Maspeth Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

A tractor truck and a sedan collided on the Long Island Expressway. Both drivers suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved passing too closely. Both vehicles sustained side damage. The injured remained conscious and were not ejected.

According to the police report, a tractor truck and a sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the sedan and the left rear quarter panel of the truck. Both drivers, a 53-year-old man in the sedan and a 34-year-old male passenger, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts. The report lists 'Passing Too Closely' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The vehicles sustained damage to their side doors. No ejections occurred. The crash highlights the dangers of close passing on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658170 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 29-year-old man on an e-bike slammed into a slowing SUV on Fresh Pond Road. He wore a helmet. The force threw him from the seat. His body hit the pavement. He died there. Speed ruled the night. The street fell silent.

A 29-year-old man riding an e-bike died after striking a slowing SUV on Fresh Pond Road. According to the police report, 'A 29-year-old man on an e-bike struck a slowing SUV. He flew from the seat, helmet on, body crushed. The street did not move. He died there, on the pavement, where speed met silence.' The crash involved an e-bike, a station wagon/SUV, and a parked sedan. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The e-bike rider was ejected and suffered fatal injuries to his entire body. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other injuries were reported. The data does not indicate any errors by the SUV driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655286 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A bus turned on 74th Street. An e-scooter hit its rear. The rider, a 64-year-old woman, flew off. Her head bled on the pavement. The bus rolled away, untouched. The street held her pain. No helmet. No mercy.

A bus turned near 57th Avenue in Queens. An e-scooter struck the bus’s rear bumper. The rider, a 64-year-old woman, was ejected and suffered a head injury with severe bleeding. According to the police report, 'A bus turned. An e-scooter struck its rear. A 64-year-old woman flew off, no helmet, head bleeding. She lay conscious on the pavement. The bus rolled on. Its bumper bore no mark.' The police listed 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor. The woman was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary error was the bus’s improper turn. The crash left the rider injured and the bus undamaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655019 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Moped crashed into a turning box truck on Maurice Avenue. Both riders thrown, both injured in legs and feet. Driver wore helmet. Following too closely and blocked view listed as causes.

According to the police report, a moped struck the undercarriage of a box truck on Maurice Avenue near Borden Avenue in Queens. Both the 22-year-old moped driver and 24-year-old passenger were ejected and suffered knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The moped driver wore a helmet; the passenger did not. The box truck was making a right turn when the crash happened. Both injured riders were conscious or in shock after impact. The moped was damaged at the front; the truck had no visible damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653071 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 19-year-old motorcyclist hit a parked SUV on 64th Street. He flew from his bike and died under a streetlamp. Blood pooled on the asphalt. He wore a helmet. The night was still. No other injuries reported.

A 19-year-old man riding a motorcycle northbound on 64th Street in Queens struck the center back end of a parked Ford SUV at the corner of 58th Road. According to the police report, the impact ejected the rider from his bike. He landed on the street and died from severe head injuries. The report states he was wearing a helmet. No other people were injured. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The SUV was unoccupied and parked at the time of the crash. The crash left blood on the asphalt and the street silent.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652466 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate bill S 7621 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets trigger mandatory speed control tech. Sponsors push to curb repeat danger. No votes yet. Streets stay tense.

Senate bill S 7621, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed August 2, 2023, it 'relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill forces drivers with eleven points in eighteen months, or six speed/red light camera tickets in a year, to install speed-limiting devices. No safety analyst note yet. The measure aims to cut repeat speeding and protect those outside the car.

