained damage to their rear bumpers and right side doors. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s medical condition led to the collision. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited. The driver was not ejected and was the only occupant in his vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799332 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 16-year-old motorcyclist suffered hip and leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on Broadway. The crash involved improper lane usage by the motorcycle driver. The motorcyclist was conscious and wearing a helmet at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway in Queens at 14:53. A 16-year-old male motorcyclist, operating with a permit, collided with a station wagon/SUV while traveling east. The motorcycle's right front bumper struck the SUV's left front quarter panel. The motorcyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions and upper leg and hip injuries, but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the motorcycle operator. The SUV driver was licensed and was reportedly avoiding an object in the roadway prior to impact. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but no other victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.

• Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

Council eyes 150 new street cameras to ticket illegal parkers. Double parking blocks crosswalks, hydrants, bike lanes. Lawmakers say chaos endangers walkers and riders. DOT backs tech to clear streets. Delivery drivers worry. Streets stay dangerous until cars yield space.

On March 4, 2025, Assemblyman Steven Raga proposed a bill to install 150 automated cameras across New York City. The measure, discussed in the council and supported by the NYC Department of Transportation, aims to ticket drivers who double park or block critical spaces. The bill summary states: 'Double parking and curb violations aren’t just a nuisance – they’re a public safety hazard.' Raga and DOT officials argue that manual enforcement cannot keep up with rising car numbers, leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk. Raga led the push, highlighting blocked hydrants and crosswalks as threats. DOT said automated enforcement 'helps keep streets clear, reduces congestion, and protects New Yorkers.' Delivery drivers voiced concern about work impacts, but the bill’s focus remains on clearing space for vulnerable road users. The proposal awaits further council action.

• NYC lawmaker wants 150 new street cams to ticket drivers — including double-parkers: ‘It’s a headache’, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-04

A motorcycle struck the back of a stopped SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash’s impact and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway around 5 p.m. A motorcycle, traveling east, rear-ended a station wagon/SUV that was stopped in traffic. The motorcycle driver, a 37-year-old male, was wearing a helmet and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the collision. The motorcycle’s point of impact was the center back end of the SUV, which also sustained damage at the same location. The motorcycle driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. This crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways, resulting in serious injuries to vulnerable vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers push for cameras to ticket double parkers. Streets choke with blocked bike lanes and chaos. Manual enforcement fails. DOT backs automation. Some lawmakers resist, call for cops. Vulnerable road users left dodging danger as debate drags.

On March 3, 2025, a legislative proposal surfaced to deploy automated parking enforcement cameras across New York City. Assemblymember Steven Raga leads the push for a $35 million pilot, aiming to install 150 cameras targeting double parking and illegal stops. The bill, not yet assigned a committee or number, seeks to automate enforcement where manual efforts fall short. Raga writes, 'manual enforcement has not been able to meet the demand to combat double parking and illegal parking.' State Senator Simcha Felder of District 44 opposes the measure, arguing for traditional police summonses instead. The Department of Transportation supports the expansion, stating, 'Automated enforcement has proven to change driver behavior and make our streets safer for everyone.' The debate centers on whether automation or police presence best protects pedestrians and cyclists from blocked lanes and traffic hazards.

• New push for automated ticketing of drivers who double park in NYC, gothamist.com, Published 2025-03-03

A distracted SUV driver making a left turn struck a 40-year-old woman crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention at unsignalized crossings.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2020 Jeep SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, struck her while making a left turn in Queens near 43-22 69th Street at 5:59 AM. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal and sustained a head contusion, remaining conscious after the impact. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. This incident highlights the critical role of driver distraction in crashes involving vulnerable pedestrians, especially at locations without traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

A moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being struck from behind by an SUV on Broadway in Queens. The crash involved driver errors including reaction to an uninvolved vehicle and following too closely. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Broadway in Queens involving a moped and a station wagon/SUV, both traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites driver errors including "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors. The moped driver was conscious and not ejected but suffered injury severity level 3. Both vehicles showed no damage despite the impact occurring at the center back end of the moped and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and proper reaction led to the collision. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794366 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04