Ozone Park Bleeds While Politicians Stall

Aug 8 - An e-scooter struck the left side of a parked sedan on Pitkin Avenue. The 25-year-old male rider suffered head abrasions. Alcohol was involved. The scooter driver was conscious and not ejected. The sedan had no occupants at the time.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male e-scooter driver collided with the left side doors of a parked sedan on Pitkin Avenue in Queens. The rider sustained head abrasions and was conscious after the crash. The sedan was unoccupied and stationary at the time of impact. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were specified. The e-scooter driver held a permit license but was not wearing any safety equipment. The collision caused damage to the center front end of the scooter and the left side doors of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652493 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 31 - A 1-year-old boy suffered a head contusion after an SUV passed too closely in Queens. The child was off the roadway and conscious. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and traveling eastbound at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 1-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2021 SUV passed too closely near him in Queens. The child was not in the roadway but sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was traveling straight ahead eastbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which showed no damage. The police identified "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652916 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - Council members push to end jaywalking penalties. Supporters cite biased enforcement. Critics warn of danger for pedestrians. The bill faces debate as traffic deaths fall but injuries persist. The city weighs safety against fairness in street crossings.

On July 22, 2023, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse introduced a bill to legalize jaywalking in New York City. The measure, supported by Council Members Tiffany Caban and Shahana Hanif, aims to 'greenlight pedestrians to freely cross streets outside the crosswalk or without obeying traffic signals.' The bill responds to claims of biased enforcement against Black and Latino New Yorkers. Council Majority Leader Joseph Borelli and Councilwoman Joann Ariola oppose the bill, warning it could endanger pedestrians. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or received a hearing. The NYPD and Mayor's office are reviewing the legislation. The debate highlights the tension between enforcement fairness and the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users. No formal safety analysis has been provided.

• Far-left NYC Council Dems push to legalize jaywalking, nypost.com, Published 2023-07-22

Jul 15 - A sedan hit a 32-year-old woman on Cross Bay Boulevard. She suffered bruises and leg injuries. Police cite alcohol and aggressive driving. The car showed no damage. The driver was licensed. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a northbound sedan on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens. The woman, not at an intersection, suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists alcohol involvement and aggressive driving or road rage as contributing factors on the driver's part. The sedan, occupied by two men, showed no visible damage despite impact on the right side doors. The driver was licensed. No helmet or signaling issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645653 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 5 - A sedan and an SUV collided on Pitkin Avenue in Queens. Both drivers were distracted and speeding. Two occupants suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Vehicles struck front and quarter panels. Both drivers and passengers were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2018 BMW sedan traveling east and a 2023 Hyundai SUV traveling south collided on Pitkin Avenue in Queens. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. Both drivers, aged 19 and 21, were injured along with their passengers. The report lists contributing factors as Unsafe Speed and Driver Inattention/Distraction. Both occupants suffered whiplash and injuries to their entire bodies but were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The crash involved no ejections. The drivers were licensed in New York. The collision caused damage to the front and quarter panels of the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642922 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 18 - A new storm-resistant street opened on Beach 108th in Rockaway. Porous pavement, wider sidewalks, and bike lanes now line the block. The project promises less flooding and safer passage for people on foot and bike. Connections to the ferry and boardwalk improved.

On June 18, 2023, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) marked the completion of a major infrastructure project in Rockaway. The work, running from Beach Channel Drive to Shore Front Parkway, added porous pavement, new bike lanes, and wider pedestrian walkways. The city says the 11,000 square feet of new surface can absorb nearly 1.3 million gallons of stormwater each year. Ariola said, 'At long last, we will finally have a safe, steady, and efficient flow of traffic here, and the area is now more resilient than ever before.' The project, part of a $16.6 million investment begun in March 2021, also repaired or replaced 1,100 feet of storm sewer and added new left turn lanes. The changes give cyclists and pedestrians an easier, safer route to the Rockaway ferry terminal and boardwalk.

• New storm-resistant street with ‘porous pavement’ opens in Rockaway, just in time for hurricane season, gothamist.com, Published 2023-06-18

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 struck a parked SUV on 98 Street in Queens. The crash left a front passenger with a concussion and full-body injuries. Police cite improper lane use and unsafe speed by the sedan driver.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 98 Street collided with a parked SUV at 109 Avenue in Queens. The sedan's left front bumper hit the SUV's left rear bumper. The front passenger, a 28-year-old man, suffered a concussion and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Unsafe Speed" as contributing factors, both driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted. The SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634062 - 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

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 26 - A 26-year-old man walked against traffic on Sutter Avenue. An eastbound SUV struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited aggressive driving as a factor. The victim remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male pedestrian was injured while walking along Sutter Avenue against traffic. The collision involved a BMW SUV traveling eastbound, which struck the pedestrian with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle showed no damage, and the pedestrian was conscious after the impact. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 26 - A 36-year-old man riding a motorscooter was ejected after a collision with a bus on Liberty Avenue in Queens. The rider suffered a fractured shoulder and upper arm injuries. The crash involved driver distraction and failure to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a motorscooter driver was injured and ejected in a crash with a bus on Liberty Avenue, Queens. The 36-year-old rider sustained a fractured and dislocated shoulder and upper arm injuries. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The motorscooter was traveling east and struck the bus's right front bumper with its left front bumper. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time. No passengers were in the bus. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and failure to yield in vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632267 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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

May 16 - 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

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 13 - A Toyota sedan turned right at Cross Bay Boulevard. The driver failed to yield. The car hit a 24-year-old woman crossing with the signal. Blood marked her face. She stayed conscious. The sedan showed no damage. The street bore the wound.

A 24-year-old woman was struck by a Toyota sedan while crossing with the signal at the corner of Cross Bay Boulevard and 137th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the sedan was making a right turn when it hit the pedestrian in the face, causing severe lacerations. The woman remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The sedan, registered in New York, showed no visible damage. The victim was lawfully crossing at the intersection. No other contributing factors were cited by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612510 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - A pick-up truck and a sedan collided on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens. The sedan driver, a 28-year-old woman, suffered whiplash and shock. The truck struck the sedan’s left front while going straight. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2022 Ford pick-up truck traveling south struck a 2023 Hyundai sedan making a right turn on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens. The impact occurred at the sedan’s left front bumper and the truck’s right front bumper. The sedan’s 28-year-old female driver was injured, suffering whiplash and shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. No other factors or victim errors were noted. The crash involved two vehicles and resulted in injury to the sedan driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28