About these crash totals
Counts come from NYC police crash reports (NYC Open Data). We sum all crashes, injuries, and deaths for this area across the selected time window shown on the card. Injury severity follows the official definitions in the NYPD dataset.
- Crashes: number of police‑reported collisions (all road users).
- All injuries: total injured people in those crashes.
- Moderate / Serious: subcategories reported by officers (e.g., broken bones vs. life‑threatening trauma).
- Deaths: people who died due to a crash.
Notes: Police reports can be corrected after initial publication. Minor incidents without a police report are not included.
Close▸ Killed 6
▸ Crush Injuries 4
▸ Severe Bleeding 1
▸ Severe Lacerations 1
▸ Concussion 9
▸ Whiplash 17
▸ Contusion/Bruise 17
▸ Abrasion 11
▸ Pain/Nausea 9
About this chart
We group pedestrian injuries and deaths by the vehicle type that struck them (as recorded in police reports). Use the dropdown to view totals, serious injuries, or deaths.
- Trucks/Buses, SUVs/Cars, Mopeds, and Bikes reflect the reporting categories in the crash dataset.
- Counts include people on foot only; crashes with no injured pedestrians are not shown here.
Notes: Police classification can change during investigations. Small categories may have year-to-year variance.
CloseAbout these numbers
These totals count vehicles with at least the shown number of camera‑issued speeding violations (school‑zone speed cameras) in any rolling 12‑month window in this district. Totals are summed from 2022 to the present for this geography.
- ≥ 6 (6+): advocates’ standard for repeat speeding offenders who should face escalating consequences.
- ≥ 16 (16+): threshold in the current edited bill awaiting State Senate action.
About this list
This ranks vehicles by the number of NYC school‑zone speed‑camera violations they received in the last 12 months anywhere in the city. The smaller note shows how many times the same plate was caught in this area in the last 90 days.
Camera violations are issued by NYC DOT’s program. Counts reflect issued tickets and may omit dismissed or pending cases. Plate text is shown verbatim as recorded.
Close
Howard Beach-Lindenwood: cars kill here. the fixes wait.
Howard Beach-Lindenwood: Jan 1, 2022 - Aug 25, 2025
The Belt takes. North Conduit takes. Cross Bay takes. The names repeat like scars.
Two pedestrians are gone since 2022. Four people inside cars are gone, too. Hundreds hurt. That’s one small neighborhood. That’s one clock that won’t stop.
On July 12, a 13‑year‑old on an e‑bike was crushed at 163rd Ave and Cross Bay Boulevard. The SUV was stopped in traffic. The boy hit the rear and suffered crush injuries, listed as serious in city data (NYC Open Data, CrashID 4827269).
In April 2023, a 73‑year‑old man was struck and killed crossing North Conduit near Cohancy Street. The driver was going straight. Police coded driver inattention (CrashID 4620609).
In November 2022, a 63‑year‑old woman was struck and killed on 84th Street. Not at an intersection. She died of head trauma (CrashID 4585750).
In July this year on the Belt, two passengers were ejected and killed in a multi‑vehicle crash tied to unsafe speed. Another driver and passenger were injured (CrashID 4825307).
These are not one‑offs. They form a line.
Where the bodies fall
The Belt Parkway leads the pain: three deaths and 175 injuries in this area window (top intersections). North Conduit Avenue adds two deaths and 62 injuries. Cross Bay Boulevard shows 76 injuries.
The clock matters. Injuries spike after dark and into late night. Big counts hit at 8 p.m., 11 p.m., and just before dawn. Four deaths cluster around 6 a.m. Another two at noon (hourly distribution).
Causes read like a coroner’s shorthand. “Unsafe speed.” “Driver inattention.” “Disregarded traffic control.” “Failure to yield.” Most severe harm rolls up as “other,” the catch‑all that still breaks bones (contributing factors).
SUVs and sedans hit people on foot again and again. Among pedestrian cases here, SUVs lead the injury count, with deaths tied to SUVs and sedans alike (vehicle rollup).
A hit‑and‑run two blocks from JFK
At 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue, a driver struck a 52‑year‑old man around 2:30 a.m. and fled. Police said, “The driver sped off without stopping. No arrests have been made” (NY Daily News). ABC7 reported, “The operator of the vehicle fled the scene after hitting the man” (ABC7). Gothamist wrote detectives were still looking for the vehicle (Gothamist).
