Crash Count for Fresh Meadows-Utopia
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 428
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 255
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 61
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 4
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 1
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jun 7, 2025
Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Fresh Meadows-Utopia?
SUVs/Cars 7 0 0 Trucks/Buses 2 0 0 Bikes 0 0 0 Motos/Mopeds 0 0 0

Fresh Meadows Bleeds—How Many More Must Fall?

Fresh Meadows-Utopia: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 4, 2025

The Toll in Fresh Meadows-Utopia

A man dies on 184th Street. He is 21, a passenger on a moped. The crash comes fast, the end comes faster. In three and a half years, Fresh Meadows-Utopia has seen 1 killed, 4 seriously injured, and 255 hurt in 426 crashes. The numbers do not bleed, but people do. NYC Open Data

Young people pay the price. In the last year, 13 children were hurt. One teenager, 16, thrown from a moped, left with a head wound. Another, 21, crushed in a five-car pileup. A woman, 48, bleeding from the head after her SUV is struck. These are not rare stories. They are routine.

The Machines That Hurt Us

Cars and SUVs do most of the damage. In this district, sedans and SUVs are the main weapons. Trucks and mopeds follow. Bikes are not in the rollup. The street is a gauntlet for anyone not behind a windshield.

What Has Been Done, What Has Not

Local leaders talk of safety. The city touts new speed limits, more cameras, and intersection redesigns. But on these streets, the pace of change is slow. The law allows for 20 mph limits, but most streets still run faster. Cameras catch speeders, but only where they are installed. The rest is left to luck.

No one should die for crossing the street. No one should be crushed for riding a moped. Yet it happens, again and again.

What Comes Next

This is not fate. Lower the speed limit. Build real protection for people on foot and bike. Flood the streets with cameras. Do not wait for another name to become a number.

Call your council member. Demand action. Do not let silence be the answer. Take action now.

Citations

Citations
Other Geographies

Fresh Meadows-Utopia Fresh Meadows-Utopia sits in Queens, Precinct 107, District 23, AD 25, SD 16, Queens CB8.

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State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Fresh Meadows-Utopia

Teen Moped Driver Injured in Queens Crash

A 17-year-old on a moped overturned at 188th Street and 69th Avenue. The crash left him with a leg injury. Police cite driver inexperience and unsafe speed. The street bore the mark of impact. The rider was conscious but hurt.

A 17-year-old male moped driver was injured after overturning his vehicle at the intersection of 188th Street and 69th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the moped was traveling northeast and making a right turn when it overturned, causing the rider to suffer an abrasion to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The rider was not ejected and was conscious at the scene. No safety equipment was reported in use. The crash highlights the dangers faced by young, inexperienced drivers on city streets.


3
Unsafe Lane Change Injures Three in Queens

Metal crumpled and glass scattered on 199th Street as two sedans collided. Three people, all conscious, suffered whiplash and pain across their bodies. Sirens echoed through the neighborhood as first responders arrived to treat the injured.

According to the police report, two sedans collided near 67-12 199th Street in Queens. Three people were injured: two drivers, ages 36 and 49, and a 56-year-old front passenger. All sustained whiplash and reported pain to the neck, abdomen, pelvis, and entire body. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as a contributing factor in the crash. Both vehicles were traveling south; one was going straight, the other making a U-turn. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signal violations, were noted in the data.


SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Expressway

Metal crumpled on the Long Island Expressway as an SUV took a hard hit to its back end. A 37-year-old woman at the wheel suffered neck pain, conscious but shaken. Sirens echoed over the traffic, the afternoon sun glinting off twisted bumpers.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway involving a station wagon/SUV and a sedan. The SUV was struck in the center back end by the sedan’s front, damaging both vehicles. A 37-year-old woman driving the SUV was injured, sustaining neck pain described as whiplash. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed in the data. No mention is made of helmet use or turn signals as contributing factors.


Improper Lane Use Injures Young Motorcyclist

Metal screeched on Long Island Expressway as a motorcycle and SUV collided near Utopia Parkway. A 19-year-old man, helmeted, suffered a fractured arm. The crash left twisted panels and a sharp smell of fuel in the air.

A collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Utopia Parkway involving a motorcycle and an SUV. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling west when the crash happened. The 19-year-old male motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained a fractured and dislocated upper arm. The police report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. No other injuries were reported. The data does not mention any other contributing factors beyond improper lane use.


4
Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on Horace Harding Expy

Metal groaned as a diesel truck slammed into the back of a sedan on Horace Harding Expressway near 172nd Street. Four people inside the sedan suffered head and back injuries, jolted awake by the sudden force and chaos of the early morning crash.

