Jamaica Estates–Holliswood: Two pedestrians gone, hundreds hurt, and speed still wins

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - A 2-year-old girl suffered a head contusion in a Queens crash. The SUV struck an object or vehicle head-on. The child was restrained but injured. The driver, licensed and female, was traveling eastbound on Grand Central Parkway at impact.

According to the police report, a 2020 Kia SUV traveling east on Grand Central Parkway in Queens collided frontally. The vehicle had five occupants, including a 2-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat. The child, secured in a child restraint, sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The SUV's center front end was damaged, indicating a direct frontal impact. The driver was licensed and female. No ejection occurred. The report does not specify what the SUV struck or other vehicles involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635261 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 30 - A 51-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries in a rear-end crash on Grand Central Parkway. The SUV hit the sedan from behind. The driver was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as causes.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male driver in an SUV rear-ended a sedan traveling eastbound on Grand Central Parkway. The SUV struck the sedan's center front end with its center back end. The sedan driver, wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained neck injuries described as whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision caused damage to the front of the sedan and the rear of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633969 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 25 - A 59-year-old man was hit by a bus while crossing Kingston Place in Queens. The impact struck the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot. He suffered bruises and remained conscious. The bus hit with its front center as it traveled westbound.

According to the police report, a bus traveling west on Kingston Place in Queens struck a 59-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The bus driver was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of impact. The point of impact was the center front end of the bus. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No mention of helmet use or signaling applies. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing mid-block or outside designated signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632678 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - Council members fight congestion pricing for 5,200 drivers. Most New Yorkers ride transit. Opponents claim harm to businesses and residents. Advocates say the plan funds transit, cuts traffic, and spares the vulnerable. The city’s future hangs in the balance.

The congestion pricing debate centers on a policy to toll drivers entering Manhattan’s core. The bill faces opposition from Council Members David Weprin, Joann Ariola, and Ari Kagan, who argue it will hurt small businesses and outer-borough residents. On May 22, 2023, Ari Kagan said, 'Congestion Pricing will hurt countless New Yorkers, small businesses, residents of so-called outer-boroughs & will create huge lines of parked cars right outside of Manhattan.' Yet, the MTA’s assessment shows only 5,200 city drivers commute by car from areas far from fast transit—just 1.2% of that population. Advocates like Felicia Park-Rogers counter, 'this policy has the potential to be utterly transformational for our city.' The plan includes exemptions for disabled and low-income drivers. Most New Yorkers stand to gain safer, better-funded transit and less congestion.

• Straw Men: The Fight Over Congestion Pricing Comes Down to Just 5,200 NYC Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-22

May 22 - Council Member Joann Ariola joined the fight over congestion pricing. The debate centers on just 5,200 drivers. Most New Yorkers use transit. Opponents claim harm to businesses and residents. Data shows broad benefit. The city stands at a crossroads.

On May 22, 2023, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) was mentioned in a public debate over New York City's congestion pricing policy. The matter, titled 'Straw Men: The Fight Over Congestion Pricing Comes Down to Just 5,200 NYC Drivers,' highlights that only 1.2% of residents far from fast transit drive into the congestion zone. Ariola, along with other council members, voiced concerns about impacts on small businesses and residents. The debate draws on MTA data showing most New Yorkers rely on public transit, not cars. Exemptions and discounts for disabled and low-income drivers are included in the policy. Advocates argue congestion pricing will reduce traffic, fund transit, and transform city streets for vulnerable road users. The council's discussion reflects a sharp divide between data and political narrative.

• Straw Men: The Fight Over Congestion Pricing Comes Down to Just 5,200 NYC Drivers, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-05-22

May 16 - 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 2023-05-16

May 14 - A westbound SUV struck a sedan from behind on Grand Central Parkway. The sedan’s right rear passenger, an 18-year-old female, suffered a head injury and concussion. The crash involved following too closely and driver inexperience. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a 2020 Toyota SUV traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway rear-ended a 2006 Honda sedan also traveling westbound. The impact was at the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The sedan’s right rear passenger, an 18-year-old female, sustained a head injury resulting in a concussion. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed males from New York. The injured passenger was not using any safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers of tailgating and inexperienced driving on this roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628646 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 13 - Three vehicles collided on Grand Central Parkway. All three occupants suffered abrasions and full-body injuries. Drivers were distracted. Airbags deployed. No ejections. The crash left two drivers and one passenger injured but conscious.

