No More Names on Asphalt: Demand Action Before the Next Body Drops

A sedan tore down Belt Parkway. Speed too high. The car hit hard. Doors crushed. Two young people trapped and hurt. Both semiconscious. The crash left bodies battered. The night ended in sirens and pain.

A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway crashed, striking the left side doors. According to the police report, the vehicle was moving at an unsafe speed. The driver, a 22-year-old man, was trapped and semiconscious. A 21-year-old woman, seated in the rear, suffered a concussion and injuries to her entire body. Both were listed as injured. The police report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The impact left the vehicle’s left side doors crushed. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report. The crash highlights the danger when speed and inexperience combine on city roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815651 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.

According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.

• Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-21

Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.

• File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-05-20

Two sedans crashed in Queens. One passenger hurt. Drivers ignored traffic control, sped through danger. Steel met steel. Chest injury. The street stayed cold.

Two sedans collided at Cross Bay Blvd and 153 Ave in Queens. A 54-year-old passenger suffered a chest injury. According to the police report, both drivers disregarded traffic control and drove at unsafe speeds. The crash left one person injured. Driver errors listed include 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed.' No helmet or signal use was noted as a contributing factor. The impact struck hard, exposing the danger of ignoring the rules.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814111 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs slammed together on Nassau Expressway. Rear and front ends crumpled. Two passengers injured. Police cite following too closely and unsafe lane change. Metal, glass, pain. System failed the vulnerable.

Two SUVs crashed on Nassau Expressway near Belt Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, both vehicles were involved in a collision with damage to the center front and back ends. Two passengers, a 39-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man, suffered injuries. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. One driver was unlicensed. The crash left occupants hurt and exposed the danger of driver error and system gaps.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man crossed Fulton Street. A Ford Explorer hit him. The driver sped off. The man died at the hospital. The street stayed quiet. Police searched for the car. The city counted another lost life.

ABC7 reported on May 17, 2025, that a 55-year-old man was killed while crossing Fulton Street at Washington Avenue in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. According to police, 'a burgundy Ford Explorer with Pennsylvania license plates struck and killed the 55-year-old man.' The driver did not remain at the scene. The crash happened just before 12:30 a.m. The victim was taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident highlights the ongoing danger faced by pedestrians and the persistent problem of hit-and-run drivers in New York City.

• Driver Flees After Brooklyn Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-17

The city dropped plans to ban bikes on Rockaway’s boardwalk after fierce protest. Council Member Joann Ariola welcomed the reversal but demanded tougher enforcement against reckless cyclists. Locals pushed for clearer signs and marked lanes. The board voted for new safety measures.

On May 14, 2025, a proposed ban on bicycles along Rockaway Beach’s boardwalk was canceled after public backlash. The plan, discussed at a community board meeting, would have barred cyclists from Beach 108th to Beach 73rd Street during summer months. Council Member Joann Ariola, representing District 32, expressed relief at the reversal, stating, 'I’m glad that the Parks Department is going to continue allowing Rockaway residents to enjoy their bikes on the boardwalk this summer, but now we need real enforcement.' Instead of a ban, the Parks Department will increase signage and enforcement, especially near concessions. The community board voted 30-1 for new signs and called for marked bike lanes, an 8 mph speed limit, and clearer right-of-way rules. Board chair Dolores Orr stressed these safety improvements have been needed since the boardwalk’s post-Sandy rebuild.

• Controversial NYC boardwalk bicycle ban scrapped after local outrage, protests: ‘Bad timing’, nypost.com, Published 2025-05-14

A box truck and SUV collided on Linden Blvd. Driver inattention and improper lane use. One passenger suffered neck injury. Five others hurt. Metal and glass. Sirens in the night.

A collision between a box truck and an SUV on Linden Blvd in Queens left one passenger, a 63-year-old man, with a neck injury. Five others were also hurt. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' were listed as contributing factors. The crash involved both vehicles traveling east. The injured passenger was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report does not mention any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The impact was severe enough to cause whiplash and unspecified injuries among the occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812635 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 533 seeks to kill congestion pricing and order a forensic audit of the MTA. The committee vote failed. Streets stay clogged. Danger for walkers and riders lingers.

