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

A man clung to a dump truck on Astoria Boulevard. No harness, no shield. He fell, skull to asphalt, blood pooling. The truck rolled on, untouched. The man, forty-seven, left with severe head wounds. The city’s machinery did not stop.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old man was riding on the outside of a dump truck near Astoria Boulevard and 88th Street in Queens. The report states he was 'ejected' and suffered 'severe lacerations' to the head after falling from the moving vehicle. The narrative details: 'A 47-year-old man clung to the outside of a dump truck. No belt. No shield. He fell. Skull met asphalt. Blood pooled. The truck rolled on, untouched. The man did not.' The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The vehicle, a 2005 PTRB dump truck registered in New Jersey, sustained no damage and continued westbound, according to the report. The man was not using any safety equipment at the time, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the systemic danger of unsecured riders and the unchecked movement of heavy vehicles through city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 44-year-old man working in the roadway was struck by a sedan in Queens. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, impacting the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot. The victim suffered bruises but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:30 in Queens near 32-17 103 Street. A sedan traveling north struck a pedestrian working in the roadway, causing injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian, a 44-year-old male, was conscious and sustained contusions. The collision involved two vehicles: a sedan moving straight ahead and a parked SUV. The point of impact on the sedan was the right front bumper, while the SUV was hit on the left side doors. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the pedestrian’s injury, highlighting systemic dangers posed by distracted driving in work zones.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768337 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan driver suffered head injuries and whiplash after a rear-end collision on 85 Street. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as key factors. The injured occupant remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt during impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:40 on 85 Street involving multiple sedans. One sedan, traveling southeast, was stopped in traffic when it was struck from behind at the center back end by another sedan whose driver was inattentive and distracted. The driver of the rear-ended sedan, a 53-year-old female occupant, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious, secured by a lap belt. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors to the collision. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end crashes in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766297 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided head-to-tail on Grand Central Parkway. The driver of the struck vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles were damaged at their center rear and front ends.

At 5:49 AM on Grand Central Parkway, two sedans traveling westbound collided in a rear-end crash. According to the police report, the driver of the struck sedan, a 33-year-old male occupant, sustained back injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles showed damage to their center back and front ends, indicating a direct rear impact. The injured driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and airbag deployment was noted. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited. This collision underscores the dangers posed by driver distraction on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4761629 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two children died near P.S. 127. Parents begged for help. The city stalled. Jessica Ramos backs a bill for a guard at every school corner. She calls for daylighting, scrambles, and less congestion. The city’s response: not enough. Danger remains.

On September 27, 2024, State Senator Jessica Ramos, representing Queens District 13, called for urgent action after two students were killed in traffic near P.S. 127. The matter, titled 'Queens parents struggle to get crossing guards after 2 students killed in traffic,' highlights a dire shortage: only 1,500 crossing guards citywide, down from 2,600 in 2019. Ramos supports a bill mandating a crossing guard at every school corner and urges investment in pedestrian scrambles, daylighting, and congestion reduction. She said, 'You would think that this is one of the most basic ways to protect the safety of our children. And yet that seems like an insurmountable task.' Ramos’s advocacy comes as parents face bureaucratic stonewalling and city officials offer piecemeal fixes. The city’s measures—stop signs, bollards, and cement blocks—fall short. Ramos demands full funding and systemic change to protect children on their way to school.

• Queens parents struggle to get crossing guards after 2 students killed in traffic, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-27

Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

A city bus struck two parked sedans on 23 Avenue in Queens, injuring the bus driver. The impact damaged the left rear bumpers of both sedans and caused whiplash to the bus operator, who remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a bus traveling eastbound on 23 Avenue in Queens collided with two parked sedans, both facing west. The bus impacted the left rear bumpers of the sedans, causing damage to the vehicles. The bus driver, a 61-year-old male, was injured with whiplash affecting his entire body but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The sedans were stationary prior to the crash, described as 'Parked' in the report. The report lists no specific contributing factors such as failure to yield or other driver errors, but the collision with parked vehicles indicates a loss of control or failure to maintain lane or distance by the bus driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved or cited. The incident highlights the dangers posed by large vehicles colliding with stationary vehicles on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760623 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a U-turn hit a northbound motorcycle on Junction Boulevard. The rider, helmeted and conscious, suffered a fractured shoulder. Police cite driver inattention and improper turning as causes.

According to the police report, a sedan attempted a U-turn near 32-23 Junction Boulevard in Queens at 21:41. The sedan struck a northbound motorcycle. The motorcycle rider, a 35-year-old man, was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. He suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder and upper arm. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors, pointing to errors by the sedan driver. The motorcycle was hit at its center front end; the sedan's right front bumper was damaged. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4754313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV struck sedan’s side on 32 Avenue. A 52-year-old woman in the sedan suffered internal injuries. Police blamed driver inattention and distraction. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

According to the police report, a 2016 SUV traveling west collided with a 2004 sedan heading south on 32 Avenue in Queens at 14:45. The SUV hit the sedan’s left side doors. A 52-year-old female front passenger in the sedan suffered internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis and was in shock. Both drivers were licensed. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The injured passenger wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755115 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

A sedan making a right turn struck a 29-year-old bicyclist traveling straight on 94 Street in Queens. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved limited driver visibility and following too closely, according to the police report.

