College Point’s numbers don’t lie: four dead, nearly 500 hurt

Jun 6 - A sedan hit another car on Whitestone Expressway. The driver, 31, suffered neck injuries and shock. No driver errors listed. No other injuries reported. The crash left the driver hurt and shaken.

According to the police report, a 2021 Honda sedan traveling south on Whitestone Expressway struck another vehicle's right front bumper. The sedan's left front quarter panel took the impact. The 31-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck trauma and shock. He wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. No victim actions contributed. The collision resulted in injury to the driver, with no other injuries noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732307 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

Jun 2 - A 14-year-old male passenger on a moped suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after an SUV made a right turn and struck the moped’s left front bumper. The collision caused injury without ejection, highlighting improper lane usage by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 11 Avenue at 20:09. A Jeep SUV, traveling east and making a right turn, collided with a Baodi moped also traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV's right rear quarter panel and the moped's left front bumper. The 14-year-old male passenger on the moped was injured, sustaining abrasions to his knee and lower leg but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. No other contributing factors involving the victim were noted. The SUV driver was licensed in New York, and the collision caused damage to both vehicles. The incident underscores the dangers posed by improper lane changes or turns by motor vehicle drivers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729670 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 2 - A motorcycle rider was thrown and badly hurt after colliding with a turning sedan on 20 Avenue. Impact was hard. Shoulder shattered. Close passing and driver errors fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old man riding a motorcycle west on 20 Avenue collided with a 2023 Lexus sedan making a left turn in Queens at 3:00 PM. The motorcycle rider was partially ejected and suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated upper arm but remained conscious. The report lists 'Passing Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors, highlighting driver errors. The motorcycle's left front and the sedan's right front were points of impact. The rider wore a helmet. Systemic dangers of close passing and turning maneuvers remain clear in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 23 - Abandoned poles and wires block sidewalks, trap walkers, and threaten cyclists. This bill sets strict deadlines for removal and transfer. Delay ends. Streets clear. Danger cut.

Int 0921-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 23, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Justin L. Brannan with Holden, Vernikov, Marmorato, and Paladino, demands owners remove abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances within 60 days—or immediately if dangerous. Transfers to new poles must happen in 30 days. The matter title reads: 'timelines for the removal of abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances, and the transfer of appurtenances to newly erected poles.' Swift action means fewer sidewalk traps and less risk for those on foot or bike.

• File Int 0921-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-23

May 18 - A Honda SUV struck a 5-year-old boy mid-block on 124th Street. The child died on the pavement, crushed by the vehicle’s right front bumper. The SUV showed no damage. The street bears the mark of his absence.

A 5-year-old boy was killed when a southbound Honda SUV struck him mid-block on 124th Street, according to the police report. The child was crossing the road outside an intersection when the SUV hit him with its right front bumper. The report states the boy died at the scene, suffering crush injuries to his entire body. The SUV sustained no damage. Police data lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified' for both the driver and the victim, and does not cite any driver error such as failure to yield or distraction. The boy was described as 'Crossing, No Signal, or Crosswalk,' but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the lethal impact of the vehicle and the systemic danger present on city streets, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725460 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - A sedan struck the rear of another sedan traveling north on Whitestone Expressway. The impact injured a 26-year-old female passenger, causing neck whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the driver error behind the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling north on the Whitestone Expressway when the trailing vehicle collided with the right rear bumper of the lead vehicle. The driver of the rear sedan failed to maintain a safe distance, with 'Following Too Closely' listed as the contributing factor. The collision caused injuries to a 26-year-old female occupant seated in the left rear passenger seat of the lead vehicle. She sustained neck injuries consistent with whiplash and remained conscious, secured by a lap belt. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The rear sedan sustained damage to its center front end, while the lead vehicle's right rear bumper was damaged. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

May 12 - A moped traveling south collided with a parked SUV in Queens. The moped driver, a 39-year-old man, suffered facial injuries and internal complaints. Police cited improper turning as the cause. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 14 Road near 119 Street in Queens at 2:24 a.m. A 39-year-old male moped driver was injured when his vehicle struck the right rear quarter panel of a parked Kia SUV. The moped was traveling straight south when the collision happened. The report identifies 'Turning Improperly' as the primary contributing factor, indicating driver error on the moped operator's part. The driver sustained facial injuries and internal complaints but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other occupants were reported in the SUV, which was stationary at the time. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior or safety equipment use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724031 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 4 - A pick-up truck and sedan collided head-on on 25 Road in Queens. The sedan driver, a 25-year-old man, suffered chest injuries and shock. According to the police report, the driver lost consciousness, contributing to the crash.