Senate bill S 533, introduced on May 13, 2025, in committee, aimed to repeal congestion pricing and require an independent audit of the MTA. The bill summary reads: 'Repeals congestion pricing (Part A); directs the metropolitan transportation authority to contract with a certified public accounting firm for the provision of an independent, comprehensive, forensic audit of the authority (Part B).' Primary sponsor Jack M. Martins led the push, joined by George Borrello, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and others. The committee voted it down. No safety analyst reviewed the bill’s impact on vulnerable road users. The fight over street safety and traffic chaos continues.

• File S 533, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

Senate bill S 533 seeks to kill congestion pricing and order a forensic audit of the MTA. The committee vote failed. Streets stay clogged. Danger for walkers and riders lingers.

Senate bill S 533, introduced on May 13, 2025, in committee, aimed to repeal congestion pricing and require an independent audit of the MTA. The bill summary reads: 'Repeals congestion pricing (Part A); directs the metropolitan transportation authority to contract with a certified public accounting firm for the provision of an independent, comprehensive, forensic audit of the authority (Part B).' Primary sponsor Jack M. Martins led the push, joined by George Borrello, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and others. The committee voted it down. No safety analyst reviewed the bill’s impact on vulnerable road users. The fight over street safety and traffic chaos continues.

• File S 533, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

Senate passes S 346. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. Pushes work zone safety. Sets up new enforcement fund. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 346 cleared committee on May 13, 2025. The bill, titled 'Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promotes work zone safety awareness; establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement,' aims to crack down on drivers who threaten highway workers. Senator Jeremy Cooney led as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, Christopher Ryan, and James Skoufis. The committee voted yes. The bill targets reckless driving in work zones, boosting penalties and funding enforcement. It marks a step to protect those most exposed to traffic danger.

• File S 346, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

Senate passes S 346. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. Pushes work zone safety. Sets up new enforcement fund. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 346 cleared committee on May 13, 2025. The bill, titled 'Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promotes work zone safety awareness; establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement,' aims to crack down on drivers who threaten highway workers. Senator Jeremy Cooney led as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, Christopher Ryan, and James Skoufis. The committee voted yes. The bill targets reckless driving in work zones, boosting penalties and funding enforcement. It marks a step to protect those most exposed to traffic danger.

• File S 346, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

SUV slammed into parked car on 91st. Brakes failed. Two women hurt. One suffered chest bruises, another fractured her hip. Metal twisted. Danger clear. System failed them.

A collision on 91st Street at 162 Avenue in Queens left two women injured. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck a parked SUV after its brakes failed. The 70-year-old driver suffered a fractured hip. Her 60-year-old passenger sustained chest contusions. The crash report lists 'Brakes Defective' as the contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The impact was severe enough to injure both occupants. Systemic danger persists when vehicles fail and streets offer no margin for error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811989 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bus sped down Cross Bay. A 68-year-old man in the rear seat took the blow. He left with a bruised back. Unsafe speed marked the crash. The street stayed silent.

A bus traveling south on Cross Bay Boulevard at 157 Avenue in Queens injured a 68-year-old male passenger, who suffered a back contusion. According to the police report, the crash involved a bus with three occupants and was caused by 'Unsafe Speed.' The injured passenger was seated in the middle rear seat and wore a harness. No other injuries were specified. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error as the cause of the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814910 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Sedan slammed into parked cars on North Conduit. Two men hurt, both struck in the head. Police cite defective brakes. Metal twisted. Sirens wailed. The street bore the mark.

A sedan collided with parked vehicles on North Conduit Avenue at Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens. Two male occupants, ages 67 and 17, suffered head injuries. According to the police report, 'Brakes Defective' and 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed to the crash. Both the sedan and an SUV were parked when struck. The 67-year-old driver and 17-year-old passenger were conscious but injured. The report lists no errors by the injured parties. The crash underscores the danger of mechanical failure on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811975 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs crashed on Shore Parkway. An 18-year-old driver and a 45-year-old passenger suffered injuries. Police cite driver inexperience. Impact was hard. System failed the vulnerable inside.

Two station wagons collided on Shore Parkway at 156 Avenue in Queens. An 18-year-old male driver and a 45-year-old female passenger were injured, with shoulder and back injuries. According to the police report, 'Driver Inexperience' was listed as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions, one going straight, the other making a left turn. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left two people hurt and exposed the risks faced by passengers and drivers when inexperience meets heavy traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811136 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06