At 9:50 AM on 94 Street near 30 Avenue in Queens, a sedan making a right turn collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead, according to the police report. The 29-year-old male bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, highlighting driver errors that led to the crash. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The driver of the sedan was licensed and operating the vehicle southbound. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist. This incident underscores the dangers posed by limited driver visibility and unsafe vehicle spacing during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747466 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 30-year-old male driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries when his SUV overturned after colliding with a sedan. Police cited unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors. The crash occurred on Grand Central Parkway at 4:20 a.m.

According to the police report, the crash involved two vehicles traveling eastbound on Grand Central Parkway at 4:20 a.m. A 30-year-old male driver in a 2018 SUV lost control after executing an unsafe lane change at unsafe speed. The SUV collided with a sedan, impacting its left rear quarter panel and causing the SUV to overturn. The driver sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factors to the collision. There is no indication of victim fault or other contributing behaviors. The sedan sustained damage to its right front bumper. This crash highlights the dangers of driver errors on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744413 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 46-year-old man suffered a severe leg fracture after a vehicle making a U-turn struck him on 87 Street near 23 Avenue in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was traveling at unsafe speed, causing a violent impact to the pedestrian.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:45 AM on 87 Street near 23 Avenue in Queens. The vehicle was making a U-turn and struck a 46-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside a signal or crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as a serious injury. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end, causing the injury. The pedestrian was conscious and not ejected from any vehicle. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior or safety equipment were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743410 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 15-year-old moped rider collided with a Ford SUV on 32nd Avenue. He flew from the seat, helmetless, body torn and bleeding, screaming awake. Speed and alcohol shadowed the crash. The street bore witness to another young life shattered.

A violent collision unfolded at 32nd Avenue and 107th Street in Queens when a moped, operated by a 15-year-old boy, slammed into the left front quarter panel of a Ford SUV, according to the police report. The report states the moped rider was 'partially ejected,' suffering severe lacerations to his entire body, and was found conscious and screaming at the scene. 'Unsafe Speed' is cited as a contributing factor in the crash, with 'Alcohol Involvement' also listed in the police data. The teen wore no helmet, as documented in the report. The Ford SUV was traveling west, while the moped headed north; both were reportedly going straight ahead before impact. The police narrative describes the aftermath in stark terms: 'Blood spread. He was awake. He screamed.' The crash underscores the lethal consequences of speed and alcohol on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A SUV slammed into the back of a sedan traveling north on 99 Street in Queens. The sedan’s driver, a 53-year-old man, suffered a back injury. Police cited the SUV driver’s failure to maintain distance as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, at 9:07 AM on 99 Street in Queens, a 2017 Chevrolet SUV traveling north rear-ended a 2023 Honda sedan also heading north. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV striking the center back end of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 53-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained a back injury classified as injury severity level 3 and remained conscious. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. Both drivers were going straight ahead prior to the collision. The SUV driver held a permit license from California, while the sedan driver was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742144 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Grand Central Parkway, westbound. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered neck injuries. Police cited following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front and rear bumper damage in the crash.

According to the police report, at 7:40 AM on Grand Central Parkway, two sport utility vehicles traveling westbound collided. The rear SUV, driven by a 52-year-old male occupant, struck the left rear bumper of the lead SUV with its right front bumper. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. The injured driver was conscious and suffered a neck injury, wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. Both vehicles sustained damage to their bumpers. The lead vehicle was driven by a licensed female driver from Texas, while the rear vehicle was driven by a licensed male driver from New York. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740015 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on 23 Avenue. Three people hurt. Drivers reacted to other vehicles. Metal twisted. Shock and pain followed. No one was ejected. The street bore the scars.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed on 23 Avenue in Queens at 13:45. Both vehicles, a 2011 Jeep and a 2016 GMC, were heading west when the Jeep's left front bumper struck the GMC's right rear bumper. The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the main contributing factor. Three occupants were injured: a 29-year-old female front passenger in shock, a 51-year-old male driver with back injuries and whiplash, and a 32-year-old male driver with abrasions to the arm. All wore lap belts and harnesses. The crash stemmed from driver actions in response to other vehicles, with no victim errors cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734169 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi collided head-on with an e-scooter on 25 Avenue in Queens. The e-scooter driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite obstructed view and improper lane usage by the taxi driver as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 20:17 on 25 Avenue in Queens, a 2017 Toyota taxi traveling east struck an e-scooter traveling south. The collision occurred at the center front end of both vehicles. The e-scooter driver, a 44-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee and lower leg, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the crash. The taxi driver was the sole occupant of his vehicle and was wearing a lap belt. The report identifies 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain proper lane discipline and had limited visibility. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights driver errors and systemic dangers related to visibility and lane management on Queens roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07