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

SUV rear-ends sedan on Astoria Boulevard. Passenger, 26, suffers back injury and shock. Night crash. Police cite driver inexperience and distraction. Impact leaves vulnerable rider hurt in Queens street.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on Astoria Boulevard struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The center back end of the SUV hit the center front end of the sedan. A 26-year-old male passenger in the sedan was injured, suffering back pain and shock. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The injured passenger was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. Both vehicles were operated by licensed male drivers. The crash left the passenger with moderate injuries at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601356 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Twenty-two construction workers died last year in New York City. Lawmakers passed Carlos' Law, raising fines for negligent companies to $500,000. State Sen. Jessica Ramos calls it vital as migrants fill non-union jobs. Advocates warn: enforcement and worker awareness still lag.

Carlos' Law, passed in early 2023, raises the maximum penalty for construction companies convicted of criminal negligence leading to worker injury or death from $10,000 to $500,000. The law, named after Carlos Moncayo, aims to curb a surge in construction worker deaths—22 in the past year, the highest in five years. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, representing District 13, called the law 'critically needed' as thousands of migrants enter non-union construction jobs lacking basic safety protections. Ramos and other lawmakers supported the bill, but advocates and union officials warn that without strong enforcement and education for new arrivals, deaths and injuries will persist. The law passed after years of advocacy, but the minimum fine was removed, and nonprofits struggle to train the influx of new workers. As Ramos said, 'Behind every worker is a family expecting them to return home.'

• Construction worker deaths reach 5-year high as lawmakers seek to hold companies responsible, gothamist.com, Published 2023-01-22

Subway stations in outer boroughs roar back. Over 20 surpass 2019 numbers. Riders are workers, immigrants, people of color. MTA tweaks service—adds some, cuts some. Waits grow. Calls mount for more funding. Riders need frequent trains. Lives depend on it.

On January 10, 2023, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that more than 20 New York City subway stations exceeded pre-pandemic ridership in December 2022. The recovery, strongest in outer boroughs and Upper Manhattan, highlights the reliance of working-class, immigrant, and communities of color on transit. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said, 'these New Yorkers deserve the same frequent, safe reliable service that they've come to depend on over time.' State Sen. Jessica Ramos, representing the 7 train corridor, demanded state funding for six-minute off-peak service, noting, 'my neighbors are the ones who do work that they can't do from home.' The MTA has made service adjustments—some lines see more weekend trains, but peak service is trimmed, leading to longer waits. As total ridership lags, agency leaders and advocates warn that cuts hit those who need transit most. The fight for reliable, frequent service continues.

• More Than 20 Subway Stations Exceeded Pre-Pandemic Ridership Figures in December, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-10

Fans told Mets owner Steve Cohen they want safe ways to reach Citi Field. They called for protected bike lanes and better pedestrian routes. Cars came last. State Sen. Ramos demanded urgent action. The message was clear: fix deadly streets, not parking lots.

On January 9, 2023, Mets owner Steve Cohen hosted a public consultation on transportation at Citi Field. Attendees demanded safer biking and walking routes, saying, "There's really no segregated [bike] lane, so that would be the main thing." State Sen. Jessica Ramos pressed for immediate bike lanes, stressing, "We need bike lanes yesterday." The event, described as a first step in listening to community priorities, showed strong opposition to car-centric infrastructure. Multiple participants left notes calling for protected bike lanes. The session highlighted the urgent need to address dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists around the stadium, with fans and officials united in demanding safer, more sustainable access.

