Crash Count for East Elmhurst
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,190
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 726
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 141
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 5
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 5
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Aug 2, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in East Elmhurst?

Five Dead in East Elmhurst—City Stalls, Families Grieve, Speed Kills

Five Dead in East Elmhurst—City Stalls, Families Grieve, Speed Kills

East Elmhurst: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 4, 2025

The Toll in Flesh and Bone

In East Elmhurst, the numbers do not bleed, but the people do. Five dead. 676 injured. Two children among the dead. In the last twelve months, 207 people were hurt on these streets. Two suffered injuries so grave they may never walk the same again. No one is spared: children, elders, workers on their way to the airport. The disaster is slow, but it does not stop.

A 23-year-old man, Justin Diaz, was driving to work. He had the light. A Mercedes came at him, fast as a bullet, running the red. The driver was an off-duty firefighter, drunk, high, doing 83 in a 25. Diaz died at the scene. His brother said, “He was only 23 with his entire life ahead of him” (NY Daily News).

The Pattern: Speed, Impunity, and Repetition

The man who killed Diaz had 25 school-zone speeding tickets. He was free on bail. His family visits a grave. He walks the streets. “Michael Peña will be out on the streets enjoying a carefree life while we visit my brother at his grave site,” said Diaz’s brother.

The streets here are not safe for the careful or the young. Trucks killed. SUVs killed. Cars killed. The law let them drive on. The city counts the bodies and moves on.

Leadership: Promises and the Waiting Game

Local leaders talk of Vision Zero. They praise new speed cameras, lower limits, and intersection redesigns. But the deaths keep coming. The city has the power to lower the speed limit to 20 mph. It has not used it. Cameras that catch speeders are at risk of being shut off if Albany does not act. The silence is louder than the sirens.

What Comes Next

This is not fate. These deaths are not random. They are the result of choices. The city can lower the speed limit. Albany can keep the cameras on. You can make them do it.

Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph limit. Demand cameras stay on. Do not wait for another family to bury their child. Take action now.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Larinda Hooks
Assembly Member Larinda Hooks
District 35
District Office:
98-09 Northern Blvd., Corona, NY 11368
Legislative Office:
Room 633, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Francisco Moya
Council Member Francisco Moya
District 21
District Office:
106-01 Corona Avenue, Corona, NY 11368
718-651-1917
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1768, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6862
Jessica Ramos
State Senator Jessica Ramos
District 13
District Office:
74-09 37th Ave. Suite 302, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Legislative Office:
Room 307, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

East Elmhurst East Elmhurst sits in Queens, Precinct 115, District 21, AD 35, SD 13, Queens CB3.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for East Elmhurst

S 2714
Ramos votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.

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.


S 6808
Ramos votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.

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.


Sedan Rear-Ends Vehicle on Queens Boulevard

A sedan struck the rear of a stopped vehicle on 88 Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The driver, a 33-year-old man, suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The crash occurred at 2:20 a.m. following too closely.

According to the police report, a 2016 Honda sedan traveling east on 88 Street rear-ended a stopped vehicle near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The driver, a 33-year-old man, was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating in traffic.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633421 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09
S 775
Ramos votes yes to expand ignition interlock monitoring, boosting road safety.

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.


Sedan Swerves, Driver Killed, Passenger Hurt

A sedan veered on Grand Central Parkway. Metal twisted. The driver, twenty, died at the wheel. His head crushed. A passenger, same age, hurt and conscious. An SUV lay wrecked. The road stayed silent after the crash.

A deadly crash struck Grand Central Parkway near 40.767765°N, 73.86499°W. According to the police report, a 20-year-old man driving a sedan swerved in reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. His car crumpled. He suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene. A 20-year-old male passenger was injured, reporting pain and nausea but remained conscious. An SUV was also demolished in the collision. The police report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the main contributing factor. The driver was not wearing any safety equipment. No other driver errors or contributing factors are noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619316 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09
S 4647
Ramos votes yes on highway worker safety bill, overall safety unchanged.

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.


S 775
Ramos votes yes to expand ignition interlock monitoring, boosting road safety.

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.


Jessica Ramos Supports Safety Boosting Bus Transit Alternatives

Governor Hochul killed the costly LaGuardia AirTrain. Two new bus routes will replace it. Jessica Ramos cheered the move. The AirTrain’s high price and twisted route drew fire. Buses promise faster, cheaper, cleaner rides for millions. Queens riders win. Cars lose.

""This is the right move. My neighbors who live around LaGuardia deserve transit that is for them, not whatever that boondoggle was. I’m so proud of East Elmhurst for standing up to this bad plan. We still have to look at how to expand transit to those parts of Queens, especially if the proposed football stadium is going to be building what effectively is a new neighborhood in Queens. The 7 alone won’t be able to handle it."" -- Jessica Ramos

On March 13, 2023, Governor Hochul canceled the Cuomo-era LaGuardia AirTrain project after an expert panel review. The panel found the $2-billion monorail would not outperform improved bus service. Instead, two new bus routes will serve the airport: an upgraded Q70 Select Bus Service with a dedicated BQE lane, and a new non-stop bus rapid transit line from Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard using electric buses and transit signal priority. The total cost is about $500 million, far less than any rail option. State Senator Jessica Ramos, district 13, praised the decision, saying, 'My neighbors who live around LaGuardia deserve transit that is for them, not whatever that boondoggle was.' The AirTrain faced mounting opposition for its cost, indirect route, and lack of transparency. The new bus plan aims to serve millions of riders annually and can be implemented within two to five years.


