About these crash totals
Counts come from NYC police crash reports (NYC Open Data). We sum all crashes, injuries, and deaths for this area across the selected time window shown on the card. Injury severity follows the official definitions in the NYPD dataset.
- Crashes: number of police‑reported collisions (all road users).
- All injuries: total injured people in those crashes.
- Moderate / Serious: subcategories reported by officers (e.g., broken bones vs. life‑threatening trauma).
- Deaths: people who died due to a crash.
Notes: Police reports can be corrected after initial publication. Minor incidents without a police report are not included.
Close▸ Killed 3
▸ Crush Injuries 2
▸ Amputation 1
▸ Severe Bleeding 3
▸ Concussion 4
▸ Whiplash 18
▸ Contusion/Bruise 19
▸ Abrasion 27
▸ Pain/Nausea 5
About this chart
We group pedestrian injuries and deaths by the vehicle type that struck them (as recorded in police reports). Use the dropdown to view totals, serious injuries, or deaths.
- Trucks/Buses, SUVs/Cars, Mopeds, and Bikes reflect the reporting categories in the crash dataset.
- Counts include people on foot only; crashes with no injured pedestrians are not shown here.
Notes: Police classification can change during investigations. Small categories may have year‑to‑year variance.
CloseAbout these numbers
These totals count vehicles with at least the shown number of camera‑issued speeding violations (school‑zone speed cameras) in any rolling 12‑month window in this district. Totals are summed from 2022 to the present for this geography.
- ≥ 6 (6+): advocates’ standard for repeat speeding offenders who should face escalating consequences.
- ≥ 16 (16+): threshold in the current edited bill awaiting State Senate action.
About this list
This ranks vehicles by the number of NYC school‑zone speed‑camera violations they received in the last 12 months anywhere in the city. The smaller note shows how many times the same plate was caught in this area in the last 90 days.
Camera violations are issued by NYC DOT’s program. Counts reflect issued tickets and may omit dismissed or pending cases. Plate text is shown verbatim as recorded.
CloseMain Street Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safer Streets Now
Queensboro Hill: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 16, 2025
The Slow Disaster on Main Street
In Queensboro Hill, the numbers do not lie. Two people are dead. Five more are seriously hurt. Since 2022, there have been 693 crashes—each one a story of pain, each one a warning ignored. Cars and SUVs did most of the damage. A sedan killed a 68-year-old woman crossing Main Street. The record shows the cause: “Unsafe Speed” and a body broken, “Apparent Death” NYC Open Data.
Just this spring, an 82-year-old man was hit in a crosswalk. The driver failed to yield. The man survived, but not without injury. “Crush Injuries” is all the record says. No comfort in the details.
Buses, Bikes, and Broken Promises
The danger is not just from cars. In July, an MTA bus in Flushing jumped the curb, smashing a pole and injuring eight. One rider described the chaos: “I was all the way in the back and all of a sudden the bus hit the curb… I went this way and that way and banged into the side of the bus”. The driver, new to the job, may have fallen asleep. The MTA pulled him from service. The investigation drags on.
Bikes and e-bikes are not spared. A 49-year-old cyclist was thrown from his e-bike on Peck Avenue. The cause: “Unsafe Speed”. The injury: “Severe Bleeding” NYC Open Data. The street does not care who bleeds.
Leadership: Votes, Silence, and What Comes Next
Local leaders have moved, but not fast enough. Senator John Liu voted yes to curb repeat speeders, backing a bill to require speed-limiting tech for drivers with a record of violations. Assembly Member Nily Rozic co-sponsored the same bill. But the deaths keep coming.
Every crash is preventable. Every delay is a choice. The numbers are not just numbers. They are lives cut short, bodies broken, families left to pick up the pieces.
Call your council member. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand real enforcement. Demand streets that put people first.
