Main Street Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safer Streets Now

Mar 13 - A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.

• Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13

Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.

A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797343 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.

NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'

• Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14

Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.

Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.

• File Int 1195-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Feb 4 - Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

Feb 2 - Trump’s push to kill congestion pricing would gut MTA funding. John Liu calls it basic maintenance, not luxury. The plan’s billion-dollar revenue keeps subways running and streets safer. Without it, transit crumbles. Riders and vulnerable road users pay the price.

On February 2, 2025, NYC officials responded to reports of a federal move to repeal congestion pricing, just weeks after its January 5 launch. At a press conference, Council Member John Liu warned, “This is not for fancy stuff. This is basic transit maintenance.” Liu said losing congestion pricing would erase a billion dollars in annual MTA revenue, threatening $15 billion in planned upgrades. The money funds new subway cars, buses, station repairs, and safety improvements. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined Liu, stressing millions rely on transit daily. Both officials opposed the repeal, highlighting the risk to the city’s transit backbone. The bill is not numbered, but the threat is clear: without congestion pricing, the city’s streets and subways grow more dangerous for everyone outside a car.

• Trump repeal of congestion pricing would devastate NYC transit, city pols warn, amny.com, Published 2025-02-02

Jan 22 - A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 14 - A 44-year-old man crossing Elder Ave with the signal was struck by a westbound sedan making a left turn. The impact caused contusions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. Driver failure to yield and distraction led to the collision.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on Elder Ave in Queens at 8:05 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a westbound 2004 Honda sedan, driven by a licensed female driver making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver failed to yield to the pedestrian's right-of-way, directly causing the collision. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785833 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Dec 29 - A taxi struck a sedan from behind on 164th Street in Queens. The sedan driver suffered head injuries and minor bleeding, enduring shock. Police cited the taxi driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and unsafe speed as causes of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 164th Street in Queens. A taxi collided with the left rear bumper of a sedan traveling southbound. The sedan’s driver, a 44-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and minor bleeding and was reported to be in shock. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies the taxi driver’s contributing factors as "Passing Too Closely" and "Unsafe Speed," indicating failure to maintain a safe following distance and excessive speed. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead at the time of impact. The taxi’s left rear bumper struck the sedan’s right front bumper, causing damage to both vehicles. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782402 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 19 - A 33-year-old woman suffered head injuries and whiplash after a sedan struck her at a Queens intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way while making a left turn. The pedestrian was conscious and crossing with the signal at impact.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Kissena Blvd and Rose Ave in Queens at 3:04 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Lucid sedan, traveling west and making a left turn, struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and complained of whiplash but remained conscious. The sedan showed no damage. The driver was licensed in New York. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780454 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 12 - A new report shows Flatbush Avenue bus riders fuel local business, yet city leaders stall on bus lanes. Riders, mostly Black, women, and low-income, suffer slow, unreliable service. Delays cost jobs and wages. The city’s inaction keeps streets dangerous and buses crawling.

On December 12, 2024, advocates released a report on Flatbush Avenue bus lanes. The report, from Riders Alliance and Pratt Center, surveyed 1,800 riders. It found nearly 70 percent use the bus to shop, eat, or seek entertainment. The matter highlights that 'bus service is a boon for business.' Council Member actions are not directly cited, but Mayor Adams faces criticism for failing to deliver on bus lane promises. DOT spokesperson Vin Barone said redesigning Flatbush could 'speed up bus service...while also enhancing pedestrian safety.' The report exposes how slow buses hurt working-class, Black, and female riders—many lose pay or jobs due to delays. Business opposition to bus lanes remains, despite evidence that most shoppers arrive by transit or foot. The city’s phased approach leaves much of Flatbush waiting, while riders pay the price in time and safety.

• Better Buses Will Be Big for Business on Flatbush: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-12

Dec 4 - A 58-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan on Colden Street in Queens. The vehicle’s left front bumper hit the pedestrian, causing upper leg and hip injuries. Driver inattention was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northeast on Colden Street in Queens struck a 58-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Elder Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle's left front bumper made impact. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg and remained conscious after the collision. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash, repeated twice, highlighting the driver’s failure to maintain focus. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper, confirming the point of impact. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776338 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 23 - A woman, 32, died crushed in the back seat of a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. The car bore no damage. The road was silent. Her body remained where the night left it, unmoved, unmarked, a life ended in stillness.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old woman was killed while riding as a rear passenger in a sedan traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. The report states she died of crush injuries and was not ejected from the vehicle. The narrative notes, 'No ejection. No skid marks. The car showed no damage. The road was silent. The body stayed where the night left it.' Police list the contributing factor as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as speeding, distraction, or failure to yield are cited in the available data. The vehicle, a 2019 Volkswagen sedan, had no visible damage and was reported to be going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report does not mention any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The cause of the fatal crush injuries remains unexplained in the official account, leaving only the stark facts of loss and unanswered danger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773456 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19