Ramos Supports Safety Boosting Bus Transit Over AirTrain

Governor Hochul killed the costly LaGuardia AirTrain. She chose faster, cheaper bus routes instead. The new plan brings electric buses, dedicated lanes, and direct service. Advocates cheered. Queens riders win. The AirTrain dies. Buses roll on.

On March 13, 2023, Governor Hochul and the Port Authority canceled the Cuomo-era LaGuardia AirTrain project. The decision followed an expert panel review, which found the $2 billion monorail would not outperform expanded bus service. Instead, the panel recommended two new bus routes: an upgraded Q70 Select Bus Service with a dedicated BQE lane, and a nonstop bus rapid transit line from Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard to all LaGuardia terminals, using electric buses and transit signal priority. The matter summary states: 'Gov. Hochul and the Port Authority have canceled the controversial Cuomo-era LaGuardia AirTrain project, opting instead for two new, improved bus connections to the airport.' State Senator Jessica Ramos welcomed the move, saying, 'My neighbors who live around LaGuardia deserve transit that is for them, not whatever that boondoggle was.' Advocates and elected officials praised the shift, though some called for even stronger bus priority and further transit expansion in Queens.


Jessica Ramos Urges Safety Education Opposes E-Bike Bans

State senators pressed DOTs to fight e-bike stigma and protect riders. They called for education, better battery rules, and fair treatment for delivery workers. City Hall’s inaction leaves e-bike users exposed. Bans loom while agencies stall. Vulnerable riders pay the price.

On March 2, 2023, State Sen. Jessica Ramos and colleagues sent a letter to city and state DOTs urging action against the 'demonization' of e-bikes and e-scooters. The letter, signed by Ramos and State Sen. Liz Krueger, demanded more education on safe riding and battery use, warning, 'We cannot allow a narrative to build against a vital, green, and growing mode of transportation.' Ramos criticized City Hall for failing to post speed limits and design streets for e-mobility. Krueger backed battery safety bills, while Councilman Bob Holden pushed for outright bans, citing deaths and injuries. The senators warned that inaction could lead to blanket bans, hitting delivery workers hardest. The city’s plan for safe charging hubs faces local opposition. DOT claims a 'holistic approach,' but vulnerable riders remain at risk as agencies drag their feet.


S 4647
Ramos votes yes on highway worker safety bill, overall safety unchanged.

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.


S 4647
Ramos votes yes on highway worker safety bill, overall safety unchanged.

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.


S 2714
Ramos votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.

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.


Sedan Strikes Child Passenger on Parkway

A sedan on Grand Central Parkway struck a 5-year-old boy riding in the right rear. The child suffered a head contusion. The crash came after the driver reacted to another vehicle. The boy stayed conscious and inside the car.

According to the police report, a 2014 Toyota sedan traveling west on Grand Central Parkway crashed after the driver reacted to an uninvolved vehicle. The impact hit the sedan's left front bumper. A 5-year-old male passenger in the right rear seat suffered a head contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as the contributing factor, showing the driver's response to outside traffic led to the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4608727 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09
Ramos Supports Safety Boosting Cargo Bike Expansion Bill

Lawmakers push two bills. One widens legal cargo bikes. One reins in dirty warehouses. Both target truck traffic choking city streets. Sponsors say the measures will cut pollution, asthma, and danger for people outside cars. Albany momentum grows.

Bills S6106 (Sen. Jessica Ramos) and A6968 (Asm. Marcela Mitaynes) are active in the New York State legislature. S6106 would expand the legal width of cargo bikes from 36 to 48 inches, making them more useful for deliveries. A6968 would let the Department of Environmental Conservation regulate emissions from last-mile warehouses and require plans to cut transportation pollution, including by using zero-emission vehicles like cargo bikes. The matter summary notes, 'The bills complement each other.' Ramos and Mitaynes sponsor the measures. Their staff and advocates say the bills will help replace polluting vans with cleaner cargo bikes, especially in low-income areas hit hard by asthma. Both bills are gaining support in Albany.


A 602
Ramos votes yes in committee, boosting funding for safer street designs.

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.


A 602
Ramos votes yes in committee, boosting funding for safer street designs.

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.


SUV Rear-Ends Sedan in Queens, Passenger Hurt

SUV slammed into stopped sedan on 100 Street. Passenger, a 28-year-old woman, suffered head injury and shock. Police cited alcohol involvement. Impact struck sedan’s rear, SUV’s front.

According to the police report, a southbound SUV rear-ended a stopped sedan on 32-52 100 Street in Queens. The sedan’s front passenger, a 28-year-old woman, was injured with a head contusion and shock. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The SUV’s driver failed to maintain attention, causing the crash. The sedan was stopped in traffic when struck from behind. The impact damaged the SUV’s front and the sedan’s rear. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The injured passenger was wearing a lap belt and harness.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603211 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09
Two Sedans Collide on Queens 95 Street

Two sedans crashed head-on at 95 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. Both drivers were male and licensed. One driver suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries, reporting pain and nausea. The crash was caused by driver inattention and distraction.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 95 Street near 23 Avenue in Queens. Both drivers were male and licensed, traveling straight ahead in perpendicular directions when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the center front end of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. One driver, age 38, was injured with shoulder and upper arm trauma and experienced shock, pain, and nausea. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. Both drivers were restrained by lap belts and were not ejected from their vehicles.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4602932 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09
S 775
Ramos votes yes to expand ignition interlock monitoring, boosting road safety.

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.