According to the police report, a tractor truck diesel struck the rear of a sedan traveling east on Horace Harding Expressway near 172nd Street. Four occupants of the sedan—two drivers and two passengers—were injured, suffering head and back trauma. The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors for the drivers and one passenger, highlighting driver error as a central cause. The truck's front end and the sedan's rear bumper absorbed the impact. All injured parties were conscious after the crash. No mention of helmet use or turn signals appears in the report.


Unlicensed Teen Moped Driver Injured in Queens

A 16-year-old moped driver crashed at 61-40 188th Street in Queens. The collision fractured and dislocated his lower leg. Police cited aggressive driving and inexperience. The driver was unlicensed. Helmet use was noted but secondary to driver errors.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male operating a 2020 Fly Wing moped was injured near 61-40 188th Street in Queens. The report states the driver suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg. Police identified 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The driver was unlicensed at the time. The moped was traveling south and started from parking when the crash occurred. The point of impact and vehicle damage were both at the center front end. Helmet use was noted but only after the driver errors listed by police. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.


SUV Rear-Ends E-Scooter on Utopia Pkwy

A 15-year-old e-scooter rider suffered a concussion and arm injuries after an SUV rear-ended him while merging on Utopia Parkway in Queens. The SUV driver’s failure to maintain distance caused the violent impact, demolishing the scooter’s roof.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at noon on Utopia Parkway in Queens. A 15-year-old male driving an e-scooter was injured when a 2022 Dodge SUV merged and struck the scooter from behind. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as the primary contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The e-scooter driver was not ejected but sustained a concussion and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The e-scooter’s roof was demolished on impact, and the SUV’s right front bumper and quarter panel were damaged. The e-scooter driver was in shock and suffered serious injuries. No contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling northbound, merging lanes when the collision occurred.


3
Distracted Sedan Crashes Into Truck on Expressway

A sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided with a tractor truck. Three sedan occupants suffered knee and shoulder injuries. Police cited driver inattention, unsafe lane changing, and limited view as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway at 1:30 AM. A sedan traveling east struck a tractor truck also going east. The sedan's driver was cited for 'View Obstructed/Limited,' while both the driver and passengers were linked to 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing.' Three male occupants in the sedan, ages 26, 32, and 35, sustained injuries to their knees, lower legs, feet, and shoulder areas, all conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The point of impact was the sedan's right rear bumper and the truck's left front bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report highlights driver errors and limited visibility as primary causes, with no victim fault indicated.


Two Vehicles Collide on Long Island Expressway

A sedan and a carry-all collided while both making left turns on the Long Island Expressway. The impact struck the right rear bumper of the carry-all and the left rear bumper of the sedan. A 4-year-old passenger suffered a concussion.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway near Utopia Parkway at 14:48. Both vehicles were traveling south and making left turns when the collision happened. The carry-all was struck on its right rear bumper, while the sedan sustained damage to its center back end and left rear bumper. The report identifies no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield. A 4-year-old female occupant in the sedan, seated in the middle rear seat and restrained by a lap belt, was injured and diagnosed with a concussion. The child was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injury but does not assign fault to the victim or indicate any pedestrian or cyclist involvement.


SUV Driver Injured in Queens Collision

A 60-year-old male driver suffered a concussion and back injury in a Queens crash. Two SUVs collided head-on while traveling north on 185 Street. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as key factors in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:24 AM on 185 Street in Queens. The injured party was a 60-year-old male driver of a 2022 Volvo SUV, who was conscious but suffered a concussion and back injury. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. Two SUVs traveling north collided, with impact points on the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. The Volvo driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report highlights driver errors as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.


Queens Sedan Collision from Driver Inattention

Two sedans collided on 75 Ave in Queens. The 33-year-old male driver suffered a shoulder injury and bruising. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the midday crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:30 on 75 Ave in Queens involving two sedans traveling north and west. The 33-year-old male driver of the northbound Lexus was injured, sustaining an upper arm shoulder injury and contusions. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factors. The Lexus sustained center front end damage, while the Ford had damage to its left front bumper. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The collision resulted from driver errors, specifically inattention and failure to yield, with no victim behaviors noted as contributing factors.


Driver Falls Asleep, Slams SUV Into Parked Jeep

A northbound SUV veered off course on 188th Street. The driver, a 48-year-old woman, fell asleep and crashed into a parked Jeep. Metal shrieked. Airbag burst. Blood spilled. The street held its breath. The city’s danger never sleeps.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old woman driving a northbound GMC SUV on 188th Street near 75-19 lost control after she 'drifted asleep behind the wheel.' Her vehicle collided with a parked Jeep, striking the left rear bumper and damaging the Jeep’s left rear quarter panel. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the contributing factor. The force of the crash triggered the airbag, and the driver suffered a head injury with severe bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. No other occupants or bystanders were involved. The parked Jeep was unoccupied. The police report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the persistent danger posed by driver incapacitation and the vulnerability of everyone on city streets.


Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

A 56-year-old woman suffered full-body contusions and shock after a sedan struck her at an intersection in Queens. The driver was making a left turn eastbound when glare and inattention caused the collision. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old female pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2019 Kia sedan in Queens at 7:30 AM. The driver was making a left turn traveling east on 197 Street near 73 Avenue when the vehicle's center front end collided with the pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal. The report cites 'Glare' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash, highlighting driver errors that led to the collision. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises over her entire body and was in shock. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.


Sedan Strikes Bicyclist on Queens Street

A sedan traveling north on 184 Street struck a westbound bicyclist at 13:50. The cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike.

According to the police report, a 2017 sedan driven by a licensed male driver was traveling north on 184 Street in Queens when it collided with a westbound bicyclist. The point of impact was the sedan's right front quarter panel, damaging its right side doors. The bicyclist, a 51-year-old man, sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was conscious, not ejected, and wore no safety equipment. No other contributing factors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in interactions with vulnerable road users.


Moped Rider Killed in High-Speed Queens Crash

A 21-year-old moped passenger died on 73rd Avenue, thrown from the seat, head striking asphalt. No helmet. Speed too high. Evening light fading. The crash left the street silent, the body still, the danger plain.

A deadly collision unfolded at the corner of 73rd Avenue and 184th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a moped traveling east struck the center front end of an SUV heading north. The 21-year-old male passenger on the moped was ejected, suffering fatal head injuries. The report states, 'Speed too high,' and lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the primary contributing factor. The narrative describes the rider flying off the moped and striking his head on the pavement, with no helmet present. The crash occurred as daylight faded, underscoring the risks when speed overrides control. The police report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor, focusing instead on the excessive speed that led to the fatal impact.


4
Multi-Vehicle Crash on Long Island Expressway

Five occupants injured in a multi-vehicle collision on the Long Island Expressway. Police report cites unsafe speed and other vehicular factors as causes. Injuries include abrasions, burns, and whiplash. All drivers were licensed and traveling eastbound.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway involving several sedans and an SUV, all traveling eastbound. The contributing factors listed include unsafe speed and other vehicular errors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Five occupants were injured: two drivers and three passengers, all conscious and wearing lap belts. Injuries reported include abrasions, moderate burns, whiplash, and injuries to the elbow, lower arm, hand, knee, lower leg, foot, and back. The report highlights driver errors such as unsafe speed and unspecified other vehicular factors. All drivers held valid New York licenses. The collision caused significant vehicle damage, including a demolished left rear quarter panel on one sedan. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors in the report.


Two-Year-Old Pedestrian Struck by Pickup Truck

A two-year-old girl emerged from behind a parked vehicle and was struck by a southbound pickup truck in Queens. She suffered head injuries and shock. The driver hit the pedestrian with the truck’s left front bumper, causing bruising and trauma.

According to the police report, a two-year-old female pedestrian was injured after emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle on 61-40 173 Street in Queens. The pedestrian was struck by a southbound 2023 Dodge pickup truck, which impacted her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, with contusions and bruising reported. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The vehicle damage was limited to the left front bumper. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited, and no victim behaviors beyond the pedestrian error/confusion are noted.


Sedan Strikes Bicyclist on Queens Street

A sedan traveling north on 178 Street collided with a bicyclist making a left turn. The bicyclist suffered abrasions to the elbow and lower arm. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 178 Street in Queens struck a bicyclist who was making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan and the left side doors of the bicycle. The bicyclist, a 20-year-old male, sustained abrasions to the elbow and lower arm and was conscious after the crash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The sedan had one occupant, the driver, who was male and licensed in New York. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in interactions with vulnerable road users.


SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Long Island Expressway

An SUV struck the rear of a sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway. The sedan’s passenger, a 44-year-old woman, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both drivers were licensed and proceeding straight when the collision occurred.

According to the police report, at 17:37 on the Long Island Expressway, a BMW SUV traveling east struck the center back end of a Volkswagen sedan also traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV’s center front end and the sedan’s left rear quarter panel. The sedan carried two occupants, including a 44-year-old female passenger seated in the middle front seat or lying across a seat. She was injured with contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report lists no specific contributing factors, but the nature of the collision indicates a failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. The passenger was wearing a lap belt and harness. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.


Two Sedans Collide on Queens Expressway

Two sedans traveling east on Horace Harding Expressway collided front-to-back. A 41-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage. Police report lists unspecified contributing factors but no clear driver error identified.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling eastbound on Horace Harding Expressway in Queens when they collided. The point of impact was the center front end of one vehicle and the center back end of the other. The 41-year-old male driver of one sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash, and was wearing a lap belt. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, providing no explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both vehicles sustained damage to their center ends. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash occurred at 8:18 AM, highlighting a collision between two vehicles in motion on a major expressway.