No crosswalk. A body in the road. Another driver gone into the dark.
The policy ledger: who slows cars, who won’t
Albany gave New York City the power to lower speeds under Sammy’s Law, and renewed 24/7 speed cameras through 2030. Lawmakers split. In June, nine city Assembly Members voted no on the renewal, including Stacey Pheffer Amato of this area (Streetsblog NYC).
At City Hall in 2022, Council Member Joann Ariola opposed expanding speed cameras; her vehicle racked up dozens of violations, including school‑zone speeding and red‑light tickets, as reported then (Streetsblog NYC, 2022). Another account marked the Council’s home‑rule approval enabling 24/7 cameras that year (New York Post).
In the State Senate this year, James Sanders and Roxanne Persaud voted yes in committee to require intelligent speed assistance for repeat speeders under S4045 (Open States).
Fix the corners that kill
Start where the harm is loudest: the Belt Parkway, North Conduit, Cross Bay.
- Daylight corners and harden turns at North Conduit and side streets to cut turning strikes. Add leading pedestrian intervals.
- Calm Cross Bay Boulevard with concrete: refuge islands, narrower lanes, protected space near 163rd Ave.
- Night hours see heavy injury tallies. Run targeted enforcement and automated control where allowed around the clock.
These are standard tools. They fit the pattern seen here: speed, bad visibility, bad turns. The numbers justify the work (NYC Open Data).
Citywide moves that end the pattern
- Lower the default speed limit using Sammy’s Law authority. Slower streets reduce the body count. The power exists; the delay does, too (AMNY overview of 2025 traffic laws).
- Pass and enforce speed limiters for repeat offenders. Senators here already voted yes in committee on S4045. Make it law.
The corridors in Howard Beach‑Lindenwood tell the same story. The tape is already rolling. It does not pause on its own.
Take one step now: help push these fixes forward. Start here: Take Action.
Citations
▸ Citations
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crash Data (Crashes) - Persons dataset, Vehicles dataset , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-25
- Queens Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK, NY Daily News, Published 2025-08-13
- Pedestrian Killed In JFK Hit-And-Run, ABC7, Published 2025-08-13
- Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-13
- Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23
- Queens Pol Voted Against Speed Cameras — And Has 27 Speeding Tickets!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-09
- NYC Council signs off on 24/7 speed enforcement cameras, New York Post, Published 2022-05-26
- File S 4045, Open States / NY Senate, Published 2025-06-12
- These are new traffic laws in New York slated for 2025, amNY, Published 2024-12-31
Other Representatives
District 23
159-53 102nd St., Howard Beach, NY 11414
Room 839, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
District 32
114-12 Beach Channel Drive, Suite 1, Rockaway Park, NY 11694
718-318-6411
250 Broadway, Suite 1550, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7382
District 19
1222 E. 96th St., Brooklyn, NY 11236
Room 409, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Howard Beach-Lindenwood Howard Beach-Lindenwood sits in Queens, Precinct 106, District 32, AD 23, SD 19, Queens CB10.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Howard Beach-Lindenwood
13
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash▸Mar 13 - A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.
ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
1
Joann Ariola Opposes Safety Boosting Car Lane Removal Plan▸Mar 1 - DOT will erase a car lane on Sixth Avenue. The bike lane grows from six to ten feet. Community Board 5 backs the plan. Critics shout about gridlock. Supporters call for safer streets. The city moves ahead. Cyclists and pedestrians wait.
""The anti-car insanity has gotten so extreme. The Department of Tyrants is not just trying to make it impossible for anyone to drive in this city, it is willing to jeopardize the safety of New Yorkers by creating conditions that will seriously impede emergency responders."" -- Joann Ariola
On March 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a plan to remove one of four vehicle lanes on Sixth Avenue, Manhattan, expanding the bike lane from six to ten feet between West 14th and West 35th Streets. The proposal, presented to Community Board 5's transportation committee, passed with a 10-2 vote. The matter summary reads: 'DOT plans to widen the Sixth Avenue bike lane... eliminating one of the four vehicle lanes.' Council Member Joann Ariola, mentioned in the debate, strongly opposed the move, warning it 'will seriously impede emergency responders.' Other council members and residents voiced sharp criticism, calling the redesign dangerous and disruptive. DOT officials insist the plan is rooted in community input and data. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.
-
Car-hating NYC bureaucrats quietly making congestion worse with plan to cut vehicle lanes,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-03-01
27
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.
