Main Street Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safer Streets Now

Two SUVs crashed eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. The left front bumper of one struck the left rear bumper of the other. A 43-year-old male driver suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. Unsafe speed was cited as a factor.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided while traveling east on the Long Island Expressway. One SUV's left front bumper struck the left rear bumper of the other. The 43-year-old male driver of one vehicle was injured, sustaining a fractured elbow and dislocation. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The injured occupant was the driver of one of the SUVs. No information on safety equipment use was provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632604 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

NYPD and Jo Anne Simon call for tougher drunk driving laws. Police ramp up DWI patrols for Memorial Day. Officials urge Albany to drop legal BAC to .05%. They cite rising deaths. Advocates say alcohol fuels a third of crashes. Streets stay deadly.

On May 26, 2023, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (District 52) joined NYPD and city officials to announce increased traffic enforcement for Memorial Day and to advocate for state legislation lowering the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold from .08% to .05%. The announcement, made at One Police Plaza, highlighted the bill sponsored by Simon and Sen. John Liu. The matter summary states, 'Officials called on Albany to pass legislation to lower the BAC threshold to .05%, arguing it would reduce DWI fatalities by about 10% and align with other countries.' Simon declared, 'Lowering the BAC limit from .08% to .05% is desperately needed to adequately tackle this epidemic of traffic violence.' NYPD Chief Kim Royster and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez echoed the urgency. The bill awaits action in Albany. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but officials cite 43 NYC DWI deaths in 2021 and say 30% of state crashes involve alcohol.

• NYPD to step up enforcement of drink driving over Memorial Day weekend, amny.com, Published 2023-05-26

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 2023-05-22

A 16-year-old motorcyclist crashed into a parked SUV on Horace Harding Expressway. The rider was ejected and suffered a fractured hip and upper leg. The driver was conscious but seriously injured. Police cited driver inexperience as a factor.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male motorcyclist collided with a parked Audi SUV on Horace Harding Expressway in Queens. The motorcyclist was ejected from the bike and sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated hip and upper leg, classified as serious injuries. The SUV was stationary at the time of impact, struck at its center back end by the motorcycle's front. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The motorcyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash occurred near midnight, with both vehicles traveling west prior to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630462 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

A 42-year-old man was struck by a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The rider changed lanes unsafely and sped. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations across his body. The impact was at the motorcycle’s center front end.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided with a pedestrian not at an intersection. The 42-year-old pedestrian was injured with fractures and dislocations to his entire body. The report lists the motorcycle driver's unsafe lane changing and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The point of impact was the motorcycle’s center front end. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash and was performing other actions in the roadway at the time. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe lane changes and speeding on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Nissan sedan turned left at 58 Road and 142 Street. Its bumper struck a 56-year-old woman in the crosswalk. Her arm was crushed and partly lost. She stayed awake through the pain. Police cite driver inexperience.

A crash at 58 Road and 142 Street in Queens left a 56-year-old woman with a crushed and partially amputated arm. According to the police report, a Nissan sedan made a left turn and its left front bumper hit the woman as she crossed in a marked crosswalk. She remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The driver, a 62-year-old woman, was licensed and stayed at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The crash shows the danger pedestrians face in crosswalks when drivers lose control.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628110 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 65-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on Main Street. He suffered bruises over his entire body. The crash involved a northbound bike with no damage. The injured rider was conscious but severely hurt.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and bruises over his entire body. The crash occurred on Main Street involving a northbound bike driven by an unlicensed male. The vehicle with the injured rider showed no damage. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the report. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but suffered serious injuries. The report does not specify any helmet use or other safety equipment. The incident highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users even without clear fault assigned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618631 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 62-year-old man driving an SUV in Queens suffered head injuries after crashing into a parked SUV. He was semiconscious and complained of pain and nausea. The impact damaged the left rear bumper of the parked vehicle and the front end of the moving SUV.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old male driver was injured when his SUV struck a parked SUV on 60 Avenue in Queens. The driver sustained head injuries and was semiconscious with complaints of pain and nausea. The moving SUV hit the left rear bumper of the parked vehicle, damaging both vehicles. The report lists "Illness" as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616031 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

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

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

Three vehicles collided on 56 Road in Queens. A sedan, SUV, and another sedan struck each other. The male driver of one sedan suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cited improper lane usage and failure to yield as causes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 56 Road in Queens involving two sedans and one SUV. The male driver of a 2022 Honda sedan was injured, sustaining whiplash and injuries to his entire body. The report lists driver errors including "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. Damage was noted on the right rear bumper of one sedan, the left front bumper of another sedan, and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The crash involved vehicles traveling west, with one vehicle stopped in traffic prior to impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611837 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Prospect Park’s East Drive gets a full overhaul. Fresh pavement replaces potholes. Cyclists and pedestrians gain wider, dedicated lanes. Cars lose ground. Officials call it a pilot for city parks. If it works, Central Park could be next.

On March 8, 2023, city officials announced a major redesign of Prospect Park’s East Drive. The project, not tied to a specific council bill, begins March 12 and is billed as an 18-month pilot. The main loop’s eastern stretch will be repaved and repainted, giving cyclists a 16-to-18-foot shared lane with authorized vehicles, flanked by two pedestrian lanes up to 14 feet wide. The city rejected a two-bike-lane alternative, citing pedestrian access needs. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie praised the upgrade, calling Prospect Park a treasure. Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu said, 'Re-examining how we design the roads in our park system is a perfect example of how we’re advancing the Mayor’s vision for quality public spaces throughout the city.' Officials stress the park is closed to private vehicles. The redesign aims to set a new standard for park safety and access across New York.

• New Prospect Park Road Redesign Paves the Way for Central Park, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-08

A van struck the left rear bumper of a parked trailer on the Long Island Expressway. The female van driver suffered a neck injury and concussion. Glare impaired visibility. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female driver operating a van traveling westbound on the Long Island Expressway collided with the left rear bumper of a parked trailer. The driver sustained a neck injury and concussion but remained conscious. The report lists glare as a contributing factor, indicating impaired visibility. The van's front end and the trailer's left rear bumper were damaged. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or driver errors were specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610247 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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 2023-02-28

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 2023-02-28

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 2023-02-28

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

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