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

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 sedan rear-ended a stopped vehicle on Grand Central Parkway. The driver of the struck car suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:53 on Grand Central Parkway involving two sedans traveling east. One sedan was stopped in traffic when the following sedan failed to stop and collided with the center back end of the stopped vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 36-year-old female occupant, was conscious but injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the collision. The driver of the rear vehicle did not maintain attention, causing the rear-end impact. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789321 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck a 52-year-old man crossing 23 Ave at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and bruises. Driver inattention caused the collision, highlighting dangers at busy Queens intersections.

According to the police report, a 2018 Mercedes sedan traveling northwest on 23 Ave was making a left turn when it struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and contusions, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication that the pedestrian's actions contributed to the collision. The driver's failure to maintain attention while executing the turn directly led to the pedestrian's injury, underscoring systemic risks posed by distracted driving in Queens intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788070 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

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

Two sedans collided at Astoria Boulevard. One driver made a left turn, striking the other vehicle’s right rear quarter panel. The front passenger of the struck vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash, restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:52 on Astoria Boulevard involving two sedans. One vehicle was traveling east going straight ahead, while the other was making a left turn. The collision point was the center front end of the eastbound sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the turning vehicle. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. The front passenger in the eastbound sedan, a 39-year-old male, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The drivers were licensed and operating vehicles registered in NY and VA. The data highlights driver failure to yield or disregard of traffic control as the primary cause, with no victim fault noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV merged on Grand Central Parkway, struck sedan’s left side. Sedan overturned. Young woman inside suffered facial bruises. Police cited alcohol and speed as crash causes.

According to the police report, an SUV merged eastbound on Grand Central Parkway and struck a sedan on its left side. The impact overturned the sedan. The 26-year-old female driver of the sedan suffered facial contusions and bruises. Police listed alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The report highlights driver errors including alcohol impairment and unsafe speed as key causes of the collision. The sedan driver wore a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783208 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV cut across lanes on Grand Central Parkway. It struck a sedan. A 34-year-old front passenger took the hit. She suffered head injuries and shock. Unsafe lane change left her hurt. Metal twisted. Airbags burst.

According to the police report, an SUV merged unsafely on Grand Central Parkway at 22:26, striking a sedan’s left rear bumper. The crash left a 34-year-old woman, riding front passenger, with head injuries and shock. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. Airbags and lap belts deployed. No blame is placed on the injured passenger. The impact damaged both vehicles and highlights the danger of reckless lane changes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780170 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorscooter making a left turn was struck from behind by an SUV traveling east on 31 Ave in Queens. The scooter driver suffered back injuries and bruising. Police cite following too closely as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 31 Ave in Queens at 17:14. A motorscooter, driven by a 54-year-old man wearing a helmet, was making a left turn when it was rear-ended by an SUV traveling in the same direction. The point of impact was the center back end of the scooter and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV driver was going straight ahead, while the scooter was turning left. The report identifies the SUV driver's error as "Following Too Closely," which led to the collision. The scooter driver sustained a back injury and contusions but was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

At a heated mayoral forum, Zellnor Myrie demanded a dedicated busway for Flatbush Avenue. Candidates slammed slow buses and empty promises. They called for more bus lanes, free rides, and less fare policing. Riders want action, not talk. Streets remain dangerous.

On December 6, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum spotlighted New York City's broken bus service. State Senator Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, called for a dedicated busway on Brooklyn's Flatbush Avenue, echoing the success of Manhattan's 14th Street. The forum, hosted by Riders Alliance, saw candidates—including Myrie, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debate urgent transit reforms. The matter: 'improving NYC's slow bus service.' Myrie and others backed more bus lanes, fare-free buses, and expanding Fair Fares for low-income riders. Mamdani vowed not to cave to local opposition. All criticized Mayor Adams for stalled bus projects. The forum exposed deep frustration with city inaction and highlighted the need for bold, street-level changes to protect riders and speed up commutes.

