Corona Bleeds: Three Dead, Hundreds Hurt—Who Will Stop the Killing?

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

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

An SUV struck an e-scooter from behind on Corona Avenue in Queens. The e-scooter driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV driver was distracted, causing the collision. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:18 on Corona Avenue in Queens. A 41-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured, sustaining abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The e-scooter was traveling east when it was struck in the center front end by a 2024 Honda SUV, also traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV's right rear bumper, which sustained damage. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the SUV driver, who was licensed and had two occupants in the vehicle. The e-scooter driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in multi-vehicle crashes involving vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789367 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV making a left turn struck a northbound sedan from behind on 108 Street in Queens. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash caused center-front and center-back vehicle damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 108 Street in Queens at 2:00 PM. A Toyota SUV traveling north was making a left turn when it collided with a Nissan sedan also traveling north going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the sedan. The sedan driver, a 43-year-old male, was injured with back pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the SUV driver’s left turn maneuver as the pre-crash action, indicating a failure to yield or misjudgment in turning. Both vehicles sustained damage at the front and back centers. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788660 - 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

A motorcycle passenger suffered knee and lower leg injuries in a Queens crash. The collision involved a parked sedan and motorcycle, with impact undercarriage to undercarriage. The passenger was in shock and complained of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:40 in Queens near 96-10 40 Rd involving a parked 2016 Ford sedan and a 2022 Flywing motorcycle. Both vehicles were stationary before the collision, impacting undercarriage to undercarriage. The motorcycle carried two occupants, including a 37-year-old female passenger who sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was not ejected but experienced shock and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the passenger's injury, with no explicit driver errors cited. The sedan showed no damage, while the motorcycle sustained center front end damage. The data does not indicate helmet use or crossing signals as factors. The focus remains on the collision dynamics and resulting passenger injuries without assigning victim blame.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

A 21-year-old woman suffered upper leg and hip injuries after a sedan traveling north struck her at a marked crosswalk in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal. The vehicle showed no damage. Driver errors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at the intersection near 97-01 50 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal when a 2018 Chevrolet sedan traveling north struck her. The report lists the pedestrian's injuries as hip and upper leg trauma, with a complaint of pain or nausea and emotional shock. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report does not specify any driver contributing factors or errors, nor does it attribute any fault to the pedestrian. The pedestrian's crossing without a signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The incident underscores the dangers pedestrians face even at marked crosswalks when vehicle driver errors or systemic issues are not clearly identified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782836 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a U-turn collided with another sedan in Queens. The impact slammed the left side doors. A 40-year-old female passenger suffered neck injuries. Police cite alcohol involvement as a key factor.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 17:47 near 108-17 46 Ave in Queens. A sedan making a U-turn struck another sedan traveling straight. The collision hit the left side doors of the turning car. A 40-year-old female passenger in the U-turning sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and wore a lap belt. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor, highlighting impaired driver judgment. The crash resulted from driver error during the U-turn. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778335 - 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

A moped traveling west on Roosevelt Ave hit a pedestrian crossing 99 St at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and was conscious. Police cited unsafe speed and failure to yield right-of-way by the moped driver.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on Roosevelt Ave collided with a pedestrian crossing 99 St at a marked crosswalk without a crossing signal. The pedestrian sustained a head abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped, which showed damage consistent with the collision. The report identifies the moped driver's unsafe speed and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The pedestrian was crossing legally at the intersection, and no contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically unsafe speed and failure to yield, as central causes of the injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774786 - 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

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

A pedestrian suffered head injuries and shock after a sedan struck her at an intersection in Queens. The driver, unlicensed and distracted, made a left turn and failed to yield. The victim was crossing with the signal and sustained serious injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:47 AM on 41 Avenue in Queens. An 18-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when a 2014 Ford sedan, traveling north and making a left turn, struck her with its left front bumper. The driver was unlicensed and cited for inattention and distraction, as well as inexperience. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report explicitly identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The incident highlights systemic danger posed by unlicensed and distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774416 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04