No Deaths, Just Blood: Streets Still Bleed in Pomonok

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-02-01

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

City officials push Albany to drop the drunk driving threshold from 0.08 to 0.05 percent. The bill lingers in committee. Drunk drivers killed 42 New Yorkers last year. Messaging still centers on not drinking, not on not driving.

Senate Bill sponsored by John Liu and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon seeks to lower New York’s DWI blood-alcohol threshold from 0.08% to 0.05%. The bill, re-submitted in the last legislative session, remains stuck in committee. At a December 22, 2022 press conference, DOT Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione said, 'There is not really a safe level of drinking and driving, but the law suggests there is.' Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and NYPD’s Kim Royster also spoke, focusing on enforcement and urging drivers to avoid drinking before driving. Advocates like Alisa McMorris of Mothers Against Drunk Driving called for stronger messaging: 'We want people to make choices before they leave their home.' Despite evidence that lowering the threshold could cut traffic deaths by 10%, city messaging still stops short of telling people not to drive to events where they plan to drink.

• How to Cut Drunk Driving — Discourage the Drinking … Or the Driving?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-22

City and state officials want to drop the legal blood-alcohol limit to 0.05. The bill sits in committee. Drunk drivers killed 42 people last year. Officials talk tough but focus on drinking, not driving. The danger remains for those outside the car.

Senate and Assembly bill, sponsored by Sen. John Liu and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, seeks to lower New York’s drunk driving threshold from 0.08 to 0.05 percent BAC. Announced at a December 22, 2022 press conference, the bill has stalled in committee for years. The matter aims to redefine DWI: 'driving while intoxicated would be defined as anything above a blood-alcohol content of 0.05 percent.' Simon and Liu back the measure; city DOT and NYPD leaders joined them. DOT Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione said, 'There is not really a safe level of drinking and driving, but the law suggests there is.' In 2021, 42 people died in drunk driving crashes, up 60 percent from previous years. Officials promise enforcement and education, but their messaging targets drinking, not the act of driving. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while the law lags.

• How to Cut Drunk Driving — Discourage the Drinking … Or the Driving?, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-12-22

A 73-year-old man died under the wheels of a Ford van at a notorious Staten Island crossing. The driver walked free. The intersection lacked a proper pedestrian signal. Forest Avenue is a killing ground. City leaders have failed to act. Blood stains the street.

On November 21, 2022, Yingqui Liu, age 73, was struck and killed by a turning van at South Avenue and Forest Avenue, Staten Island. No charges were filed against the driver. The intersection, notorious for crashes, lacked a pedestrian signal on the western crosswalk. According to city statistics, Forest Avenue saw 60 crashes and 33 injuries in one year, with three deaths since 2019. Rose Uscianowski of Transportation Alternatives called the killing 'heartbreaking and outrageous,' demanding safe pedestrian and bike access between the Bayonne and Goethals bridges. She said, 'Crossing the street should not be a death sentence.' At least 99 pedestrians have died on city streets this year, making it the second deadliest since Vision Zero began. Forty-two seniors have been killed, three-quarters while walking. The city has not improved this deadly stretch.

• Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Dangerous Staten Island Arterial; No Charges, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-22

An e-bike rider was ejected after colliding with an SUV on 73 Avenue in Queens. The rider suffered full-body injuries, including fractures and dislocations. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male e-bike driver was injured and ejected in a collision with a 2017 SUV traveling west on 73 Avenue in Queens. The e-bike was traveling north and struck the SUV's left front quarter panel. The rider suffered fractures, dislocations, and full-body injuries, resulting in shock. The report lists driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors to the crash. The e-bike rider was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and had two occupants. The collision caused damage to the center front end of the e-bike and the left front quarter panel of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4573314 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan struck the rear of another sedan on 65 Avenue in Queens. The 82-year-old driver of the front vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles traveled south at impact.

According to the police report, a 2022 Chevrolet sedan was parked when it was rear-ended by a 2010 Honda sedan traveling south on 65 Avenue in Queens. The 82-year-old male driver of the Honda was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. The Chevrolet had no occupants at the time and was damaged at its center back end. The Honda sustained damage to its center front end. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4571314 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

An e-bike rider was ejected and suffered head injuries in a collision with an SUV on Goethals Avenue, Queens. The SUV struck the bike’s front end, damaging its center. The rider was conscious but injured, with abrasions and head trauma.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Goethals Avenue in Queens involving a 2020 Honda SUV traveling east and an e-bike traveling north. The SUV struck the e-bike on its left front quarter panel, impacting the bike’s center front end. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old man, was ejected and sustained head injuries and abrasions. He was conscious at the scene. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The SUV driver was licensed and going straight ahead. The crash caused significant injury to the vulnerable e-bike rider, highlighting the dangers posed by driver disregard of traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570697 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A northbound SUV struck a parked sedan on 164 Street in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 64, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. The impact damaged the sedan’s right rear bumper and the SUV’s front end.

According to the police report, a 2006 SUV traveling north on 164 Street collided with a parked 2018 sedan. The sedan’s 64-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV’s front bumper struck the sedan’s right rear bumper, causing damage to both vehicles. No other occupants were involved. The report does not specify any contributing factors related to the victim or safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to collisions with stationary vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4564149 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 19-year-old male driver crashed a BMW sedan on Queens’ 160 Street. The vehicle struck with its left front bumper. The driver suffered a neck contusion. Police cited unsafe speed and driver distraction as causes. The driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan traveling west on 160 Street in Queens crashed with impact on the left front bumper. The 19-year-old male driver, the sole occupant, was injured with a neck contusion but remained conscious. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time of the crash. Vehicle damage was centered on the front end. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of speeding and distracted driving in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4559861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 16-year-old boy riding a bike was struck by an SUV on 73 Avenue near Utopia Parkway. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion. The SUV driver was distracted. The boy wore a helmet and remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old bicyclist was injured when a 2009 SUV traveling west on 73 Avenue struck him. The cyclist was ejected and sustained a head contusion but remained conscious. The SUV driver, a licensed female from Arizona, was going straight ahead when the collision occurred at the left front bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. No other contributing factors were specified. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556812 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 21-year-old man was struck while crossing Jewel Avenue with the signal. He suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the intersection. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Jewel Avenue at an intersection with the signal. He sustained contusions to his hip and upper leg and remained conscious after the collision. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless driving. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type are provided. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following traffic signals at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4547813 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan and a pickup truck collided on 169 Street in Queens. The sedan’s left side was struck by the truck’s front end. The sedan driver, 67, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 169 Street in Queens involving a sedan and a pickup truck. The sedan was hit on its left side doors by the front end of the pickup truck. The sedan driver, a 67-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4546007 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-31

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25