According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver▸Feb 26 - A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.
-
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
18
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway▸Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.
NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.
-
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-18
17
Ariola Supports Harsher Penalties and 311 Video Summonses▸Feb 17 - Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.
On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.
-
Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-02-17
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three▸Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Mar 13 - A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.
ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.
- Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
1
Joann Ariola Opposes Safety Boosting Car Lane Removal Plan▸Mar 1 - DOT will erase a car lane on Sixth Avenue. The bike lane grows from six to ten feet. Community Board 5 backs the plan. Critics shout about gridlock. Supporters call for safer streets. The city moves ahead. Cyclists and pedestrians wait.
""The anti-car insanity has gotten so extreme. The Department of Tyrants is not just trying to make it impossible for anyone to drive in this city, it is willing to jeopardize the safety of New Yorkers by creating conditions that will seriously impede emergency responders."" -- Joann Ariola
On March 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a plan to remove one of four vehicle lanes on Sixth Avenue, Manhattan, expanding the bike lane from six to ten feet between West 14th and West 35th Streets. The proposal, presented to Community Board 5's transportation committee, passed with a 10-2 vote. The matter summary reads: 'DOT plans to widen the Sixth Avenue bike lane... eliminating one of the four vehicle lanes.' Council Member Joann Ariola, mentioned in the debate, strongly opposed the move, warning it 'will seriously impede emergency responders.' Other council members and residents voiced sharp criticism, calling the redesign dangerous and disruptive. DOT officials insist the plan is rooted in community input and data. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.
-
Car-hating NYC bureaucrats quietly making congestion worse with plan to cut vehicle lanes,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-03-01
27
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.
According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver▸Feb 26 - A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.
-
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
18
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway▸Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.
NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.
-
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-18
17
Ariola Supports Harsher Penalties and 311 Video Summonses▸Feb 17 - Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.
On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.
-
Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-02-17
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three▸Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
- Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04
1
Joann Ariola Opposes Safety Boosting Car Lane Removal Plan▸Mar 1 - DOT will erase a car lane on Sixth Avenue. The bike lane grows from six to ten feet. Community Board 5 backs the plan. Critics shout about gridlock. Supporters call for safer streets. The city moves ahead. Cyclists and pedestrians wait.
""The anti-car insanity has gotten so extreme. The Department of Tyrants is not just trying to make it impossible for anyone to drive in this city, it is willing to jeopardize the safety of New Yorkers by creating conditions that will seriously impede emergency responders."" -- Joann Ariola
On March 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a plan to remove one of four vehicle lanes on Sixth Avenue, Manhattan, expanding the bike lane from six to ten feet between West 14th and West 35th Streets. The proposal, presented to Community Board 5's transportation committee, passed with a 10-2 vote. The matter summary reads: 'DOT plans to widen the Sixth Avenue bike lane... eliminating one of the four vehicle lanes.' Council Member Joann Ariola, mentioned in the debate, strongly opposed the move, warning it 'will seriously impede emergency responders.' Other council members and residents voiced sharp criticism, calling the redesign dangerous and disruptive. DOT officials insist the plan is rooted in community input and data. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.
-
Car-hating NYC bureaucrats quietly making congestion worse with plan to cut vehicle lanes,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-03-01
27
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.
According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver▸Feb 26 - A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.
-
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
18
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway▸Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.
NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.
-
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-18
17
Ariola Supports Harsher Penalties and 311 Video Summonses▸Feb 17 - Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.
On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.
-
Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-02-17
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three▸Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Mar 1 - DOT will erase a car lane on Sixth Avenue. The bike lane grows from six to ten feet. Community Board 5 backs the plan. Critics shout about gridlock. Supporters call for safer streets. The city moves ahead. Cyclists and pedestrians wait.
""The anti-car insanity has gotten so extreme. The Department of Tyrants is not just trying to make it impossible for anyone to drive in this city, it is willing to jeopardize the safety of New Yorkers by creating conditions that will seriously impede emergency responders."" -- Joann Ariola
On March 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a plan to remove one of four vehicle lanes on Sixth Avenue, Manhattan, expanding the bike lane from six to ten feet between West 14th and West 35th Streets. The proposal, presented to Community Board 5's transportation committee, passed with a 10-2 vote. The matter summary reads: 'DOT plans to widen the Sixth Avenue bike lane... eliminating one of the four vehicle lanes.' Council Member Joann Ariola, mentioned in the debate, strongly opposed the move, warning it 'will seriously impede emergency responders.' Other council members and residents voiced sharp criticism, calling the redesign dangerous and disruptive. DOT officials insist the plan is rooted in community input and data. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.
