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

Feb 3 - A 39-year-old male driver suffered head injuries and whiplash after his SUV collided with an object on a slippery Grand Central Parkway. The vehicle’s left front bumper took the impact. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male driver in a 2015 Infiniti SUV was injured in a crash on Grand Central Parkway at midnight. The report states the vehicle was traveling west, going straight ahead, when it struck an object with its left front bumper. The driver sustained head injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The contributing factor cited was slippery pavement, indicating road conditions played a role in the loss of control. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The report does not list any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but the slippery surface was a key factor in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790135 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - A moped hit a 54-year-old woman crossing with the signal on 139th Street. She suffered fractured and dislocated leg bones. Police cite driver distraction. The street stayed quiet. The harm was loud.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on 139th Street in Queens struck a 54-year-old woman as she crossed Hillside Avenue with the signal. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped, which showed no damage. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789603 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 25 - A taxi driver distracted by inattention rear-ended a sedan on the Van Wyck Expressway. The sedan’s 63-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles were traveling north when the taxi changed lanes into the sedan’s path.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:35 a.m. on the Van Wyck Expressway. A taxi traveling north was changing lanes when it struck the center back end of a sedan also traveling north. The sedan’s 63-year-old male driver, who was wearing a lap belt, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash. The police report cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor for the taxi driver. The sedan driver was not ejected and remained conscious. Vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the taxi. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788078 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 22 - A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Jan 17 - Two sedans collided on Hillside Avenue in Queens just after midnight. The rear vehicle struck the front car’s center back end. The driver of the rear sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Hillside Avenue in Queens at 12:05 a.m. Two sedans traveling west collided when the rear vehicle struck the center back end of the front vehicle. The driver of the rear sedan, a 26-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The front vehicle was stopped in traffic, while the rear vehicle was going straight ahead before impact. There is no indication of victim error or other contributing factors beyond the rear driver’s inattention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 15 - Sedan flipped on Grand Central Parkway. Young woman ejected, whole body injured. Semiconscious at scene. No pedestrians or cyclists involved. Police list unspecified driver factors.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old woman driving a 2002 Honda sedan westbound on Grand Central Parkway overturned her vehicle. She was ejected and suffered injuries to her entire body, found semiconscious at the scene. The report lists unspecified contributing factors related to the driver. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The sedan sustained major damage, described as overturned. No explicit driver errors such as failure to yield are listed in the data. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789044 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 8 - Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 4 - Two sedans crashed on Grand Central Parkway. Both drivers blew past traffic controls. A 22-year-old driver and 18-year-old passenger took hits—whiplash, back, and head injuries. System failed. Signals ignored.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 12:35 a.m. on Grand Central Parkway near Parsons Boulevard. Both drivers disregarded traffic controls, a key factor in the crash. The impact struck the right side doors of one sedan and the center front end of the other. A 22-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. An 18-year-old female passenger took head injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and inexperience were also cited as contributing factors. Both occupants were conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inexperience' as primary causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783458 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 16 - A motorcycle struck the right front bumper of an SUV making a left turn on Queens Boulevard. The motorcycle driver suffered a serious knee and lower leg fracture. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:35 on Queens Boulevard in Queens. A motorcycle traveling southbound collided with the right front bumper of an SUV making a left turn northbound. The motorcycle driver, a 26-year-old male, sustained a fracture and dislocation to his knee and lower leg, classified as a severe injury. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors to the collision. The SUV was damaged on its right front bumper, while the motorcycle sustained damage to its center front end. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the motorcycle driver’s behavior or safety equipment. The incident highlights critical driver errors involving turning maneuvers and distraction in a busy Queens corridor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 12 - SUV and sedan crashed head-on on 85 Drive. The SUV driver, a 44-year-old woman, suffered neck injury and whiplash. Both cars took damage to right front bumpers. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a 2020 SUV and a 2022 sedan collided on 85 Drive in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight when they struck at the right front bumpers. The SUV driver, a 44-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. Both vehicles showed right front bumper damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the SUV driver, with no specific driver errors named. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778572 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 8 - A sedan slammed a parked box truck in Queens. The 77-year-old driver suffered arm injuries. Police cite tire failure and inexperience. The truck was empty. Metal met metal. The driver bled.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old man driving a sedan struck a parked 2013 Ford box truck near 81-09 134 Street in Queens at 14:09. The sedan's right front quarter panel hit the truck's left rear bumper. The driver, alone in the car, suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and not ejected. The box truck was unoccupied and stationary. Police list 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777783 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 26 - Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The impact struck the left front bumper of one vehicle and the left rear bumper of the other. A 53-year-old female driver suffered a head contusion. Unsafe lane changing caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:49 on Grand Central Parkway involving two sedans traveling east. One driver, a 53-year-old female, was injured with a head contusion and remained conscious. The collision impacted the left front bumper of a Ford sedan and the left rear bumper of a Honda sedan. The report cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the primary contributing factor, specifically noting that one vehicle was changing lanes while the other was going straight ahead. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were listed. The crash highlights the dangers of improper lane changes on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774409 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 20 - A sedan struck a 17-year-old crossing 85 Drive in Queens. The teen suffered bruises and leg injuries. The car hit him head-on. Shock followed. No driver errors listed. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male pedestrian was crossing 85 Drive at an intersection in Queens when a northbound 2019 Honda sedan struck him at the center front end. The impact left the teen with contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and he was in shock. The report lists no driver errors or violations. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, or Crosswalk.' Both contributing factors are marked 'Unspecified.' No safety equipment was reported. Vehicle damage was limited to the center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772824 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 20 - Four sedans collided in Queens. A child in the back seat suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe speed. Impact struck center rear and front ends. The child was conscious, not ejected.

According to the police report, four sedans traveling southbound on 82-25 135th Street in Queens crashed in a chain-reaction collision. A child passenger in the right rear seat was injured, suffering head trauma and whiplash. The child was restrained and not ejected. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The impact hit the center front and rear ends of the vehicles, showing a rear-end chain collision. No actions by the injured passenger contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver errors as the cause of the collision and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773357 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 19 - Two sedans and an SUV collided on Grand Central Parkway. The 60-year-old female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the primary cause. The impact left vehicles damaged and one occupant in shock.

According to the police report, a chain-reaction collision occurred on Grand Central Parkway involving two sedans and one SUV, all traveling westbound. The 60-year-old female driver of one sedan was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash, and was reported to be in shock. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash, specifically noting this driver error twice. The vehicles collided with center front and center back impacts, indicating rear-end collisions consistent with tailgating. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of close following distances on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772551 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13