East Flushing’s daily toll: crushed at Pidgeon Meadow, hurt on Kissena, dead on 164th

Jun 11 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - A moped rider died on 149th Avenue. A driver sped the wrong way, hit him, then crashed into a parked van. The driver fled. Medics could not save the rider. Police search for the car. The street stays quiet. The danger remains.

NY Daily News reported on June 11, 2025, that Antonio Smith-Ortiz, 25, was killed while riding his moped east on 149th Ave. in South Ozone Park, Queens. According to police, a driver traveling the wrong way in the eastbound lane struck Smith-Ortiz near 121st St. at about 10:05 p.m. The driver then hit a parked van and fled the scene. The article states, 'The driver, who was going against traffic in the eastbound lane, then struck an unoccupied parked 2015 Ford Transit 350 Courier van before speeding off.' Police have not identified the driver or vehicle. The crash highlights the lethal risk posed by wrong-way driving and hit-and-run incidents. No policy changes or enforcement actions were mentioned.

• Wrong-Way Driver Kills Queens Moped Rider, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 10 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-06-10

Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 5 - A sedan and SUV collided on 155th Street in Queens. An 83-year-old man was trapped, unconscious, with crushed legs. Police cite passing too closely. Metal twisted. Doors smashed. The street fell silent as first responders worked to free the injured driver.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 42-20 155th Street in Queens involving a sedan and a station wagon/SUV. An 83-year-old male driver suffered crush injuries to his lower legs and was found trapped and unconscious in his vehicle. The report lists 'Passing Too Closely' as a contributing factor. The SUV sustained damage to its right side doors, while the sedan was hit on the left front bumper and left side doors. No other injuries were specified for the remaining occupants. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers pass too close, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818934 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jun 2 - A ten-year-old girl was hit by an SUV on Parsons Blvd near Holly Ave. She suffered bruises to her abdomen and pelvis. The driver kept going straight. The crash left the child in shock. No driver errors were listed by police.

A ten-year-old pedestrian was injured when a station wagon/SUV struck her on Parsons Blvd at Holly Ave in Queens. According to the police report, the girl was crossing outside a signal or crosswalk when the vehicle, traveling north and going straight, hit her with its left front bumper. She suffered contusions to her abdomen and pelvis and was described as being in shock. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The driver was licensed and wearing a seatbelt. No helmet or signal issues were cited. The crash highlights the danger faced by children crossing city streets, even when no driver fault is officially recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817551 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jun 2 - A taxi and a sedan collided at Holly Avenue and Robinson Street. Three women suffered injuries—head, chest, and arm. Shock and pain followed the impact. Metal bent. Doors crumpled. The street fell silent as emergency crews arrived.

A crash involving a taxi and a sedan took place at Holly Avenue and Robinson Street in Queens. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight when they collided. Three women were injured: a 70-year-old passenger suffered a head injury, a 49-year-old driver sustained chest pain, and a 48-year-old driver had bleeding from her arm. All reported shock. The police report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. Vehicle damage included a left front bumper on the sedan and right side doors on the taxi. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817762 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

May 28 - A pick-up truck backed unsafely on Kissena Blvd. Alcohol played a role. The truck hit a woman crossing in a marked crosswalk. She suffered arm injuries. The street saw chaos. Metal, flesh, and error met at noon.

A pick-up truck and an SUV collided on Kissena Blvd near Holly Ave in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers had alcohol involvement and backed unsafely. A 50-year-old woman, crossing in a marked crosswalk, was struck and injured in the arm. The report states: “Alcohol Involvement” and “Backing Unsafely” as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious but suffered abrasions. No helmet or signal issues were listed. The crash highlights the danger when drivers operate vehicles under the influence and fail to control their movements, especially near crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816269 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

May 27 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-05-27

May 23 - A man on an e-scooter took a hit at Sanford Avenue and 147th Street. He suffered a bruised shoulder. The crash happened as one vehicle turned left and the e-scooter went straight. The cause remains listed as unspecified.

A 38-year-old man riding an e-scooter was injured at Sanford Avenue and 147th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the crash occurred when one vehicle was making a left turn while the e-scooter traveled straight ahead. The e-scooter rider, who was driving east, suffered a contusion to his upper arm and shoulder. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other injuries were reported. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the e-scooter. No helmet use or signaling issues are mentioned in the report. The data does not specify further driver errors or details about the other vehicle involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817365 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

May 20 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.

• File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-05-20

May 13 - Senate bill S 533 seeks to kill congestion pricing and order a forensic audit of the MTA. The committee vote failed. Streets stay clogged. Danger for walkers and riders lingers.

Senate bill S 533, introduced on May 13, 2025, in committee, aimed to repeal congestion pricing and require an independent audit of the MTA. The bill summary reads: 'Repeals congestion pricing (Part A); directs the metropolitan transportation authority to contract with a certified public accounting firm for the provision of an independent, comprehensive, forensic audit of the authority (Part B).' Primary sponsor Jack M. Martins led the push, joined by George Borrello, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and others. The committee voted it down. No safety analyst reviewed the bill’s impact on vulnerable road users. The fight over street safety and traffic chaos continues.

• File S 533, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - Senate passes S 346. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. Pushes work zone safety. Sets up new enforcement fund. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 346 cleared committee on May 13, 2025. The bill, titled 'Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promotes work zone safety awareness; establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement,' aims to crack down on drivers who threaten highway workers. Senator Jeremy Cooney led as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, Christopher Ryan, and James Skoufis. The committee voted yes. The bill targets reckless driving in work zones, boosting penalties and funding enforcement. It marks a step to protect those most exposed to traffic danger.

• File S 346, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 9 - Two SUVs crashed on 46th Avenue in Queens. Both drivers hurt. Police cite illness as a factor. Metal twisted. Pain and shock followed. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two station wagons collided on 46th Avenue at 163rd Street in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers, a 71-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman, suffered injuries. The man reported whiplash; the woman complained of head pain and nausea. Police listed 'Illnes' as the contributing factor for both drivers. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left both vehicles damaged. No other causes were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

May 6 - Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06