Citations
▸ Citations
- Bus Jumps Curb, Eight Injured In Flushing, ABC7, Published 2025-07-11
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702952 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-16
- Bus Jumps Curb, Eight Injured In Flushing, ABC7, Published 2025-07-11
- File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-11
- File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16
- E-Bike Rider Killed In Police Chase, New York Post, Published 2025-07-13
- MTA Bus Slams Curb, Injures Seven, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-11
- Eight Injured As MTA Bus Hits Pole, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-11
- Chain-Reaction Crash Kills Two On Belt Parkway, amny, Published 2025-07-10
- Car-Free Streets are Good For Business, Yet Another Report Shows, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-18
- Bus Advocates Renew Push For Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Despite Mayor’s Lack of Support, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-10
- City Officials Demand Congestion Pricing Despite Eric Adams’s Deference to Hochul, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-06
- Drunk driving crackdown: NYC launches aggressive enforcement campaign for New Year’s weekend, amny.com, Published 2023-12-28
- Hochul Vetoes Bill To Expand Eastern Queens Greenway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-20
Other Representatives
District 25
159-16 Union Turnpike, Flushing, NY 11366
Room 941, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
District 20
136-21 Latimer Place, 1D, Flushing, NY 11354
718-888-8747
250 Broadway, Suite 1808, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7259
District 16
38-50 Bell Blvd. Suite C, Bayside, NY 11361
Room 915, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Queensboro Hill Queensboro Hill sits in Queens, Precinct 109, District 20, AD 25, SD 16, Queens CB7.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Queensboro Hill
11S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
11S 7785
Liu votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸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
11S 7785
Liu votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸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
10S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
8
SUV and Sedan Collide on Juniper Avenue▸Jun 8 - Two cars met hard on Juniper Avenue. Metal crumpled. One man, sixty-one, left with a bruised neck. Police blamed failure to yield and a bad turn. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.
A crash involving a sedan and an SUV unfolded on Juniper Avenue at Colden Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sixty-one-year-old male driver suffered a neck contusion. Four other men, ages forty-three and sixty-one, were listed as occupants and drivers, with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes that the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision highlights the risks when drivers fail to yield and turn improperly on city streets.
3
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks▸Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
-
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
11S 7785
Liu votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸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
11S 7785
Liu votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸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
10S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
8
SUV and Sedan Collide on Juniper Avenue▸Jun 8 - Two cars met hard on Juniper Avenue. Metal crumpled. One man, sixty-one, left with a bruised neck. Police blamed failure to yield and a bad turn. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.
A crash involving a sedan and an SUV unfolded on Juniper Avenue at Colden Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sixty-one-year-old male driver suffered a neck contusion. Four other men, ages forty-three and sixty-one, were listed as occupants and drivers, with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes that the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision highlights the risks when drivers fail to yield and turn improperly on city streets.
3
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks▸Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
-
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
11S 7785
Liu votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸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
10S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
8
SUV and Sedan Collide on Juniper Avenue▸Jun 8 - Two cars met hard on Juniper Avenue. Metal crumpled. One man, sixty-one, left with a bruised neck. Police blamed failure to yield and a bad turn. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.
A crash involving a sedan and an SUV unfolded on Juniper Avenue at Colden Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sixty-one-year-old male driver suffered a neck contusion. Four other men, ages forty-three and sixty-one, were listed as occupants and drivers, with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes that the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision highlights the risks when drivers fail to yield and turn improperly on city streets.
3
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks▸Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
-
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
10S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
8
SUV and Sedan Collide on Juniper Avenue▸Jun 8 - Two cars met hard on Juniper Avenue. Metal crumpled. One man, sixty-one, left with a bruised neck. Police blamed failure to yield and a bad turn. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.
A crash involving a sedan and an SUV unfolded on Juniper Avenue at Colden Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sixty-one-year-old male driver suffered a neck contusion. Four other men, ages forty-three and sixty-one, were listed as occupants and drivers, with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes that the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision highlights the risks when drivers fail to yield and turn improperly on city streets.
3
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks▸Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
-
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
8
SUV and Sedan Collide on Juniper Avenue▸Jun 8 - Two cars met hard on Juniper Avenue. Metal crumpled. One man, sixty-one, left with a bruised neck. Police blamed failure to yield and a bad turn. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.
