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

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 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 2025-08-06

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A sedan making a left turn struck the right rear quarter panel of another vehicle going straight. The driver, a 43-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old female driver was injured when her sedan, making a left turn on Hillside Avenue, collided with the right rear quarter panel of another vehicle traveling westbound. The driver sustained head injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The collision caused damage to the right rear quarter panel of the sedan and the center front end of the other vehicle. No other occupants were involved, and the driver held a valid New York license. The report does not specify any contributing factors related to the victim or safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632094 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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