• File S 7621, Open States, Published 2023-08-02

A sedan turning left on Flushing Avenue hit a 36-year-old male bicyclist traveling east. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. Confusion by the bicyclist contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Flushing Avenue made a left turn and collided head-on with an eastbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 36-year-old man, was injured in the knee and lower leg and experienced shock. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor, indicating confusion on the bicyclist's part. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle while making a left turn. Both vehicles sustained center front-end damage. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The bicyclist was not ejected and complained of pain or nausea after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648992 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 14-year-old girl playing in the roadway was struck by a sedan making a left turn on Fresh Pond Road in Queens. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. The vehicle showed no damage at impact.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old female pedestrian was injured while playing in the roadway at an intersection on Fresh Pond Road near 59 Drive in Queens. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver traveling north, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors, only unspecified factors related to the pedestrian. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648989 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan hit a parked car on Caldwell Avenue. An 84-year-old woman suffered arm injuries. Police cite passing too closely. Metal crumpled. Airbags burst. The street bore the scars.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling straight struck a parked sedan on Caldwell Avenue in Queens. The 84-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor. Both vehicles suffered center front-end damage. The injured driver was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. No ejections occurred. The report does not list any other contributing factors or victim errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643337 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 65-year-old woman was hit by a northbound sedan making a left turn on Flushing Avenue in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The sedan’s left front bumper was damaged.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Flushing Avenue at an intersection with the signal. The driver of a 2021 Kia sedan, traveling north and making a left turn, struck her with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The sedan’s left front bumper was damaged in the collision. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642881 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Convertible slammed into sedan’s rear on Grand Avenue. Two sedan occupants, a man and a girl, suffered neck injuries. Police cite following too closely. Both victims were conscious. Impact was hard and sudden.

According to the police report, a convertible traveling north on Grand Avenue struck the rear of a sedan moving in the same direction. The sedan carried a 46-year-old male driver and a 14-year-old female passenger. Both suffered moderate neck injuries and were conscious at the scene. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error by the convertible’s operator. Both sedan occupants wore lap belts and harnesses. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted. The crash caused internal complaints but no ejections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641704 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan struck a 21-year-old male bicyclist on 57 Avenue in Queens. The cyclist suffered knee, lower leg, and foot fractures. The driver passed too closely, causing the crash. The bicyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 57 Avenue in Queens collided with a bicyclist also heading north. The bicyclist, a 21-year-old male, sustained fractures to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in injury severity level 3. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan's left front quarter panel struck the bicyclist, who was not ejected from his bike. The bicyclist wore no safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and parked before the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two sedans collided on Rust Street in Queens. One vehicle stopped in traffic. The other followed too closely and struck it from behind. A 41-year-old female passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. Shock was reported. Damage hit rear and front ends.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Rust Street collided when the rear vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance and struck the stopped car ahead. The crash injured a 41-year-old female occupant seated in the left rear passenger seat of the front vehicle. She suffered back injuries and whiplash, and was reported to be in shock. The contributing factor identified was "Following Too Closely." Both drivers were licensed and driving sedans registered in New York. The rear vehicle impacted the left rear bumper of the front car, which sustained damage to its center front end. The injured passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644184 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 9-year-old girl and a 48-year-old woman were hit by an SUV making a right turn on 74 Street. Both pedestrians were crossing with the signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. Injuries ranged from abrasions to fractures.

According to the police report, a 2021 Dodge SUV making a right turn on 74 Street struck two pedestrians crossing with the signal. The victims, a 9-year-old girl and a 48-year-old woman, suffered injuries to their entire body and hip/upper leg, including abrasions and fractures. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The driver, a licensed male from New York, had no vehicle damage reported. Both pedestrians were conscious and not ejected. The crash highlights the driver's failure to yield to pedestrians legally crossing the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637110 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Three SUVs collided on Flushing Avenue in Queens. One vehicle stopped in traffic was hit from behind. A 34-year-old female front-seat passenger suffered a head injury with fracture and dislocation. Alcohol and unsafe speed contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, three SUVs traveling north on Flushing Avenue collided in a chain reaction. The vehicles were stopped or going straight when the crash occurred. A 34-year-old female front passenger was injured, sustaining head trauma including fracture and dislocation. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed and alcohol involvement as contributing factors. The impact was centered on the back ends and front end of the vehicles. Driver errors include unsafe speed and alcohol involvement. The injured passenger was not at fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637106 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30