Red Lights Run, Childhood Stolen—Demand Safe Streets Now

A 42-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries when a sedan backing west on 79th Street in Queens hit him outside the roadway. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe backing as causes. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained abrasions.

According to the police report, at 22:50 in Queens near 31-17 79th Street, a 2020 BMW sedan backing west struck a 42-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian was located outside the roadway and was not at an intersection. The collision caused abrasions and injuries to the pedestrian's knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors, the point of impact. The report explicitly lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, indicating driver error during the backing maneuver. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798948, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A distracted SUV driver barreled through the intersection at 82nd Street and 37th Avenue, slamming into a 14-year-old girl crossing with the signal. The right front bumper mangled her leg. She remained conscious as the driver continued straight.

A 14-year-old girl suffered crush injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot when a westbound SUV struck her at the corner of 82nd Street and 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the girl was 'crossing with the light' at the intersection when the SUV’s right front bumper hit her, causing significant injury. The report states the driver was 'distracted' and continued going straight, failing to yield to the pedestrian. Contributing factors listed in the police report include 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience.' The pedestrian’s actions—crossing with the signal—are noted in the report but are not cited as contributing factors. The collision underscores the persistent threat posed by inattentive drivers operating large vehicles in city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796835, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.

According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.

• FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26

A 73-year-old woman suffered serious hip and upper leg injuries after an SUV struck her at an intersection on 30 Ave in Queens. The driver’s inattention and unsafe speed caused the collision as the pedestrian crossed without signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:52 on 30 Ave near 89 St in Queens. A 73-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection when she was hit by a westbound SUV. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, causing injuries to her hip and upper leg. The pedestrian was conscious and complained of internal pain. The report cites the driver’s inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors to the collision. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk indication, but the primary causes identified relate to the driver’s failure to maintain attention and control. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794874, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 34-year-old male driver suffered chest injuries and shock in a Queens crash. The SUV, traveling east, struck another vehicle while parked. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and complained of pain and nausea after impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:05 AM in Queens on 37 Ave near 74 St. The injured party was a 34-year-old male driver of an SUV traveling east. The vehicle struck a parked vehicle with its left front bumper, causing damage to the SUV's front left. The driver was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt. He sustained chest injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793287, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A moped traveling east struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian outside an intersection on 31 Ave in Queens. The pedestrian suffered contusions and lower leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention and slippery pavement as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east on 31 Ave in Queens collided with a 29-year-old female pedestrian who was in the roadway but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the impact. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors to the crash. The moped's point of impact was the center front end, indicating the driver failed to avoid the pedestrian. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and hazardous road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792897, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 15-year-old boy suffered upper arm injuries and shock after an SUV struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a right turn, failed to pay attention, causing the collision despite the pedestrian crossing legally with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:11 AM on 80th Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. A 15-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a Nissan SUV, traveling south and making a right turn, struck him with the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained an upper arm injury and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but still caused significant injury. The pedestrian was not at fault, as he was crossing legally with the signal. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792666, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

