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

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.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789949 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786956 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786957 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

MTA claims fewer cars and faster buses after congestion pricing. Councilwoman Joann Ariola calls the numbers fake. Critics say January is slow anyway. Some streets clear, others jammed. The toll divides the city. Vulnerable road users watch from the curb.

On January 13, 2025, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (District 32) publicly challenged the MTA’s first-week report on New York City’s congestion pricing plan. The MTA claimed, 'There is less traffic and quicker streets,' citing a 16% drop in Midtown traffic and faster bus times. Ariola dismissed the data as 'fugazi.' The plan, imposed by the state, began January 5 with a $9 toll per car. Critics, including Ariola, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, questioned the numbers and economic impact. Susan Lee of New Yorkers Against Congestion Taxes noted, 'January is usually the slowest month,' and warned that some areas saw more congestion as drivers dodged tolls. The council’s debate highlights deep skepticism about the plan’s real effect on city streets and the daily safety of those outside cars.

• MTA touts success of first week of NYC congestion pricing plan — but do their numbers back up claims?, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-13

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

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

Five days. Five attacks. Blood on the subway rails. Cops, National Guard, Guardian Angels—none stopped the violence. Council members blast failed safety plans. Riders pay the price. City Hall promises change. Riders wait. Danger rides the rails.

On January 2, 2025, Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (District 48) joined other city officials responding to a spike in subway violence. The event, covered by nypost.com, details five consecutive days of stabbings, slashings, and a fatal arson, despite increased NYPD, National Guard, and Guardian Angels patrols. The matter summary reads: 'NYC subways have experienced five consecutive days of violent attacks, including stabbings, slashings, and a fatal arson, despite increased patrols.' Council members Joann Ariola, Robert Holden, and Joe Borelli criticized current safety measures and leadership, calling for stronger action. Mayor Eric Adams backed more police and mental health interventions, while Governor Hochul's National Guard deployment drew fire. City Hall pledged to work with Albany on the Supportive Interventions Act. No direct safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NYC subways have seen attacks for 5 days in a row — despite cops, National Guard and even the Guardian Angels on patrol, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-02

New York rolls out sweeping traffic laws for 2025. Charter bus seatbelts, lower speed limits, and congestion pricing hit the streets. Senator Sanders and Governor Hochul push for safer roads. School zones, bridges, and bus riders see new protections. Change comes fast.

On December 31, 2024, New York announced new transportation laws for 2025. Senator James Sanders sponsored a ban on car lease turn-in fees, stating, "The legislation prohibits charging a turn-in fee at the expiration of the term of a vehicle lease, the basis of which is solely for administrative, handling or clerical charges." Governor Kathy Hochul signed this and other safety bills into law. Charter bus passengers ages 8 to 16 must now wear seatbelts, a response to a fatal crash in Orange County. Sammy's Law, enacted in 2024, lets the city lower speed limits to 20 mph, and even 10 mph on redesigned streets. The Department of Transportation will target 250 locations, focusing on school zones. The MTA launches congestion pricing in Manhattan, with funds set for transit upgrades. Hochul said, "These enhancements to our roads and bridges will improve mobility for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike."

• These are new traffic laws in New York slated for 2025, amny.com, Published 2024-12-31

Council bill Intro 103 forces DOT to notify members for every parking change. Critics say it slows life-saving street redesigns. Advocates warn it props up car culture and blocks safer bike lanes. The bill risks more sidewalk riding and fewer safe crossings.

Intro 103, now before the City Council, would require the Department of Transportation to notify Council members every time a single parking spot is repurposed—for car-share, bike corrals, or Citi Bike docks. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Joann Ariola, claims residents need notice before losing parking. But DOT and street safety advocates slam the measure as a bureaucratic drag on urgent safety fixes. Council Member Lincoln Restler calls it 'additional hoops and hurdles' for street safety. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso says, 'I don’t know why we entertain any effort to stop or slow-roll safe street design.' Open Plans and StreetsPAC argue the bill props up car dominance and blocks safer, more sustainable streets. The bill could make it harder to move bike infrastructure off sidewalks, risking more sidewalk riding and fewer safe crossings for pedestrians. Similar bills (Intro 606, Intro 104) face the same criticism.

