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

Aug 21 - 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 2025-09-19

Aug 12 - 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 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - 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 2025-09-19

Jul 4 - Two sedans collided head-on on 147 Street at 10 p.m. A 43-year-old male pedestrian, not in the roadway, was struck and suffered fractures to his knee and lower leg. The crash involved unsafe speed and left the pedestrian injured but conscious.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south and west collided head-on on 147 Street. A 43-year-old male pedestrian, located off the roadway, was injured with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and suffered serious lower limb injuries. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643000 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 19 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - 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

Jun 1 - 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

May 31 - 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

May 25 - 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 2025-09-19

May 19 - 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 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

Apr 27 - Sprinter van struck a 39-year-old man outside the roadway on 12 Road. The man suffered bruises and leg injuries. Police cite driver for following too closely and unsafe speed.

According to the police report, a Sprinter van traveling east on 12 Road struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report lists the driver’s errors as "Following Too Closely" and "Unsafe Speed." The point of impact was the van's left front bumper. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625738 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 6 - A 62-year-old male driver lost consciousness while driving west on 11 Avenue in Queens. His BMW SUV struck the rear of a parked Nissan SUV. The driver was injured and found unconscious, restrained by a lap belt. Illness caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male driver of a 2012 BMW SUV traveling west on 11 Avenue in Queens lost consciousness due to illness. The vehicle collided with the center back end of a parked 2020 Nissan SUV. The driver was injured and found unconscious but was not ejected, secured by a lap belt. The report lists 'Illness' and 'Lost Consciousness' as contributing factors. The crash involved no other moving vehicles or pedestrians. The driver’s loss of consciousness led directly to the collision with the stationary vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618633 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 21 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 14 - Two vehicles crashed on Cross Island Parkway. The SUV struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel. Both drivers, a 33-year-old man and a 35-year-old man, suffered head injuries. Slippery pavement and other vehicular factors contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 2020 SUV and a 2010 sedan collided while traveling south on Cross Island Parkway. The SUV impacted the sedan’s left front quarter panel, causing damage to the sedan’s right side doors and the SUV’s left front bumper. Two occupants were injured: the sedan’s 33-year-old male driver and the 35-year-old male front passenger. Both sustained head injuries and internal complaints but were not ejected. Contributing factors listed include slippery pavement and other vehicular conditions. The report notes no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but the hazardous road conditions played a role in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612811 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 5 - Two sedans collided on Murray Street at 5 p.m. A 46-year-old driver and a 13-year-old front passenger suffered head contusions. The crash involved failure to yield right-of-way. Both occupants were conscious and restrained or unrestrained as noted.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Murray Street. The driver, a 46-year-old man, and a 13-year-old front passenger were injured, both sustaining head contusions. The driver was not wearing a safety device, while the passenger was secured with a lap belt and harness. The contributing factor listed was failure to yield right-of-way. The 2019 Nissan was parked before impact, while the 2002 BMW was traveling straight east. The point of impact was the center front end of the BMW and the left front bumper of the Nissan. Both occupants remained conscious and were not ejected from the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603241 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 4 - Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.

Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Dec 19 - A 14-year-old boy was hit while crossing 150 Street near 3 Avenue in Queens. The vehicle struck him on the left front quarter panel. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old male pedestrian was injured at an intersection on 150 Street near 3 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when a vehicle traveling west struck him on the left front quarter panel. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was going straight ahead and did not yield to the pedestrian. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591214 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19