An 8-year-old boy suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a Jeep SUV struck him in Queens. The driver, distracted and inexperienced, hit the pedestrian while traveling southbound. The child was left in shock, complaining of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a Jeep SUV traveling southbound on Elmhurst Avenue struck an 8-year-old male pedestrian, causing injuries to his hip and upper leg. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the collision. The pedestrian, who was not at fault, suffered a complaint of pain or nausea and was left in shock. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers to vulnerable pedestrians in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791209, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 49-year-old woman was injured crossing a marked crosswalk on 78th Street in Queens. The sedan, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck her with its front center. She suffered contusions to her hip and upper leg.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:02 on 78th Street near 31st Avenue in Queens. A sedan traveling west was making a left turn when it struck a 49-year-old female pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the driver. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, causing contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no helmet or other safety equipment was noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2012 Honda sedan. The report emphasizes driver error in failing to yield rather than any fault of the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786112, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Two sedans collided on Queens' 87th Street, injuring both drivers. The crash involved front and side impacts. Lighting defects contributed to the collision. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries, including head and back trauma, requiring medical attention.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 87th Street in Queens at 15:20. Two sedans were involved in the collision, with one striking the center front end of the other, which was impacted on the right rear quarter panel. The report cites "Other Lighting Defects" as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were injured: a 69-year-old female driver sustained head injuries and was in shock, wearing a lap belt and harness, and a 30-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash, also restrained by a lap belt. Neither driver was ejected. The report highlights vehicle driver errors related to lighting defects but does not list any contributing victim behaviors. The impact points and injuries indicate a significant collision between moving vehicles, emphasizing systemic dangers related to vehicle lighting conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785825, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 50-year-old male cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand in a Queens crash. The cyclist was riding northbound, going straight ahead, when the collision occurred. The police report lists unspecified contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash in Queens at 8:44 AM. The cyclist was traveling northbound, going straight ahead on a bike when the collision happened. The report identifies the cyclist as the sole vehicle occupant and driver. The injuries included abrasions and trauma to the elbow, lower arm, and hand, with an injury severity level of 3. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, and no other vehicles or driver errors are detailed. The cyclist was not ejected and the safety equipment status is unknown. The lack of clear driver errors or contributing factors in the report leaves the cause undetermined, but the cyclist sustained significant injuries in this incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782643, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 70-year-old man suffered a head injury and whiplash after a sedan, making a left turn, hit him while crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east in Queens struck a 70-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street outside a crosswalk. The collision occurred at 4:00 PM near Leverich Street. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and complained of whiplash but remained conscious. The vehicle was making a left turn at the time of impact. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian’s crossing outside a signal or crosswalk is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The sedan showed no damage despite the impact to its center front end. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians crossing streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781944, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Two men on a bicycle were ejected and suffered head injuries on 73rd Street in Queens. Both wore helmets but sustained serious trauma. The crash involved no other vehicles and no driver errors were cited in the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:58 AM on 73rd Street near 34th Avenue in Queens. Two bicyclists, both 42-year-old men, were involved. Both were ejected from the bicycle and suffered head injuries classified as injury severity level 3. Both wore helmets, as noted in the report, but still sustained significant trauma. The police report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors, nor does it indicate involvement of other vehicles. The bicycle was traveling west, going straight ahead, with no damage reported to the vehicle. The absence of cited driver errors or other vehicles suggests the crash circumstances remain unclear, but the impact was severe enough to cause ejection and serious injury to both riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773458, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 57-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making a left turn. The driver’s inattention and inexperience caused the collision, injuring the pedestrian’s shoulder and upper arm. The impact damaged the vehicle’s left front bumper.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northeast on 81st Street in Queens struck a 57-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with 31st Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, making a left turn, impacted her with its left front bumper. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her shoulder and upper arm, classified as injury severity level 3, including contusions and bruises. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770874, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A distracted SUV driver made an improper left turn on Northern Blvd, colliding with another SUV traveling straight. The front passenger of the turning vehicle suffered a shoulder injury. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention and improper turning maneuvers.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:20 on Northern Blvd in Queens. A 2013 Ford SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a left turn when it struck a 2008 Honda SUV traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the turning vehicle and the left rear quarter panel of the other. The front passenger in the turning SUV, a 44-year-old woman, was injured with an upper arm and shoulder injury but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed by driver errors in turning and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768452, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 37-year-old bicyclist suffered abrasions and lower arm injuries after a collision with a parked SUV on 35 Avenue in Queens. The impact struck the bike’s left front and the SUV’s right side, with driver distraction cited as a key factor.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:30 on 35 Avenue in Queens. A 37-year-old male bicyclist, traveling westbound, collided with a 2022 Alfa SUV that was parked before the crash. The point of impact was the bike's left front quarter panel and the SUV's right side doors. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors on the bicyclist's part. The SUV driver’s actions, including inattentiveness, played a central role in the collision. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted on the bicyclist, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and inexperience in interactions between motor vehicles and vulnerable cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768794, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A distracted SUV driver struck a 28-year-old male bicyclist on 75th Street in Queens. The cyclist suffered facial contusions but remained conscious. The crash exposed the dangers of driver inattention in shared road spaces.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:15 AM on 75th Street in Queens. A 28-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2011 Honda SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, struck him on the left side doors. The bicyclist sustained facial contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain attention. The bicyclist was not ejected and no safety equipment status was noted. The SUV was parked before the crash, and the bicyclist was traveling straight south. Vehicle damage was reported as none, underscoring the vulnerability of the bicyclist in collisions with larger vehicles. This incident highlights the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768140, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 73-year-old man pushing a car was struck by an SUV in Queens. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The victim suffered knee and lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 73-year-old male pedestrian was injured while pushing a car outside an intersection on 85 Street in Queens. The crash occurred at 16:25 when a 2021 Subaru SUV, traveling north and entering a parked position, struck the man with its right front bumper. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, but was conscious and not ejected from the scene. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle without reported impairment. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction, particularly to vulnerable pedestrians working near roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765365, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A sedan making a left turn struck a motorcycle traveling straight in Queens. The motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan driver, holding only a permit, sustained bruises. Impact occurred on the sedan’s left front and motorcycle’s right side.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:10 in Queens near 69-10 30 Avenue. A 2020 Jeep sedan was making a left turn when it collided with a 2019 Kawasaki motorcycle traveling straight west. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the motorcycle’s right front quarter panel, damaging the sedan’s left front bumper and the motorcycle’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old male with a permit license, was the sole occupant and suffered contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The motorcycle driver’s injuries are not detailed, but the collision caused significant harm. The report lists unspecified contributing factors, highlighting the risk of left-turn maneuvers against oncoming traffic. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764430, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A sedan parked on 95 Street in Queens was struck from behind by a northbound pick-up truck. The sedan’s female driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cite driver inattention as the cause, highlighting systemic risks of distracted driving.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:49 on 95 Street near 37 Avenue in Queens. A northbound pick-up truck, traveling straight ahead, collided with the left rear bumper of a parked 2019 sedan. The sedan’s female driver, age 51, sustained injuries to her entire body, including whiplash, and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan driver was not ejected and was not cited with any contributing factors. The pick-up truck showed no damage, while the sedan suffered damage to its left front quarter panel. This collision underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving, especially when striking stationary vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764635, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14