Richmond Hill Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Lower the Speed, Save a Life

Two sedans crashed head-on on 109 Street. Both drivers were going straight. The female driver suffered a concussion and head injury. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 109 Street at 7:48 a.m. Both drivers were traveling straight when the crash occurred. The female driver, age 38, was injured with a concussion and head trauma but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors. The male driver was licensed and driving a 2021 Jeep sedan southbound. The female driver was licensed and driving a 2021 Toyota sedan eastbound. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the Jeep and the center front end of the Toyota. No ejections occurred. The crash caused significant front-end damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4586300 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan making a left turn struck a 13-year-old boy riding a bike southwest on Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The boy suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The cyclist wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a left turn on Myrtle Avenue in Queens when it collided with a 13-year-old bicyclist traveling southwest. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver did not yield to the bicyclist. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The impact occurred at the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the bike. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected from the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4581177 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two vehicles collided on Metropolitan Avenue. A 2-year-old and a 7-year-old passenger were injured. The SUV hit the sedan’s right side doors. Both children suffered bruises and head or face injuries. Driver distraction and close passing caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2012 Ford SUV starting from parking struck a 2016 Toyota sedan traveling west on Metropolitan Avenue. The SUV’s left front bumper hit the sedan’s right side doors. Two child passengers, ages 2 and 7, were injured with contusions and head or face injuries. The 7-year-old was seated in the left rear passenger seat, the 2-year-old was seated on another person’s lap. Contributing factors included driver inattention or distraction and passing too closely. The report also notes failure to yield right-of-way by the driver. Neither child was ejected from the vehicle. Safety equipment use is unknown.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4575542 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Police arrested Ibrahim Chaaban in Bay Ridge after he did donuts on Shore Road. His car had racked up 12 school-zone speeding tickets since June. Council Member Brannan and DA Katz slammed weak penalties. Most reckless drivers still face little consequence. Streets remain dangerous.

On October 21, 2022, police in Bay Ridge arrested Ibrahim Chaaban for reckless driving after he performed donuts on Shore Road. The car had received at least 12 school-zone speeding tickets since June 21, but authorities failed to intervene until this incident. Council Member Justin Brannan reported the arrest, saying, "It seems the various systems currently in place to deter this type of behavior have failed here." Brannan and Queens DA Melinda Katz both criticized the current penalties, calling them too weak to deter dangerous drivers. Katz said, "There is a strong need for tougher penalties for those who choose to use our city streets as raceways." The article notes that only after 15 camera-issued speeding tickets in a year must drivers take a safety course, and few cars are seized under the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program. Community complaints led to the arrest, but most reckless drivers still evade real consequences.

• One Down, Thousands to Go: Cops Bust A Really Bad Driver For Doing Less-Dangerous Stupid Thing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-21

Mayor Adams broke ground on QueensWay, a $35 million park project on old rail tracks. Supporters cheer new green space for 330,000 locals. Critics warn it kills hopes for restored train service. The fight pits open space against transit justice in Queens.

On September 16, 2022, Mayor Adams announced the start of the QueensWay project, a $35 million plan to turn a defunct LIRR branch in Queens into a linear park. The first phase includes $5 million for environmental review and $30 million for the Metropolitan Hub. The matter summary states: 'converting a defunct LIRR branch into a Highline-style park in Queens.' Council Member Lynn Schulman supports the park, calling it 'shovel-ready.' Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and David Weprin back both the park and the QueensLink transit proposal. Richards said, 'We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space.' Transit advocates warn the park blocks future rail service, cutting off faster commutes and cleaner air for southern Queens. The MTA previously cited high costs for transit reactivation. The debate continues over whether the right-of-way should serve parks, transit, or both.

• Mayor Launches First Phase of QueensWay Linear Park — But What About Transit?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-16

Mayor Adams broke ground on QueensWay, a $35 million park project on old rail tracks. Supporters cheer new green space for 330,000 locals. Critics warn it kills hopes for restored train service. The fight pits open space against transit justice in Queens.