At 6:01 AM on 25 Road in Queens, a pick-up truck and a sedan collided front-to-front, according to the police report. The sedan was traveling west while the pick-up truck was parked facing east. The 25-year-old male sedan driver sustained chest injuries and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report cites 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a driver-related medical event. Both vehicles sustained damage to their center front ends. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were listed. The report does not indicate any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. Driver error related to loss of consciousness was central to this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 28 - A sedan traveling north on 18 Avenue struck a 48-year-old male bicyclist. The cyclist suffered knee, lower leg, foot injuries, and a concussion. Police cite the sedan driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the primary cause of the collision.

According to the police report, at 11:58 AM on 18 Avenue in Queens, a sedan traveling north collided with a bicyclist going straight ahead. The impact occurred at the sedan’s right front bumper. The bicyclist, a 48-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and suffered a concussion. The report identifies the sedan driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report also notes some confusion or error on the part of the bicyclist but places primary responsibility on the driver’s failure to yield. The sedan was occupied by three people, and the driver held a permit license. Vehicle damage was limited to the sedan’s right front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720396 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 20 - A speeding SUV crashed into two parked cars on 130th Street. The unlicensed driver, 29, wore no belt. Metal folded. He stayed awake, crushed and broken, pinned in the wreckage while the night pressed in, his body screaming beneath twisted steel.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old unlicensed driver traveling at an unsafe speed lost control of his SUV on 130th Street and collided with two parked vehicles. The report states the driver wore no seatbelt and suffered crush injuries to his entire body, remaining conscious and trapped in the wreck. The contributing factor listed is 'Unsafe Speed.' The driver’s license status is marked 'Unlicensed.' The narrative describes the SUV 'tore into two parked cars,' with 'metal folded around him.' No mention is made of any victim behavior contributing to the crash. The report makes clear that driver error—specifically, unsafe speed and lack of a valid license—was central to the violent impact and resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718944 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 11 - Council targets hidden plates. Bill makes it a crime to park, stop, or drive with covered tags. Fines reach $1,000. Jail time possible. Committee weighs action. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 11, 2024. The bill reads: “prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.” Council Member Oswald Feliz leads, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill sets fines up to $1,000 and possible jail for violators. Each offense is a misdemeanor. The council aims to strip cover for reckless drivers, making it harder to dodge tickets and accountability. No safety analyst note yet, but the intent is clear: end the shield for lawless driving.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Mar 27 - 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 2024-03-27

Mar 20 - 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 2024-03-20

Mar 7 - Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Mar 3 - A Ford pickup slammed into a 57-year-old man standing off 126th Street. His body was crushed. Alcohol lingered in the air. The man stayed conscious. The trucks moved on. He did not.

A 57-year-old pedestrian was struck and severely injured by a Ford pickup truck near 23-41 126th Street in Queens, according to the police report. The man was standing off the roadway when the collision occurred. The report states, 'A Ford pickup struck him. His body crushed. He stayed conscious.' The crash involved two pickup trucks, one parked and one driven. The police report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. The Ford pickup, driven by a licensed male driver, was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his entire body but remained conscious at the scene. The report does not cite any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the driver’s actions and the presence of alcohol as a systemic danger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Council targets repair shops and rentals clogging city streets with business vehicles. Fines hit hard. Streets clear for people, not profit. Committee weighs next move.

Bill Int 0227-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its introduction on February 28, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting certain commercial establishments from parking vehicles on city streets,' cracks down on auto shops, rental businesses, and gas stations using public streets for business parking. Council Members Nantasha M. Williams (primary sponsor), Vickie Paladino, Erik D. Bottcher, and Robert F. Holden back the bill. Violators face $250–$400 daily fines and possible impoundment. The law aims to reclaim curb space for the public, not private fleets. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0227-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants DOT to check 100 speed camera spots a year for raised speed bumps. If possible, bumps go in within a year. DOT must track and report on driver behavior changes. No delay. No loopholes.

Int 0161-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Louis (primary), Carr, Ung, Holden, Ariola, Paladino, and Morano. The bill orders DOT to assess at least 100 speed camera locations each year for raised speed reducer feasibility. If feasible, DOT must install the bump within a year. The law demands annual reports on these checks and on shifts in dangerous driving at treated sites. The bill summary reads: 'requiring a raised speed reducer feasibility assessment at speed camera locations.' Council aims to force physical changes where cameras alone fail.

• File Int 0161-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28