Whitestone’s Toll: Broken Bodies, Broken Promises, No More Delays

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

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

Council bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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 2024-02-13

A 59-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after an impact to the roof of his SUV on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. The driver was conscious and restrained, with unspecified contributing factors noted by police.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Cross Island Parkway near Whitestone Expressway in Queens at 10:04 AM. The vehicle, a 2012 Kia SUV traveling southeast, sustained damage to its roof from the point of impact. The driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, was conscious but suffered back injuries and whiplash. The report lists the driver's contributing factors as unspecified, indicating no clear driver error was identified. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and the driver was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash details focus on the roof impact and resulting injuries without attributing fault or noting victim behaviors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699023 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-01-30

Two sedans collided on 154 Street in Queens. The female driver suffered a concussion and shoulder injury. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as causes. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:52 AM on 154 Street in Queens involving two sedans traveling east and north. The female driver, age 42, was injured with a concussion and upper arm shoulder injury. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention/distraction and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The male driver was traveling straight ahead eastbound and impacted the left side doors of the female-driven vehicle, which was traveling northbound. Vehicle damage included left front bumper and left rear quarter panel. The collision's impact and injuries highlight critical driver errors without any noted victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697637 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Nissan turned right on 149th Street. Its bumper hit a woman in the crosswalk. She fell. She was crushed from head to heel. The car was fine. She was not. The street stayed cold and silent.

A 49-year-old woman was crossing 149th Street when a westbound Nissan sedan turned right and struck her with its left front bumper. According to the police report, 'A 49-year-old woman stepped into the crosswalk against the light. A westbound Nissan turned right. Its left bumper struck her. She fell hard. Conscious. Crushed from head to heel. The car was undamaged. She was not.' The woman suffered crush injuries to her entire body and remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction were cited in the data. The driver was licensed and the vehicle was undamaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692470 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan changing lanes struck two parked sedans on Clearview Expressway. The driver suffered back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected. The crash caused right-side and rear damage to the parked vehicles. The driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Clearview Expressway was changing lanes improperly when it collided with two parked sedans. The parked vehicles sustained damage to their right side doors and rear ends. The driver of the moving sedan, a male occupant, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The crash involved no pedestrians or cyclists, and all drivers held valid licenses.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 2-year-old boy was hit by an SUV making a left turn on Parsons Boulevard in Queens. The child suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The driver failed to yield right-of-way amid glare conditions. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a Nissan SUV was making a left turn on Parsons Boulevard in Queens when it struck a 2-year-old pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The toddler sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Glare' as contributing factors. The SUV's point of impact was the left front bumper, and no vehicle damage was recorded. The driver was licensed and traveling southbound. The child was not at fault, and no mention of safety equipment was noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV struck a parked sedan on 154 Street. Sedan driver suffered neck injury and whiplash. Poor visibility listed as cause. Metal twisted. Streets unforgiving.

According to the police report, a sport utility vehicle heading south on 154 Street collided with a parked sedan. The sedan's driver, a 52-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' twice as a contributing factor, showing poor visibility played a key role. The SUV's front and the sedan's left front bumper were damaged. No other driver errors were specified. The sedan driver wore a lap belt. The crash underscores the danger of blocked sight lines and parked cars on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655961 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 22-year-old man was hit by a southbound sedan on 149 Street in Queens. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion and remained conscious. The crash occurred outside an intersection while the pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2016 Lexus sedan traveling south on 149 Street struck him outside an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. The impact was to the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond unspecified ones. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The pedestrian’s crossing action was noted but not cited as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653728 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. The BMW struck the Audi from behind. The Audi driver, a 24-year-old man, suffered bruises and arm injuries. Both drivers were traveling north. The crash involved passing too closely.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Cross Island Parkway in Queens collided. The BMW impacted the center back end of the Audi. The Audi's 24-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The impact point and vehicle damage confirm the rear-end collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 17-year-old girl died on Cross Island Parkway. She rode outside a Honda motorcycle. The bike turned left. She was ejected, helmeted, and killed. The driver had only a permit. Inexperience and speed led to tragedy. The road stayed silent.

A 17-year-old girl was killed while riding on the outside of a 2002 Honda motorcycle on Cross Island Parkway just after midnight. According to the police report, the motorcycle made a left turn when the passenger, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected and suffered fatal head injuries. The driver, a male with only a permit, was operating the motorcycle at an unsafe speed. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The victim was a passenger, not responsible for the crash. The report notes she was helmeted, but the primary causes were driver error and inexperience.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639069 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A sedan struck an 11-year-old girl walking outside an intersection on Clintonville Street. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. No driver errors listed. The driver was licensed.

According to the police report, a 2021 Volkswagen sedan traveling north on Clintonville Street struck an 11-year-old female pedestrian who was not at an intersection. The girl sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious after the crash. The driver was licensed and was going straight ahead at the time of impact, which occurred at the center front end of the vehicle. The police report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No safety equipment or helmet use is noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632814 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Kawasaki hit an SUV turning left on 150th Street. The rider, 25, flew off, struck the pavement, and never woke up. Head trauma killed him. Driver inexperience played a role. The street stayed silent after the crash.

A fatal crash unfolded at 150th Street and 20th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, a Kawasaki motorcycle struck an SUV making a left turn. The 25-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered fatal head trauma. He was found unconscious and did not survive. The SUV driver was not seriously hurt. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The report also notes the motorcyclist wore no helmet, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. No pedestrians were involved. The crash ended a young life and exposed the danger of left turns and inexperience on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630448 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04