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

Jul 23 - Two sedans collided at Hillside Avenue and Vanwyck Expressway. Both drivers were distracted. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Metal twisted. Pain followed. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed at Hillside Avenue near Vanwyck Expressway in Queens. Both drivers were cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction. The Infiniti driver, a 42-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The Infiniti struck the right side doors of the Nissan. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage. No other injuries or contributing factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647842 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 23 - A Nissan SUV struck a stopped Ford transit van on Parsons Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver, a 39-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles sustained damage to their right sides.

According to the police report, a 2014 Nissan SUV traveling south on Parsons Boulevard rear-ended a 2019 Ford transit van that was stopped in traffic. The SUV driver, a 39-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and experienced shock. She was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the right rear bumper of the transit van. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647566 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 16 - A speeding SUV rear-ended a sedan on Grand Central Parkway. The sedan driver took a head blow. Unsafe speed drove the crash. Metal twisted. One man hurt. The road stayed straight. Danger did not.

According to the police report, a Jeep SUV struck a Tesla sedan from behind on Grand Central Parkway at 6:30 p.m. The sedan's 40-year-old male driver suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight. The Jeep hit the Tesla's left rear bumper with its front end. An Audi sedan was also involved, but its role is unclear. The crash damaged the vehicles' front and rear quarter panels. No ejection was reported. The Tesla driver’s safety equipment use is unknown.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 14 - A 20-year-old on an e-bike was struck by two SUVs on 164th Street. Thrown from his bike, he landed hard. The drivers fled. He died alone, marked by the violence of impact. The street stayed silent. The danger stayed.

A 20-year-old man riding an e-bike was killed after being struck by two SUVs on 164th Street. According to the police report, 'A 20-year-old man on an e-bike was struck by two SUVs. Thrown from the saddle, he hit the street hard. His body bore the mark of impact. The drivers kept going. He died there, alone.' The crash involved a Mercedes SUV and a Jeep SUV, both traveling south. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The e-bike rider was ejected and suffered fatal injuries to his entire body. The drivers left the scene. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 11 - A BMW SUV struck a stopped Volvo SUV on Main Street in Queens. The BMW driver, a 22-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention caused the collision. Both vehicles were traveling south when the crash occurred.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV traveling south on Main Street rear-ended a stopped Volvo SUV. The BMW driver, a 22-year-old male occupant, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. The BMW's front center end collided with the Volvo's right rear bumper. Another SUV was stopped behind the Volvo but was not damaged. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end collisions in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644707 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 5 - A 63-year-old man suffered chest fractures after a sedan backed unsafely on 84 Drive in Queens. The vehicle struck him at unsafe speed. The impact caused severe injury. The driver failed to back safely, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2021 Honda sedan backed unsafely on 84 Drive in Queens. The pedestrian was struck outside an intersection, suffering chest fractures and dislocations. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan was traveling north and impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. The driver’s unsafe backing maneuver caused the collision. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene but sustained serious injuries. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 5 - Two vehicles crashed on Grand Central Parkway at 2 a.m. A 40-year-old female driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. The SUV hit the sedan’s right front bumper with its left front. Unsafe lane changing caused the collision.

According to the police report, a 2021 SUV and a 2019 sedan collided while traveling eastbound on Grand Central Parkway. The SUV’s left front bumper struck the sedan’s right front bumper. The sedan’s 40-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining chest trauma and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt with an airbag deployed. The report lists unsafe lane changing as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before impact. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642977 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 5 - A taxi struck the rear left bumper of a sedan traveling south on 167th Street in Queens. The sedan’s front end was damaged. A 26-year-old female passenger in the sedan suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries and was in shock.

According to the police report, a taxi and a sedan collided on 167th Street in Queens. The taxi hit the sedan’s left rear bumper while both vehicles were traveling straight ahead southbound. The sedan sustained damage to its center front end. A 26-year-old female passenger in the sedan, seated in the middle front seat and secured with a lap belt and harness, was injured with abdominal and pelvic trauma and experienced shock. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642744 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 20 - Two SUVs crashed while slowing. One driver bruised her arm. Airbags burst. Both drivers followed too close. Metal bent. No one thrown. The road stayed hard and unforgiving.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Grand Central Parkway as both vehicles slowed or stopped. A 52-year-old woman driving one SUV suffered a contusion to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness; airbags deployed. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The crash damaged the front and rear bumpers of the vehicles. No one was ejected. Only one injury was reported among the multiple occupants. Both drivers were licensed and headed westbound at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639304 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 13 - A box truck struck a stopped sedan on Vanwyck Expressway. Both men inside the sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The sedan’s rear was damaged. Driver distraction caused the crash. Both occupants were conscious and restrained by lap belts.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling south on Vanwyck Expressway rear-ended a stopped sedan. The sedan had two male occupants: a 54-year-old front passenger and a male driver. Both suffered neck injuries classified as whiplash and were conscious after the crash. The sedan sustained damage to its center back end. The box truck showed no damage. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. Both occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected. The crash occurred while the sedan was stopped in traffic and the truck was going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637330 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 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 - 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 2 - A sedan traveling south on 84 Drive suffered a tire failure. The driver, a 44-year-old woman, crashed head-on, hitting the left front bumper. She sustained chest contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old female driver in a 2018 Kia sedan was injured after a tire failure caused a crash on 84 Drive in Queens. The vehicle was traveling straight ahead when the tire failure led to a collision impacting the center front end and left front bumper. The driver was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt and harness. She suffered chest contusions and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' as the primary contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634255 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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

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 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 - Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

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