• Could a new mayor fix New York City's terrible bus service?, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-06

DOT built just 5.3 miles of new bus lanes in 2024. The law demands 30. Commissioner Rodriguez called it a great job. Critics slammed the city for falling short. Riders wait. Streets stay clogged. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On December 4, 2024, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez defended the agency’s bus lane record before critics. The Streets Master Plan requires 30 new miles of bus lanes each year. In 2024, DOT delivered only 5.3 miles—just 17 percent of the legal mandate. Rodriguez claimed, “We are doing a great job,” citing national comparisons and blaming delays on community board processes and local opposition, especially around the 96th Street project. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, and State Sen. Zellnor Myrie condemned the city’s self-praise and legal failure. The matter title reads: ‘We Are Doing A Great Job’ … Falling Short of Bus Lane Requirement. Several projects are planned for 2025, but completion is uncertain. The city’s slow pace leaves bus riders and other vulnerable road users exposed to dangerous, congested streets.

• DOT Commish: ‘We Are Doing A Great Job’ … Falling Short of Bus Lane Requirement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-04

Six mayoral hopefuls faced off on transit. They clashed over congestion pricing, bus expansion, and subway safety. Zellnor Myrie pledged to defend congestion pricing. Others called for more police, more buses, and mental health teams. Streets and subways remain battlegrounds.

On December 3, 2024, at a Riders Alliance forum, six Democratic mayoral candidates—Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debated New York City transit policy. The event focused on congestion pricing, set to begin January 5, and subway safety. The matter summary reads: 'NYC mayoral candidates participated in a transit-focused forum... discussing congestion pricing, subway safety, and transit upgrades.' Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, criticized Mayor Adams for not defending congestion pricing and promised to support it regardless of federal politics. Ramos pushed for congestion pricing revenue to fund the MTA. Stringer called for bus expansion and DOT reform. Walden wanted more police and exemptions for seniors and disabled riders. Lander and Mamdani argued for housing and outreach teams over policing. The forum highlighted sharp divides on how to protect vulnerable New Yorkers on streets and subways.

• 2025 NYC mayoral candidates sound off on congestion pricing, subway safety, amny.com, Published 2024-12-03

Mayoral hopefuls hammered Eric Adams for broken bus lane promises. At a transit forum, they called out City Hall’s slow pace. The law demands 30 miles a year. Adams delivered half. Candidates pledged pro-transit reforms. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 3, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum on NYC bus service and transportation policy spotlighted City Hall’s failures. The event, organized by Riders Alliance, saw candidates attack Mayor Eric Adams for not meeting the Streets Master Plan law, which mandates 30 new miles of bus lanes each year. Adams’ administration installed only 15.7 miles last fiscal year. State Sen. Jessica Ramos said, 'The current mayor promised 150 miles of bus lanes and hasn't delivered.' Comptroller Brad Lander promised a 'professional, world-class DOT commissioner.' Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani vowed to resist business interests blocking bus projects. Sen. Zellnor Myrie, mentioned at the forum, made pro-transit promises. The forum exposed how political inaction and broken promises keep streets unsafe for bus riders and pedestrians.

• Mayoral candidates hit Adams on failed promises to boost NYC's bus service, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-03

Six mayoral hopefuls faced off on transit. They promised bus lanes, free buses, and fair fares. Each slammed the mayor’s record. They called for less fare enforcement, more service. Riders, not drivers, took center stage. Words flew. Streets stayed dangerous.

On December 3, 2024, six candidates for New York City mayor—Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—spoke at a Riders Alliance forum. The event focused on transit policy. Candidates pledged support for bus lanes, free buses, expanded Fair Fares, and shifting gas tax funds to mass transit. Lander vowed to end subway and street homelessness for the severely mentally ill by connecting them to stable housing. Mamdani promised a world-class bus network. Myrie pushed for citywide bus lanes. Ramos called for automatic Fair Fares registration. Stringer backed more bus routes. Walden opposed fare evasion crackdowns, urging resources go to service instead. All criticized Mayor Adams’ record on bus lanes and congestion pricing. The forum highlighted a united front for safer, more accessible transit, but offered no immediate relief for vulnerable road users.

