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

Aug 17 - A Toyota sedan reversed near Hillside Avenue. Its rear struck a 74-year-old man standing off the road. His leg split open. Blood pooled. He stood in shock. The car rolled away. No one cried out. The street stayed silent.

A Toyota sedan, backing north near 170-25 Hillside Avenue in Queens, struck a 74-year-old man who was standing off the roadway. According to the police report, the vehicle's rear hit the pedestrian, causing severe lacerations to his lower leg and leaving him in shock. The crash data lists 'Backing Unsafely' as the contributing factor. The driver was licensed and remained uninjured. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact. The report does not mention any actions by the pedestrian that contributed to the crash. The incident highlights the danger posed when drivers reverse without proper care.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556220 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 20 - Two sedans traveling east on Grand Central Parkway collided. The impact struck the center back end of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. A 49-year-old female driver suffered a neck injury. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway while both were traveling straight ahead eastbound. The point of impact was the center back end of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. A 49-year-old female driver, occupant of one sedan, was injured with a neck injury and internal complaints. She was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4548524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 8 - A sedan making an improper U-turn struck a bicyclist traveling west on Hillside Avenue in Queens. The cyclist suffered a head contusion and bruises. The crash damaged the sedan's left rear quarter panel and the bike's front end.

According to the police report, a sedan was making an improper U-turn on Hillside Avenue when it collided with a bicyclist traveling straight westbound. The bicyclist, a 34-year-old man, was injured with a head contusion and bruises but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver errors as "Turning Improperly" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper." The sedan's left rear quarter panel and the bike's center front end sustained damage. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers of improper turning and lane usage by drivers in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 7 - Two sedans crashed westbound on Grand Central Parkway. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles struck on their left front quarters. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The driver of one sedan, a 26-year-old male, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The collision involved impact to the left front quarter panel of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. Both drivers were licensed and traveling westbound, with one vehicle slowing or stopping before the crash and the other going straight ahead. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4544541 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 6 - A 65-year-old woman driving a sedan was rear-ended by an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. The impact struck the sedan’s front center and the SUV’s rear center. The sedan driver suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion but was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Grand Central Parkway when a station wagon/SUV traveling west struck the rear center of a westbound sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 65-year-old woman, was injured with contusions to her shoulder and upper arm but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545756 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 21 - A 12-year-old boy on a bike was struck on Union Turnpike in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s right side doors. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2017 Subaru SUV traveling east on Union Turnpike collided with him. The bike was traveling south and was struck on the right side doors by the SUV's center front end. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed; the bicyclist was unlicensed. No safety equipment was noted for the bicyclist. The crash highlights a driver error in yielding that led to the collision and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4539605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 2 - 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

Jun 1 - 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

May 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 2022-05-31

May 23 - 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 2022-05-23

May 23 - Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

May 16 - Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

May 16 - Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

Apr 9 - Metal tore on Grand Central Parkway. Three cars smashed. A 27-year-old woman trapped, legs crushed. Pain sharp, unyielding. Others hurt. Speed too high. No one left untouched. The road marked by violence and steel.

Three vehicles crashed westbound on Grand Central Parkway. According to the police report, 'Three cars hit. Metal screamed. A 27-year-old woman, front seat, legs crushed beneath the dash. She stayed awake. Could feel it all. Speed too fast. No one walked away unchanged.' The crash left the 27-year-old front passenger trapped with severe crush injuries to her lower legs. A 41-year-old driver reported pain across his body. Multiple others were involved, including a child, but their injuries were unspecified. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The data shows all drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The violence of speed left lasting harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4518097 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 8 - A 17-year-old boy was hit by a sedan while crossing 193 Street at Union Turnpike in Queens. The driver, distracted and ignoring traffic controls, struck the pedestrian in the head. The teen suffered abrasions but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 193 Street struck a 17-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection with Union Turnpike in Queens. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and abrasions but was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with disregarding traffic control. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and failure to obey traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4518091 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 31 - An 18-year-old woman was hit by a sedan while crossing Hillside Avenue with the signal. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her elbow and lower arm but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northwest on Hillside Avenue made a left turn and struck an 18-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow and lower arm and was conscious after the crash. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating a 2005 Toyota sedan at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4523621 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 18 - An unlicensed male driver crashed a Kia SUV going straight on 193 Street in Queens. The impact injured a 33-year-old female passenger, who was unconscious with whole-body injuries. The crash involved multiple parked vehicles and driver inexperience.

According to the police report, an unlicensed male driver operating a Kia SUV traveling west on 193 Street in Queens collided with multiple parked vehicles. The crash injured a 33-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat, who was unconscious and suffered injuries to her entire body. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. The Kia SUV sustained damage to its right front quarter panel at the center front end, indicating the point of impact. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The injured passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4511956 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 24 - A box truck turned right at Union Turnpike and 193rd Street. Its front end hit an 83-year-old woman in the crosswalk. She fell. She died on the cold pavement. The truck showed no damage. The street stayed silent.

An 83-year-old woman was killed when a box truck struck her as she crossed Union Turnpike at 193rd Street in Queens. According to the police report, the truck was making a right turn when its front end hit the woman in the crosswalk. She suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors, and notes the truck sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and remained at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The police report does not mention helmet use, signals, or pedestrian error. The crash left a vulnerable road user dead on a city street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4505331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 14 - Two sedans collided head-to-tail on Grand Central Parkway. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 22-year-old woman, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. Both vehicles were traveling east. The crash caused bruising and contusions but no ejections.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on Grand Central Parkway collided when the rear vehicle struck the front vehicle's center back end. The 22-year-old female driver of the rear sedan was injured, sustaining shoulder and upper arm contusions. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The rear vehicle showed damage to its center front end, while the front vehicle was damaged at the center back end. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4502522 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 11 - Two sedans smashed on Grand Central Parkway. Four people bruised, battered. Impact tore into front and back ends. Police cite improper lane use and tailgating. All stayed conscious. No one ejected.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash struck the center back end of one car and the left front bumper of the other. Four occupants, including drivers and passengers, suffered contusions to legs and shoulders. All were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists driver errors as 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Following Too Closely.' No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the center back end of one sedan and the center front end of the other.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4502510 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19