According to the police report, three vehicles traveling north on Grand Central Parkway collided. The crash involved two sedans and one pick-up truck. Three occupants were injured: two drivers and one front-seat passenger. All suffered abrasions and injuries to their entire bodies. Airbags deployed and all occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor for all involved drivers. There were no ejections. The point of impact included center back end and front bumpers. The crash caused center and front-end damage to the vehicles. The injuries were serious but all occupants remained conscious.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628662 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 12 - A man crossed Wexford Terrace with the light. A car turned left on red. The driver did not yield. Blood marked the street. The man’s leg split open. He stayed awake. The car showed no dents. The danger was clear.

A 29-year-old man was crossing Wexford Terrace at Edgerton Boulevard with the signal when a car turned left on red and struck him. According to the police report, 'A man crossed with the light. A car turned left on red. No dents on the hood. Blood on the street. His leg split open. He stayed awake. The driver did not yield.' The pedestrian suffered severe lacerations to his lower leg but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no visible damage. The crash underscores the risk when drivers ignore signals and fail to yield to people in the crosswalk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628121 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 4 - A bus struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. The impact injured a 67-year-old female front-seat passenger, causing head trauma and whiplash. The crash stemmed from the bus driver reacting to an uninvolved vehicle. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a bus traveling west on Grand Central Parkway collided with the center back end of a sport utility vehicle. The 67-year-old female front passenger in the SUV sustained a head injury and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists the bus driver's contributing factor as "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle," indicating the driver’s response to another vehicle led to the collision. The bus impacted the SUV with its left front bumper. No other driver errors were noted. The passenger was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash involved multiple vehicles, but the injury was limited to the SUV passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 30 - Two vehicles collided on Grand Central Parkway. An SUV changing lanes struck a sedan going straight. A 26-year-old female passenger in the sedan suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed signs of inattention. The passenger was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2018 Chevrolet SUV was changing lanes eastbound on Grand Central Parkway when it collided with a 2016 Honda sedan traveling straight in the same direction. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the SUV and the left front quarter panel of the sedan. A 26-year-old female occupant in the sedan, seated in the right rear passenger position, sustained a contusion to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624749 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 30 - Two sedans crashed on Grand Central Parkway. Four rear passengers suffered neck injuries. Drivers showed inattention and inexperience. Metal twisted. Passengers stayed conscious, strapped in, hurt but alive.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. Four rear-seat passengers, ages 16 to 57, suffered neck injuries. All were conscious and secured with lap belts and harnesses. The report lists Driver Inattention/Distraction and Driver Inexperience as contributing factors. Vehicle damage was severe, with one sedan demolished and another struck on the left front quarter panel. No passengers were ejected. The injuries were limited to neck trauma, and all injured parties were occupants of the vehicles involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624419 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 15 - A 63-year-old man riding an e-bike struck the rear of a stopped vehicle on Hillside Avenue in Queens. He suffered a back contusion and remained conscious. The crash occurred at 9:30 p.m. No driver errors were listed in the report.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male e-bike driver collided with the center back end of a vehicle stopped in traffic on Hillside Avenue, Queens. The rider was injured, sustaining a back contusion but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors for this crash. The e-bike was traveling west and impacted the rear of the other vehicle. No safety equipment was noted for the injured rider. The crash resulted in moderate injury but no further details on vehicle damage or other persons involved were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620659 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 21 - 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 2023-03-21

Mar 20 - SUV and sedan crashed head-on in Queens. Sedan driver, a 46-year-old woman, bruised her chest. Police flagged alcohol and traffic control violations. Impact hit both cars’ front left. System failed her.

According to the police report, a sedan and an SUV collided on Chevy Chase Street in Queens. The sedan’s 46-year-old woman driver suffered chest contusions but stayed conscious and belted. Police listed alcohol involvement and traffic control disregard as contributing factors. The sedan driver’s record also notes failure to yield. Both vehicles were going straight when their left front ends struck. The crash left the sedan driver injured. The report highlights driver errors: alcohol involvement, traffic control disregard, and failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615382 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19