• Fans to Mets Owner: We Don’t Want to Drive to Citi Field, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-09

Two SUVs collided on Grand Central Parkway. One driver suffered a head injury and concussion. Police blamed driver inattention and unsafe speed. Both vehicles showed heavy bumper damage.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed eastbound on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The driver of the lead SUV, a 51-year-old woman, was injured with a concussion and head trauma. She remained conscious and was not ejected. The crash involved a rear-end impact, with the trailing SUV striking the right rear bumper of the lead vehicle. Police cited driver inattention, distraction, and unsafe speed as contributing factors. No other factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590610 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 60-year-old woman was hit by a sedan while crossing 94 Street at Astoria Boulevard. The impact struck her head, causing injury and shock. The driver was inattentive, failing to notice the pedestrian. The victim suffered pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 94 Street struck a 60-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection with Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The driver failed to maintain attention, leading to the collision and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A drunk driver killed a scooter rider on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights. The driver stayed at the scene and was arrested. Local officials mourned the loss. The deadly corridor has seen little change despite repeated deaths. The toll mounts. Streets stay dangerous.

On November 27, 2022, State Senator Jessica Ramos responded to a fatal crash in Council District 13. The incident occurred when a drunk driver struck and killed a scooter rider on 37th Avenue, a Vision Zero priority corridor in Queens. The official matter summary reads: 'Alleged Queens drunk driver in custody after fatal collision with scooter rider.' Ramos urged residents, 'Please do your part to keep our neighbors safe,' and condemned drunk driving. Councilmember Shekar Krishnan called the death 'senseless.' Despite five pedestrian deaths on this stretch in the past decade, major safety improvements have not been made. Ramos’s statement highlights the ongoing danger for vulnerable road users and the city’s failure to fix deadly streets.

• Alleged Queens drunk driver in custody after fatal collision with scooter rider, amny.com, Published 2022-11-27

Two sedans slammed together on 88 Street in Queens. Both drivers hurt. Rear passenger suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. No one thrown. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on 88 Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled west when the 2010 Toyota struck the right rear bumper of a 2007 Hyundai. The Hyundai’s 24-year-old male driver and a 43-year-old female rear passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained. No ejections occurred. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The crash left both cars damaged, front and rear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4584335 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 32-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries in Queens. The crash involved driver inattention. The cyclist was conscious but fractured and dislocated his knee and lower leg. The bike sustained left-side damage.

According to the police report, a bicyclist traveling south on 32-15 100 Street in Queens was injured when a collision occurred involving driver inattention or distraction. The 32-year-old male bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was conscious at the scene. The bike suffered damage to its left side doors, while the other vehicle involved showed no damage. No helmet or signaling factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4577182 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