• Council Members Want To Be Notified When City Repurposes ‘Their’ Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-18

A sedan crashed into a parked SUV on Belt Parkway. Metal screamed. A 26-year-old man, belted and alone, suffered crushing injuries. The police report cites following too closely and driver inattention. The night swallowed the wreckage.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Belt Parkway slammed into a parked SUV. The report states, 'A sedan slammed into a parked SUV. Metal tore. A 26-year-old man, belted and alone, crushed across the body.' The driver, a 26-year-old man, was injured and remained conscious after the crash, suffering injuries to his entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The SUV was stationary at the time of the collision, while the sedan was moving straight ahead. The impact crushed the sedan's front end and damaged the SUV's rear. No mention is made of any victim behavior contributing to the crash. The report centers on driver error and the dangers of inattention behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775496 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW SUV and Nissan sedan collided on Sutter Ave in Queens. Both drivers were making turns improperly, causing impact to their quarter panels. The female sedan driver suffered neck injuries and bruising, restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:50 on Sutter Ave in Queens. The BMW SUV was making a U-turn southwest when it struck the Nissan sedan, which was making a right turn southeast. Both drivers contributed to the collision by turning improperly, as cited in the report. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the SUV and the left rear quarter panel of the sedan. The female sedan driver, age 22, was injured with neck contusions and bruises but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor for the sedan driver and also notes an unspecified secondary factor. The male SUV driver was licensed and driving alone. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773894 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan traveling west on N Conduit Ave crashed into the back of a stopped pickup truck. Unsafe speed and following too closely caused the impact. A front-seat passenger suffered facial contusions and bruises, restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:00 on N Conduit Ave in Queens. A sedan traveling west struck the center back end of a stopped pickup truck. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors attributed to the sedan driver. The collision caused injuries to a 56-year-old female front passenger in the sedan, who sustained facial contusions and bruises. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt at the time of the crash. The pickup truck was occupied by a single licensed male driver, who was stopped in traffic before the impact. Vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the pickup truck. The report highlights driver errors—unsafe speed and inadequate following distance—as the primary causes of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772099 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

Four cars slammed together on N Conduit Ave. Two drivers hurt, limbs battered, both in shock. Police blame tailgating. Metal twisted at front and rear. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, four vehicles collided in a chain reaction on N Conduit Ave in Queens at 8:00 AM. Two drivers, ages 39 and 63, suffered injuries to their legs, feet, arms, and elbows. Both were in shock. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the main contributing factor for multiple drivers. All vehicles were traveling westbound and struck at the center front and back ends, showing classic rear-end impact patterns. No pedestrians were involved. The police report highlights repeated driver error in maintaining safe distance, with no mention of victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769176 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

A motorcycle rider suffered severe whole-body injuries after a collision with an SUV on South Conduit Avenue in Queens. The SUV driver’s inattention and improper lane usage caused the crash. The motorcyclist was unconscious and wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on South Conduit Avenue in Queens at 7:00 a.m. involving a motorcycle and an SUV. The motorcycle rider, a 20-year-old male, was the sole occupant and driver of the motorcycle. He sustained severe injuries to his entire body and was unconscious at the scene. The report identifies the SUV driver’s errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' which directly contributed to the crash. The motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet, as noted under safety equipment, but no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The SUV was traveling west with damage to its left front bumper, indicating the point of impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper lane use in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4758794 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City Council pulled the jaywalking bill before a vote. Advocates warned new language could blame pedestrians for crashes. The bill would have let people cross mid-block, but now demands they yield to drivers. Racial bias in enforcement remains unaddressed.

On September 12, 2024, the City Council delayed action on a bill to legalize jaywalking. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, passed the Transportation Committee but was withdrawn before a full Council vote. The bill’s summary stated it would 'legalize crossing outside crosswalks and require a pedestrian education campaign.' Advocates objected to last-minute changes that would force pedestrians to yield to drivers, fearing it could criminalize those struck by cars. Narcisse highlighted 'systemic bias in how these laws are enforced.' Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers said, 'There is little evidence to support the claim that criminal or civil offenses for jaywalking change pedestrian behavior or increase pedestrian safety,' and noted racial disparities in ticketing. The NYPD and DOT opposed the bill, citing safety concerns. The bill’s fate remains uncertain, with advocates demanding stronger protections for pedestrians.

• Council Balks on Legalizing ‘Jaywalking’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-12

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-10