• Promises, Promises: What the Candidates Said At The Transit Forum, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-03

Five passengers, ages four to fifty-five, suffered whiplash in a chain collision on Grand Central Parkway. Police cited drivers for following too closely. Rear-end impacts left all injured but none ejected.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash struck Grand Central Parkway at 20:08. A pick-up truck, SUV, and sedan, all westbound, collided in a chain reaction. Five passengers were injured: a 31-year-old front passenger, a 4-year-old child in a restraint, a 55-year-old front passenger, a 19-year-old rear passenger, and a 6-year-old rear passenger. All suffered whiplash. None were ejected. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for at least two vehicles. The vehicles showed center front and rear damage, matching rear-end impacts. Police found no contributing victim actions. Driver error in maintaining safe distance caused the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773396 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 43-year-old man crossing Astoria Blvd with the signal was struck by a BMW sedan traveling east. The impact fractured his lower leg and foot. Police cite driver failure to yield and disregard for traffic control as causes of the collision.

According to the police report, at 22:35 on Astoria Blvd in Queens, a BMW sedan traveling east struck a 43-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at an intersection with the signal. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, sustaining serious injuries. The report explicitly identifies the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and disregard for traffic control as contributing factors. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, indicating the pedestrian was hit directly in the path of the car. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding and obeying traffic controls in busy urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773756 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council weighs Adams’s City of Yes plan. Mayoral challengers back the original, urge no watering down. They want housing, not parking. Council may weaken it. The fight is over homes versus cars. Vulnerable road users watch as parking mandates hang in the balance.

On November 21, 2024, the City Council debated Mayor Adams’s City of Yes zoning proposal, which aims to boost housing and scrap mandatory parking citywide. The Council may weaken the plan by creating a three-tiered system, risking fewer new homes. Mayoral challengers Zellnor Myrie, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, Jessica Ramos, and Zohran Mamdani—all Democrats—strongly support the original plan. Myrie urges, 'resist efforts to revise the proposal in any way that would yield fewer homes.' Lander calls for ending exclusionary zoning and prioritizing housing over parking. Stringer calls the plan a 'small step.' Mamdani opposes changes that reduce housing or water down parking elimination. Ramos would vote yes but wants to protect neighborhood character. The Council’s decision will shape the city’s streets, homes, and the future for those outside cars.

• What Do the Mayoral Candidates Think Of ‘City of Yes’?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-21

Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13

Two SUVs collided on 31 Ave in Queens. A 22-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and incoherence. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as key factors. Both vehicles struck front and side, causing significant damage and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:27 on 31 Ave in Queens involving two SUVs traveling west and north. The 22-year-old male driver of the northbound SUV was injured, sustaining back pain and incoherence. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors for the injured driver. The collision impact points were the center front end of the westbound SUV and the right side doors of the northbound SUV. Both vehicles sustained damage consistent with these impacts. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites driver errors, including inattention and distraction, as causes, without attributing fault to any victim behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770828 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Trump’s victory sparks fierce debate over New York transit. Ramos doubts subway fixes without congestion pricing. Malliotakis cheers Trump’s opposition. Leaders call for federal funds, but vulnerable road users remain at risk as politics stall real safety gains.

On November 9, 2024, following the presidential election, New York City leaders debated transportation policy. The discussion, reported in the New York Post, centered on Trump’s opposition to congestion pricing and promises to improve Penn Station and the subways. State Senator Jessica Ramos, mentioned in the debate, voiced skepticism: 'If he’s saying he’s going to do it, he better deliver.' Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis urged collaboration with Trump and federal funding for infrastructure, rejecting congestion pricing. Mayor Eric Adams said he contacted Trump about city infrastructure needs. The matter title reads: 'What lefty leaders need to do to make NY great again after Trump’s victory, pols and pundits reveal.' No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The debate leaves the city’s most at-risk—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—waiting for action, not promises.

• What lefty leaders need to do to make NY great again after Trump’s victory, pols and pundits reveal, nypost.com, Published 2024-11-09