North Corona Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Mar 20 - A sedan struck a moped stopped in traffic on 97th Street in Queens. The moped driver, a 30-year-old man, was ejected and suffered severe whole-body injuries. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the primary cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:21 on 97th Street near 34th Avenue in Queens. A sedan traveling north struck the center back end of a moped that was stopped in traffic, impacting with its right front bumper. The moped driver, a 30-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and suffered injuries to his entire body, classified as severe (injury severity 3). The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, repeated twice for emphasis. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behavior. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 13 - A Kia SUV traveling south struck a westbound motorscooter on 112 Street in Queens. Two motorscooter occupants suffered abrasions and injuries to head and leg. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control disregard as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 112 Street near 34 Avenue in Queens at 3:33 PM. A 2025 Kia SUV driven by a licensed female driver was going straight south when it collided front-center with a westbound 2023 motorscooter carrying two occupants. The motorscooter driver, a 17-year-old male, sustained head injuries and abrasions, while the 18-year-old female passenger suffered abrasions and knee-lower leg-foot injuries. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors linked to the SUV driver. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was noted for the motorscooter driver. Neither occupant was ejected, and both were conscious after the crash. The collision caused center front-end damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798939 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 13 - A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.

• Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13

Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.

NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'

• Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 27 - Delivery workers rallied against Hochul’s e-bike crackdown. Council weighs bills to license e-bikes, raise pay, and study conditions. DOT opposes registration. Advocates warn of criminalization. City Hall silent. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot and bike.

On February 27, 2025, the City Council considered three bills: Intro 606 (register and license all e-bikes), Intro 1133 (expand minimum wage, study delivery worker conditions), and Intro 1135 (set minimum pay for grocery delivery). Intro 606 faces opposition from DOT, which says, 'there is no evidence that registration improves safety.' The matter’s summary warns that Hochul’s plan would let NYPD enforce bike lane speed limits and reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds, requiring licenses and registration. Council members are split: Brad Lander supports regulation targeting app companies, not workers; Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani call for better street design; Michael Blake urges targeted safety solutions and more infrastructure. Advocates like Ligia Guallpa say these measures would criminalize delivery workers and create a 'ticketing-to-deportation pipeline.' The Council press office did not comment. The debate exposes a city divided on how to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Leadership Vacuum: Delivery Workers Oppose Hochul’s E-Bike Plan as Adams Goes AWOL, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 26 - A BMW driver ran the red on Northern Boulevard. Metal screamed as a Mercedes struck head-on. The 23-year-old behind the wheel died, unbelted. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent, marked by violence and disregard.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a BMW sedan 'ran the red,' disregarding traffic control. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The BMW was struck head-on by a Mercedes sedan traveling straight. The 23-year-old BMW driver, unbelted and alone, was killed behind the wheel. The impact was severe enough that a parked Toyota SUV was also damaged. The police narrative describes the aftermath: 'Metal screamed. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent.' The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver actions—specifically, running a red light and alcohol involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 21 - Two sedans traveling east collided at 34 Avenue in Queens. The impact struck the center back end of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. One driver suffered a back injury but remained conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:20 in Queens near 102-04 34 Avenue involving two sedans traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center back end of a 2017 GMC and the center front end of a 2010 Honda. The driver of one vehicle, a 52-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error as a primary cause. Both drivers were licensed in New York. There is no indication of victim fault or other contributing factors. The collision's damage and injury highlight the dangers of distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 18 - A tanker swung right on Northern Boulevard, striking a 31-year-old e-bike rider moving straight. The truck’s bumper crushed the man’s knee and foot. The tanker rolled on. The rider stayed down, battered and conscious, helmetless in the street.

At the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 108th Street in Queens, a collision unfolded between a tanker truck and an e-bike, according to the police report. The tanker was making a right turn while the e-bike rider, a 31-year-old man, continued straight. The police report states the truck’s right front bumper struck the e-bike, crushing the rider’s knee and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, highlighting a critical driver error. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s failure to yield. The tanker sustained no damage, while the e-bike was damaged at the center front end. The man remained conscious at the scene, suffering serious crush injuries. The report’s narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of those outside steel and glass.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 18 - Senators move to guard bike lanes. Cameras will catch drivers who block or invade. The city’s cyclists and walkers get a shot at safer streets. No more hiding behind the wheel.

Senate bill S 5008, now in sponsorship, aims to launch a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced February 18, 2025, sits in committee. Its 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.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal leads, joined by Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, Jessica Ramos, and Julia Salazar. The bill targets drivers who block or misuse bike lanes, using cameras to enforce the rules. The move puts pressure on the city to protect cyclists and pedestrians from daily danger.

• File S 5008, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 14 - A 63-year-old man was injured crossing Northern Boulevard outside an intersection. The sedan, traveling east, struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Northern Boulevard in Queens struck a 63-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside an intersection without a signal or crosswalk. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper, causing injuries to the pedestrian's knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious and complained of internal pain. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. No pedestrian behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing mid-block, with the vehicle's front-left impact indicating the pedestrian was likely in the vehicle's travel path.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792916 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 14 - 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

Feb 13 - 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

Feb 8 - 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

Feb 5 - 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

Feb 1 - A 64-year-old man crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens was struck by a motorscooter traveling east. The pedestrian suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the victim injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a motorscooter traveling east on 96-08 37 Avenue in Queens struck a 64-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his lower arm and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The motorscooter was going straight ahead at the time of impact, which occurred at the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian’s crossing outside a crosswalk is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers to vulnerable road users in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789629 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - A 41-year-old woman suffered arm injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a right turn in Queens. The driver’s inexperience and failure to yield right-of-way caused the collision at an intersection where the pedestrian had the crossing signal.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 108 St and 37 Dr in Queens at 13:01. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2012 Chevrolet sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her with the vehicle's right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, remaining conscious after the impact. Vehicle damage was limited to the right front bumper. The collision highlights critical driver errors, specifically the failure to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing, underscoring systemic dangers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789322 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 23 - 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

Jan 22 - 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

Jan 10 - A 24-year-old woman was hit by a pickup truck while crossing a marked crosswalk in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way during a left turn. The pedestrian suffered serious abdominal and pelvic injuries and was rendered unconscious.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 35 Ave and 97 St in Queens at 2:53 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal when a Ford pickup truck, traveling northwest and making a left turn, struck her with its left front bumper. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis and was unconscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but the failure to yield right-of-way directly led to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions or safety equipment were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785034 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19