No More Excuses: Kew Gardens Hills Bleeds While Leaders Stay Silent

A 27-year-old man crossing a marked crosswalk on Kissena Blvd was struck by a sedan making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the victim injured and conscious.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Kissena Blvd and Jewel Ave in Queens at 11:23 PM. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver traveling southeast and making a left turn, struck him. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to his knee and lower leg but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving during turning maneuvers in marked crosswalk areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted sedan driver struck an infant boy in Queens. The right front bumper hit his head. Blood pooled on the dark asphalt. The child lay semiconscious, not yet one year old. The road offered no protection. The car did not stop.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north near 75-11 150th Street in Queens struck an infant boy who was not yet one year old. The vehicle's right front bumper hit the child's head, causing severe bleeding and leaving him semiconscious on the roadway. The report states the crash occurred at 21:38, after dark. Driver inattention and distraction are cited as the sole contributing factors in both the vehicle and person records. The narrative confirms the driver was distracted at the time of impact. No contributing factors are attributed to the infant pedestrian. The police report describes the scene in stark terms: 'The right front bumper hit his head. He bled on the asphalt, semiconscious.' The data underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction, especially for the most vulnerable.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

An e-bike rider suffered upper arm injuries after a crash caused by driver distraction. The collision occurred on 141 Street in Queens. The rider wore a helmet and was not ejected but was left in shock. The driver’s inattention was the key factor.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male e-bike rider was injured on 141 Street near 72 Avenue in Queens at 17:10. The rider sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries and was wearing a helmet. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, cited twice. The rider was not ejected and showed no visible complaints but was in shock. The e-bike was traveling south, going straight ahead at the time of impact. Vehicle damage and point of impact were categorized as 'Other.' The driver was licensed in New York. The report focuses on the driver's failure to maintain attention, which led to the collision and subsequent injury of the vulnerable e-bike rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790469 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

A FDNY truck traveling north on 77 Ave struck two parked vehicles, causing center front end damage to the truck and rear bumper damage to the parked cars. Two drivers suffered concussions and bodily injuries amid driver distraction.

According to the police report, at 10:49 AM on 77 Ave in Queens, a FDNY truck traveling north collided with two parked vehicles, a sedan and an SUV. The point of impact on the truck was the left front bumper, resulting in center front end damage. The parked sedan sustained damage to its left rear bumper, and the SUV was hit on the roof and right front bumper. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. Two drivers were injured: a 23-year-old male and a 44-year-old male, both conscious and suffering concussions with bodily injuries to the entire body and back respectively. Both drivers were restrained with safety equipment including airbags and lap belts. The collision involved no ejections, but the injuries were serious enough to be classified as injury severity level 3.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784977 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

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

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

A 67-year-old woman suffered full-body bruises after a sedan struck her at a Queens intersection. The driver, holding a permit, was making a left turn and distracted. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the impact occurred.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 147-01 Union Turnpike in Queens at 10:33 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2019 Nissan sedan, driven by a female driver holding a permit, made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises over her entire body but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver's distraction during the left turn created a hazardous situation that led to the pedestrian's injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781896 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 66-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries when a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver was making a left turn and distracted. The impact hit the vehicle’s center front end, causing whiplash and serious injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jewel Ave in Queens at 16:30. A 66-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2016 Buick sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, struck him while making a left turn. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and complained of whiplash. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. There is no indication that the pedestrian’s actions contributed to the crash. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while turning directly caused the collision and subsequent injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779508 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 3-year-old girl suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries as a result of a collision involving two sedans in Queens. The crash, caused by driver inattention, left the child conscious but injured, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 141 Street near 71 Road in Queens at 3:26 PM. Two sedans traveling east and north collided, with impact on the center front end of one vehicle and the left rear bumper of the other. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. A 3-year-old female occupant, seated in the left rear passenger position and secured with a lap belt and harness, sustained internal injuries to her shoulder and upper arm. She was conscious after the crash. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the victim's behavior. The collision underscores the critical role of driver focus and the severe consequences of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776558 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 15-year-old girl was struck by an SUV while crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The vehicle hit her with its right front bumper, causing a contusion and injury to her lower arm. The driver was traveling straight southbound at impact.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2024 Mazda SUV traveling southbound struck her with its right front bumper on 63-25 Main Street in Queens at 14:25. The pedestrian was crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or signal, described as "Crossing, No Signal, or Crosswalk." The collision caused a contusion and injury to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver but notes unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian. The data highlights the danger posed by vehicle movement and driver failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing outside designated areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776557 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An e-scooter rider was violently ejected and suffered a neck injury on 75 Ave in Queens. The rider was conscious but sustained internal injuries. The crash caused no vehicle damage. Driver errors remain unspecified in the police report.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male riding an e-scooter eastbound on 75 Ave in Queens was ejected from his vehicle, sustaining a neck injury classified as injury severity level 3. The rider was conscious and complained of internal injury. The e-scooter showed no damage, and the point of impact was the center front end. The report lists the rider's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors or other contributing factors were identified. The rider was not using any safety equipment and was riding or hanging on the outside of the vehicle. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or injured. The crash occurred at 7:41 AM. The lack of identified driver errors or contributing factors leaves the cause unclear, but the violent ejection and injury highlight the vulnerability of e-scooter riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775027 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a 19-year-old cyclist at 71 Ave and Kissena. The crash threw the rider, leaving him bleeding and in shock. Police blame driver distraction and bad lane use. The cyclist took the full force.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 71 Ave struck a southbound bicyclist near Kissena Blvd at 14:25. The 19-year-old cyclist was ejected from his bike, suffering injuries to his entire body, minor bleeding, and shock. The sedan hit with its center front end; the bike was struck on its left side. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The report also notes 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, as stated in the report. The crash highlights the severe risk posed by driver error to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City data shows open streets thrive. Storefronts fill up. Pedestrians and cyclists bring life and cash. Cars do not. Vacancy rates drop where traffic is banned. Volunteers keep these corridors alive, but city support lags behind their success.

On November 18, 2024, the Department of City Planning released a report titled 'Storefront Activity in NYC Neighborhoods.' The analysis, covered by Streetsblog NYC, finds that open streets—car-free corridors—have about half the vacant storefronts of car-filled streets. The report states: 'vibrant public spaces are key to the success of local businesses.' City officials like Ya-Ting Liu, chief public realm officer, and volunteers such as Alex Morano and Brent Bovenzi, praised the program's impact. Bovenzi noted, 'the program is shrinking because too much of the burden falls upon volunteer labor.' The Open Streets program, now permanent, covers over 130 locations but relies heavily on volunteers. Advocates urge the city to invest more, as the data shows people-centric design drives economic recovery and safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.

• Car-Free Streets are Good For Business, Yet Another Report Shows, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-18

A 17-year-old driver with a permit rear-ended another SUV on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The collision caused neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inexperience and following too closely as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:25 on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. A 17-year-old male driver, operating a 2015 Nissan SUV with a learner's permit, was slowing or stopping when he struck the rear center of a 2014 Jeep SUV traveling westbound. The impact damaged the left rear bumper of the Nissan and the right front bumper of the Jeep. The young driver suffered neck injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factors to the collision. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights risks posed by inexperienced drivers following too closely on busy roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772017 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04