- Car-hating NYC bureaucrats quietly making congestion worse with plan to cut vehicle lanes, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-01
27
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.
According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.
-
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver▸Feb 26 - A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.
-
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
18
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway▸Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.
NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.
-
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-18
17
Ariola Supports Harsher Penalties and 311 Video Summonses▸Feb 17 - Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.
On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.
-
Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-02-17
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three▸Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 27 - A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.
According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.
- Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27
26
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver▸Feb 26 - A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.
-
Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
18
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway▸Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.
NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.
-
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-18
17
Ariola Supports Harsher Penalties and 311 Video Summonses▸Feb 17 - Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.
On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.
-
Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-02-17
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three▸Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 26 - A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.
- Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26
18
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway▸Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.
NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.
-
BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-18
17
Ariola Supports Harsher Penalties and 311 Video Summonses▸Feb 17 - Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.
On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.
-
Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-02-17
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three▸Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 18 - A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.
NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.
- BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-18
17
Ariola Supports Harsher Penalties and 311 Video Summonses▸Feb 17 - Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.
On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.
-
Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame,
nypost.com,
Published 2025-02-17
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three▸Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 17 - Council Member Joann Ariola moves to hammer drivers who block fire hydrants. Her bill would hike fines to $1,000 and let New Yorkers send 311 videos for instant tickets. Blocked hydrants delayed response to deadly fires. Streets stay dangerous. Lives lost.
On February 17, 2025, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) announced draft legislation to crack down on drivers who block fire hydrants. The bill, not yet numbered, would raise fines from $115 to $1,000 and allow 311 video submissions for automatic summonses. Ariola said, 'We have seen two fires in the past week that have resulted in fatalities where the firefighters were unable to access the closest fire hydrant.' The measure responds to a surge in complaints—over 134,000 in 2023—about blocked hydrants. Ariola’s office blamed lost parking to DOT bike lanes and racks, but the DOT countered, calling protected bike lanes a proven safety tool. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said blocked hydrants slowed firefighting in a recent fatal fire. The bill aims to keep hydrants clear and prevent more deaths.
- Blocked NYC fire hydrant complaints doubled since pandemic as bike lanes, lack of cops may be to blame, nypost.com, Published 2025-02-17
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three▸Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.
According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.
- Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
- File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ariola votes yes to require faster pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.
Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.
- File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13
8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash▸Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
-
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.
According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.
- Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
- Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05
31
Taxi Slams Into SUV on Cross Bay Blvd▸Jan 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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 31 - Taxi crashed into SUV’s rear in Queens. Taxi driver hurt, neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles damaged. No injuries to SUV driver.
According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended an SUV on Cross Bay Blvd in Queens at 16:20. The taxi driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered a neck injury but was conscious and restrained. The SUV driver was not reported injured. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The taxi struck the SUV’s center back end, damaging both vehicles. No actions by the SUV driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver error behind the wheel of the taxi.
22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash▸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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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 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
20
Sedan Strikes Driver on Belt Parkway Left Side▸Jan 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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 20 - A sedan traveling east on Belt Parkway collided with its driver on the left side. The 45-year-old male driver suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cite improper lane usage as the contributing factor in this single-vehicle crash.
According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway at 1:55 AM. The vehicle, a 2017 Honda sedan traveling east, sustained damage to the left side doors, which was also the point of impact. The driver, who was the sole occupant and wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash.
18
SUV Rear-Ends Tow Truck on Queens Avenue▸Jan 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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 18 - A 39-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered a head contusion after rear-ending a tow truck on S Conduit Ave in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling east when the SUV struck the truck’s left front bumper. The driver remained conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:50 PM on S Conduit Ave in Queens. A 39-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion and a bruise. The SUV collided with the rear of a 2024 tow truck traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the SUV impacted the center front end of the tow truck, damaging the SUV’s center back end and the truck’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The SUV driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.
16
Pheffer Amato Supports Misguided NYPD Toll Exemption Bill▸Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
-
Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.
On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.
- Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-16
8A 1077
Amato co-sponsors bill boosting street safety for all users.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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
8Int 1160-2025
Ariola co-sponsors bill to speed up pavement markings, boosting street safety.▸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 - 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