Jamaica Hills Bleeds: Two Dead, Hundreds Hurt—When Will City Hall Wake Up?

A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man in Ozone Park. The driver fled, then turned himself in. Police say the crash followed a heated confrontation. The victim died at Jamaica Hospital.

ABC7 reported on August 1, 2025, that a 23-year-old man died after being hit by a car at 101st Avenue and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. Police said the incident followed a domestic dispute. The driver, who was the woman's current boyfriend, told police the victim approached his car "while flashing what appeared to be a gun" and was struck as the driver tried to leave. The driver later went to the police. No charges had been filed as of publication, with the district attorney still reviewing the case. The crash highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used during conflicts.

• Man Killed By Car In Queens Dispute, ABC7, Published 2025-08-01

Water rose fast. Cars stranded. People climbed roofs to escape. Rescue teams pulled them out. Rain hammered Queens. The road drowned, then cleared. Danger came quick. Relief came late.

ABC7 reported on July 31, 2025, that flash flooding trapped drivers on the Clearview Expressway in Queens. Video showed people perched atop cars, waiting for rescue. A witness described, "10 feet deep, people sitting on top of cars, 6 or 7." Mayor Eric Adams declared a localized State of Emergency. The flooding left vehicles stranded and forced emergency response. The article highlights the risk of sudden, severe weather overwhelming city infrastructure, stranding vulnerable road users in harm’s way.

• Flash Flood Traps Cars On Expressway, ABC7, Published 2025-07-31

Two sedans slammed together on Van Wyck. Passengers took the hit. Neck injuries, bruises. Police say drivers followed too close. Metal crumpled. Safety failed. System let them down.

A rear-end collision involving two sedans on Van Wyck Expressway in Queens left multiple passengers injured. According to the police report, both drivers were 'Following Too Closely.' One passenger suffered neck injuries and a bruise, another reported whiplash. The crash involved adults and a child, all listed as occupants. The impact struck the center front and back ends of the vehicles. Driver error—following too closely—was the sole contributing factor cited in the report. No other causes were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828565 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Jeep SUV hit a 67-year-old woman crossing with the signal on Highland Ave. She suffered a back injury and fractures. Police cite failure to yield. The street stayed open. Danger lingers.

A Jeep SUV making a left turn on Highland Ave struck a 67-year-old woman as she crossed at the intersection with the signal. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered a back injury and fractures. The driver and a passenger were not seriously hurt. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the main contributing factor. The pedestrian was crossing legally. The report does not mention any other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827850 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV hit cyclist at 148th Street and 84th Drive. Cyclist suffered arm injuries. Police cite driver inexperience. Metal met flesh. The street stayed busy.

A station wagon SUV collided with a cyclist at 148th Street and 84th Drive in Queens. The 21-year-old cyclist was injured, suffering abrasions and arm wounds. According to the police report, 'Driver Inexperience' was a contributing factor in the crash. The SUV’s right front quarter panel struck the cyclist, who was making a left turn. No other injuries were reported. The data lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Candles flickered in Queens. Workers mourned the dead. Portraits lined the park. Grief and anger mixed. Demands for safety echoed. Fatigue and risk shadow every shift. The toll grows. The city listens.

amny reported on July 11, 2025, that rideshare and delivery workers gathered in Little Bay Park to honor colleagues killed on the job. The Justice for App Workers coalition demanded safety reforms, including panic buttons and limits on shift lengths. 'These deaths were not inevitable; they happened because billion-dollar companies chose profit over safety,' said Adaligisa Payero. Speakers highlighted long hours and fatigue as key dangers. The coalition called for tech companies and lawmakers to act, noting that app-based workers face higher injury and death rates than many traditional employees.

• Memorial Honors Fallen App-Based Workers, amny, Published 2025-07-11

A BMW flew over a Belt Parkway barrier at dawn. Metal twisted. Six hurt. Two critical. Flames rose. Police say speed may have played a role. The crash left wreckage and questions in its wake.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), a BMW traveling east on the Belt Parkway in Queens struck a concrete median, vaulted over it, and hit two oncoming vehicles. The article states, "Six people were injured—two critically—in a fiery crash." Police noted, "speed may have been an issue." The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The incident highlights the dangers of high speeds and highway design where barriers failed to contain a vehicle, putting multiple road users at risk.

• BMW Vaults Median, Six Injured In Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-07-05

SUV turned left on 84th Road. Struck a motorized scooter. Young woman suffered head injury. Police cite driver distraction. Streets failed to protect.

A collision occurred at 161-34 84th Road in Queens. An SUV making a left turn struck a motorized scooter traveling straight. The 25-year-old woman driving the scooter suffered a head injury and was in shock. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. No other injuries were specified. The SUV’s left rear quarter panel was damaged. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to pay attention. Helmet use was not listed as a factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829277 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

A sedan struck on Daniels Street. Two women in the back seat hurt, backs injured. Shock and pain followed. No driver errors listed. Police report gives no cause.

Two female passengers suffered back injuries and shock when a sedan was struck on Daniels Street in Queens. According to the police report, the crash involved a 2022 Toyota sedan traveling south, hit at the center back end. Two other occupants, including the driver, were not reported injured. No driver errors or contributing factors are listed in the report. The injured passengers complained of pain and nausea. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823799 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

A cyclist lay unconscious on 115th Avenue. The driver fled. Police searched the dark street for clues. The victim’s fate hung in the balance. Another night, another crash. The city’s danger pressed down, silent and heavy.

According to ABC7 (published June 15, 2025), a bicyclist was struck in a hit-and-run on 115th Avenue near 134th Street in South Ozone Park, Queens, just after 11:30 p.m. Friday. Police found the victim unconscious and in critical condition. The article states, 'They are now looking for evidence to help them track down the driver.' No details were given about the cyclist’s age or destination. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene highlights ongoing risks for vulnerable road users and underscores the persistent problem of hit-and-run crashes in New York City.

• Cyclist Left Critical After Queens Hit-And-Run, ABC7, Published 2025-06-15

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.

• File S 5677, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-06-12