A crash involving a sedan and an SUV unfolded on Juniper Avenue at Colden Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sixty-one-year-old male driver suffered a neck contusion. Four other men, ages forty-three and sixty-one, were listed as occupants and drivers, with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes that the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision highlights the risks when drivers fail to yield and turn improperly on city streets.
3
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks▸Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
-
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
9S 915
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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
8
SUV and Sedan Collide on Juniper Avenue▸Jun 8 - Two cars met hard on Juniper Avenue. Metal crumpled. One man, sixty-one, left with a bruised neck. Police blamed failure to yield and a bad turn. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.
A crash involving a sedan and an SUV unfolded on Juniper Avenue at Colden Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sixty-one-year-old male driver suffered a neck contusion. Four other men, ages forty-three and sixty-one, were listed as occupants and drivers, with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes that the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision highlights the risks when drivers fail to yield and turn improperly on city streets.
3
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks▸Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
-
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
8
SUV and Sedan Collide on Juniper Avenue▸Jun 8 - Two cars met hard on Juniper Avenue. Metal crumpled. One man, sixty-one, left with a bruised neck. Police blamed failure to yield and a bad turn. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.
A crash involving a sedan and an SUV unfolded on Juniper Avenue at Colden Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sixty-one-year-old male driver suffered a neck contusion. Four other men, ages forty-three and sixty-one, were listed as occupants and drivers, with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes that the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision highlights the risks when drivers fail to yield and turn improperly on city streets.
3
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks▸Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
-
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
Jun 8 - Two cars met hard on Juniper Avenue. Metal crumpled. One man, sixty-one, left with a bruised neck. Police blamed failure to yield and a bad turn. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.
A crash involving a sedan and an SUV unfolded on Juniper Avenue at Colden Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sixty-one-year-old male driver suffered a neck contusion. Four other men, ages forty-three and sixty-one, were listed as occupants and drivers, with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes that the injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision highlights the risks when drivers fail to yield and turn improperly on city streets.
3
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks▸Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
-
Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.
NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.
- Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-03
31
SUV Collision on Long Island Expressway Injures Driver▸May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
May 31 - Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway. Metal crumpled. One driver, a 64-year-old man, suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention. The crash left scars on steel and flesh. The road stayed open. The danger remains.
Two station wagons, both SUVs, crashed while heading east on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. One driver, a 64-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The impact struck the left rear of one vehicle and the right front of the other. The police report lists no other contributing factors from the occupants. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose focus, as noted by the official cause. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness, as recorded in the report.
27
SUV Changing Lanes Hits Motorcycle on Expressway▸May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
May 27 - A westbound SUV struck a motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway. The crash left the motorcyclist with a leg injury. Both vehicles showed damage. The road ran fast. The impact was sudden. The city’s danger was clear.
A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Main Street in Queens. A westbound SUV changed lanes and struck a motorcycle traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash left the 28-year-old motorcycle driver injured, suffering abrasions and a leg injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the motorcycle’s left side were damaged. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city expressways.
27S 8117
Liu votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
22
E-Bike With Bad Brakes Hits Pedestrian▸May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
May 22 - An e-bike with faulty brakes struck a 66-year-old man on Main Street in Queens. Both rider and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. The pavement was slippery. The crash left bruises and pain. Both remained conscious at the scene.
A crash on Main Street in Queens involved an e-bike and a pedestrian. According to the police report, the e-bike's brakes were defective and the pavement was slippery. The 13-year-old e-bike rider and a 66-year-old pedestrian were both injured, each sustaining contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report states, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The e-bike rider was partially ejected but remained conscious. The pedestrian, who was not in the roadway, was also conscious after the collision. Both were hurt due to the mechanical failure and road conditions. No other vehicles were involved.
21
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
- Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-21
20S 4045
Liu votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.▸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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
13S 533
Liu votes no on repealing congestion pricing, supports safer streets.▸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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
13S 6815
Liu votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.▸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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
13S 7678
Liu votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
13S 346
Liu votes yes to increase penalties for highway worker endangerment.▸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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
6S 4804
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
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
2
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker▸May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-02
May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.
NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.
- Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-02