Red Lights Run, Childhood Stolen—Demand Safe Streets Now

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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14

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

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

A northbound sedan and westbound SUV collided at 70 Street in Queens. The sedan’s left side was struck. A front-seat passenger suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were distracted, causing the crash and injury.

According to the police report, at 13:55 on 70 Street in Queens, a 2015 sedan traveling north and a 2021 SUV traveling west collided. The point of impact was the sedan's left side doors, struck by the SUV's center front end. The front passenger in the sedan, a 54-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The collision and resulting injury were caused by these driver errors, with no other contributing factors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on 87th Street in Queens. Both drivers were hurt. Lighting defects played a role. Head and back injuries sent them for care. The crash left metal twisted and lives shaken.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on 87th Street in Queens at 15:20. Both drivers were injured: a 69-year-old woman suffered head trauma and shock, and a 30-year-old man sustained back injuries and whiplash. The report lists "Other Lighting Defects" as a contributing factor. Both drivers were restrained and not ejected. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The impact points—center front end and right rear quarter panel—show a forceful collision. The report highlights systemic danger from vehicle lighting problems.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

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

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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Jeep SUV slammed into a stopped Nissan sedan on Northern Boulevard in Queens. Three passengers in the sedan suffered neck and head injuries. The crash unfolded as the SUV followed too closely, striking the sedan’s rear with force.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:41 on Northern Boulevard in Queens. A 2022 Jeep SUV traveling west struck the rear of a stopped 2014 Nissan sedan. The SUV’s right front bumper hit the sedan’s center back end. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factor. The sedan carried five occupants; three passengers were injured, including a 44-year-old woman with head injuries and two females aged 17 and 9 with neck injuries and internal complaints. All injured passengers were conscious and not ejected. The report notes the SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead, while the sedan was stopped in traffic. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe impact on vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 69-year-old woman was injured crossing a marked crosswalk without signal. The SUV driver made a left turn and struck her with the vehicle’s left rear bumper. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:15 on 72nd Street near 37th Avenue. A 2013 Hyundai SUV traveling north was making a left turn when its left rear bumper struck a 69-year-old female pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk without a crossing signal. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious after the impact. The report does not specify contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the driver’s action of making a left turn resulted in the collision. The vehicle sustained no damage. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted, and no pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781415 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan merging eastbound on 79th Street struck another vehicle’s center back end. The female driver suffered a back injury and whiplash, remaining conscious. The crash exposed dangers of merging maneuvers and driver errors in Queens’ traffic flow.

According to the police report, at 1:35 AM on 79th Street near Astoria Blvd S in Queens, a 2012 sedan driven by a licensed female driver was merging eastbound when it collided with the center back end of another vehicle. The point of impact was the sedan’s center back end and the other vehicle’s center front end. The sedan’s driver, age 31, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver, indicating errors during the merging maneuver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the risks drivers face and create during merging, emphasizing the systemic danger in vehicle interactions on Queens streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780330 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04