On September 16, 2022, Mayor Adams announced the start of the QueensWay project, a $35 million plan to turn a defunct LIRR branch in Queens into a linear park. The first phase includes $5 million for environmental review and $30 million for the Metropolitan Hub. The matter summary states: 'converting a defunct LIRR branch into a Highline-style park in Queens.' Council Member Lynn Schulman supports the park, calling it 'shovel-ready.' Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and David Weprin back both the park and the QueensLink transit proposal. Richards said, 'We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space.' Transit advocates warn the park blocks future rail service, cutting off faster commutes and cleaner air for southern Queens. The MTA previously cited high costs for transit reactivation. The debate continues over whether the right-of-way should serve parks, transit, or both.

• Mayor Launches First Phase of QueensWay Linear Park — But What About Transit?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-16

A pickup’s door swung open on Jamaica Avenue. An e-bike rider hit it head-on. He flew hard, head cracked, blood on the street. The bike’s frame bent. The truck’s door twisted. Driver inattention marked the moment. The city’s danger showed its teeth.

A 32-year-old man riding an e-bike was injured after colliding with the open door of a parked pickup truck near 118-14 Jamaica Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the e-bike rider struck the truck’s left-side door, was ejected, and suffered a severe head injury with heavy bleeding. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. The pickup truck was parked at the time. The crash left the bike’s front end folded and the truck’s door bent. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563282 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A Yamaha motorcycle slammed into a turning Subaru at Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. The rider, 31, flew from the bike. He wore a helmet. He did not have a license. He died at the scene. The sedan driver survived.

A deadly crash unfolded at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, a Yamaha motorcycle struck a Subaru sedan making a left turn. The 31-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and killed. He was wearing a helmet but did not have a license. The sedan’s driver, a 30-year-old woman, survived. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The impact was severe, with the motorcycle hitting the sedan’s left front bumper. No pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of driver inexperience and the dangers at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562615 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two sedans slammed together on 89 Avenue. Driver left incoherent, passenger unconscious with broken bones. Unsafe lane change and failure to yield fueled the crash. Metal twisted. Lives changed in seconds.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 89 Avenue in Queens. The 26-year-old male driver was incoherent with injuries across his body. His 24-year-old female passenger was found unconscious, suffering hip and leg fractures. The crash was caused by unsafe lane changing and failure to yield right-of-way. Both vehicles were damaged on the left and front. The driver of one sedan was unlicensed. Both injured occupants wore lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565640 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan traveling south on Vanwyck Expressway was struck in the rear by a box truck. The sedan driver, a 21-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash was caused by driver inattention and distraction.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling south on Vanwyck Expressway rear-ended a sedan going in the same direction. The sedan's 21-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining back pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The point of impact was the sedan's left rear bumper and the truck's right front bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A Nissan sedan, moving too fast, struck a man crossing Jamaica Avenue. The car hit head-on. The man’s leg split open. Blood pooled on the street. The driver had no license. The night held its breath.

A 29-year-old man was crossing near 117-13 Jamaica Avenue in Queens when a Nissan sedan struck him head-on. According to the police report, the driver was unlicensed and traveling at unsafe speed. The impact caused severe lacerations to the pedestrian’s lower leg, leaving him conscious but bleeding on the pavement. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The sedan’s center front end took the brunt of the crash. No injuries were reported for the occupants inside the vehicle. The system failed the man on the street. The driver’s lack of license and reckless speed turned a crossing into a scene of violence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545750 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

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

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

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

A 58-year-old motorcyclist was injured on the Van Wyck Expressway in Queens. The motorcycle struck the left rear quarter panel of a vehicle changing lanes. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and helmeted.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on the Van Wyck Expressway collided with the left rear quarter panel of a vehicle that was changing lanes improperly. The motorcycle driver, a 58-year-old man wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating the vehicle's lane change caused the crash. The motorcyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the collision. Vehicle damage was limited to the motorcycle's undercarriage, while the other vehicle showed no damage. The crash highlights the dangers of improper lane changes on busy roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4532932 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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 2022-05-25

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 2022-05-25

Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

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 2022-05-25