An 18-year-old e-bike rider was ejected and fractured his knee and lower leg after colliding with a turning SUV on 83 Street in Queens. The SUV driver was distracted. The e-bike struck the SUV’s rear bumper, suffering severe injuries.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male riding an e-bike was injured and ejected after colliding with a 2022 Kia SUV making a right turn on 83 Street in Queens. The e-bike was traveling south, and the SUV was traveling north. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike and the left rear bumper of the SUV. The injured rider suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and distracted at the time of the crash. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted for the e-bike rider. A parked 2011 Ford SUV was also damaged on its right side doors but had no occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4578602 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 58-year-old man driving a station wagon suffered neck injuries in a crash on Grand Central Parkway. The SUV struck the left front quarter panel of the station wagon. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Grand Central Parkway involving a 2018 Toyota SUV traveling east and a station wagon. The SUV impacted the left front quarter panel of the station wagon, causing damage to the left side doors. The station wagon driver, a 58-year-old man, sustained neck injuries described as whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. He was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The SUV driver was licensed in New York and traveling straight ahead before the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565687 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A motorcycle and sedan collided on Grand Central Parkway. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered shoulder and upper arm abrasions. Driver distraction and improper lane usage caused the crash. The motorcyclist was conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on Grand Central Parkway collided with a sedan changing lanes. The motorcyclist, a 39-year-old male driver, was ejected and sustained abrasions to his shoulder and upper arm. The report lists driver inattention and improper lane usage as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was conscious after the crash. The sedan struck the motorcycle on its right side doors, while the motorcycle impacted the sedan's left front bumper. The motorcyclist was unlicensed. No mention of helmet use or other safety equipment was provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562951 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Two sedans collided on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. Three passengers, including two young girls, suffered head injuries. All were restrained by lap belts. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. The injured were treated for shock and bruises.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Astoria Boulevard collided front to back. The crash injured three passengers in one vehicle: a 6-year-old girl, a 3-year-old girl, and a 32-year-old woman. All suffered head injuries and were restrained by lap belts. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed men. The collision caused center front and center back damage to the vehicles. The injured passengers experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. No ejections occurred. The report does not indicate any other contributing factors or victim errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557461 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Two SUVs slammed together on 27 Avenue. Metal struck metal. A woman in the front seat took the blow. She suffered pelvic and abdominal wounds. Police blame failure to yield. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed on 27 Avenue in Queens. The eastbound SUV was hit on its left side doors by a southbound SUV’s right front bumper. A 27-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat of the eastbound vehicle was injured, suffering trauma to her abdomen and pelvis, along with whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected. Both drivers were licensed men, one from New Mexico and one from New York. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the cause. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550560 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 32-year-old male bicyclist was injured in Queens when a 2008 SUV hit him on 31 Drive. The cyclist wore a helmet and suffered whole-body injuries. The SUV driver was licensed; the cyclist was unlicensed. Both traveled straight ahead.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male bicyclist was injured after a collision with a 2008 Honda SUV on 31 Drive in Queens. The bicyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained injuries to his entire body and was not ejected from his bike. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling northwest, while the bicyclist was traveling north. Both parties were moving straight ahead at the time of impact. The SUV struck the bicyclist on the right side doors with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's left front bumper. The bicyclist's contributing factors are listed as unspecified. No explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4547782 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan ran a traffic control on 98 Street. The crash tore metal. The driver, a 38-year-old man, suffered leg injuries and a concussion. Impact slammed the front of both cars. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a sedan collided with another vehicle at 98 Street and 32 Avenue in Queens. The 38-year-old male driver of the sedan was injured, suffering knee, lower leg, foot injuries, and a concussion. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, showing the driver failed to obey signals or signs. The sedan struck the left front quarter panel, while the other car was hit at the center front end. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported. The driver used a lap belt and harness and was not ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4546588 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. A 37-year-old male driver suffered head injuries and incoherence. The crash involved alcohol. One vehicle merged, striking the other’s left rear bumper. Both drivers were male; one was licensed in New York.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on Grand Central Parkway collided. The Ford sedan was merging when it struck the left rear bumper of the Nissan sedan going straight ahead. The 37-year-old male driver of the Nissan was injured, suffering head trauma and incoherence. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The Ford driver’s license status is unknown. The point of impact and vehicle damage confirm the merging vehicle struck the rear of the other sedan. No other contributing factors or victim errors are noted. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543549 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 24-year-old e-bike rider was injured in a crash with a pick-up truck on 96 Street near 32 Avenue in Queens. Both vehicles traveled west. The e-bike driver suffered a concussion and arm injuries. Driver distraction caused the collision.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 96 Street near 32 Avenue in Queens involving a pick-up truck and an e-bike, both traveling west. The e-bike driver, a 24-year-old man, sustained injuries including a concussion and damage to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both parties. The pick-up truck struck the e-bike with its right front bumper. The e-bike rider was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other safety equipment or contributing factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in vehicle and e-bike interactions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4539763 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan traveling south struck an e-scooter heading west on Astoria Boulevard. The e-scooter driver, a 19-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries and a concussion. The sedan driver fell asleep and was inattentive before impact.

According to the police report, a sedan and an e-scooter collided on Astoria Boulevard. The e-scooter driver, a 19-year-old male, was injured with knee, lower leg, and foot trauma and suffered a concussion. The report lists the sedan driver’s errors as falling asleep and driver inattention or distraction. The sedan struck the e-scooter on its left front quarter panel while both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The e-scooter sustained damage to its center front end. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4544476 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01