No More Bodies for the Spreadsheet: Demand Safe Streets Now

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 4 - A sedan making a left turn struck a bicyclist traveling east on 247 Street in Queens. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was distracted at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Northern Boulevard made a left turn onto 247 Street and collided head-on with an eastbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan's front center impacted the bike's front center. The cyclist was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or safety equipment details were noted. The driver held a valid New York license. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers turning across bike lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634666 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 2 - A 10-year-old boy was hit while crossing with the signal on Little Neck Parkway. A sedan making a left turn struck him at the center front end. The child suffered bruises and arm injuries. The driver failed to yield and was distracted.

According to the police report, a 10-year-old pedestrian was injured on Little Neck Parkway in Queens when a sedan making a left turn struck him at the center front end. The child was crossing with the signal at the intersection and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634305 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 21 - SUV veered while changing lanes, struck sedan. Two occupants hurt. Both suffered arm abrasions. Crash scarred both vehicles. Driver inattention and bad lane use caused the wreck.

According to the police report, a 2012 SUV changed lanes eastbound on Grand Central Parkway and struck a 2004 sedan traveling straight. The SUV hit the sedan's left side doors and suffered damage to its right side. The 23-year-old male SUV driver and his 22-year-old female passenger were both injured, sustaining abrasions to their arms and hands. Both were conscious and restrained. The report lists driver inattention and improper lane usage as contributing factors. The sedan driver was licensed. No pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630504 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 6 - A Hyundai veered on the Long Island Expressway. Metal tore. The driver, alone, slammed hard. Blood pooled from her pelvis. She sat stunned, strapped in, as traffic thundered past. The night swallowed her pain.

A single-car crash unfolded westbound on the Long Island Expressway at 1:49 a.m. A 30-year-old woman, driving a Hyundai sedan, swerved in reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. According to the police report, 'A Hyundai swerved from a phantom car. Metal screamed. The driver, 30, belted and alone, bled from the pelvis. She sat in shock.' The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The driver suffered severe bleeding to the pelvis and was in shock. No other road users were involved or injured. The data notes the driver was wearing a lap belt and harness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626320 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 28 - A bus struck a sedan making a left turn on Northern Boulevard in Queens. Two passengers in the sedan suffered injuries. The crash involved driver inattention and failure to yield. Both victims were conscious and restrained at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a bus traveling west on Northern Boulevard collided with a sedan turning left northbound. The impact struck the sedan's right side doors. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 5-year-old boy with a head contusion and a 62-year-old woman with neck whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained—one in a child restraint, the other with a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The bus driver was going straight ahead, while the sedan driver was making a left turn. The injuries reflect the force of the side impact and the failure to yield that led to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624230 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 22 - Pick-up slammed into sedan’s rear on Long Island Expressway. Woman in front seat hurt—neck pain, whiplash. Night crash. Police cite following too closely. System failed to protect her.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. The sedan carried two people. The front passenger, a 29-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. The pick-up struck the sedan’s center back end with its front. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The pick-up driver’s license status and sex were not provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623101 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 1 - Two SUVs crashed on Grand Central Parkway. Both changed lanes. Metal struck metal. A 24-year-old driver took the hit. Neck injured. Whiplash. He stayed belted. Shock followed.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided while changing lanes on Grand Central Parkway. The front of a 2021 Jeep struck the left rear bumper of a 2018 Toyota. The 24-year-old male driver of the Toyota suffered neck injuries and whiplash. He was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness. Both drivers held New York licenses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not name specific driver errors. The crash left one driver hurt and both vehicles damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617280 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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

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

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

Mar 21 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Feb 28 - A 30-year-old male driver suffered bruises and arm injuries in a crash on Grand Central Parkway. His pick-up truck hit an object with the left front quarter panel. The road was slippery. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male driver in a 2015 Chevrolet pick-up truck was injured when his vehicle collided on Grand Central Parkway. The truck's left front quarter panel sustained damage. The driver suffered contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The driver was licensed in New York and traveling west, going straight ahead at the time of impact. An airbag deployed during the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4608908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 18 - Four drivers hurt in a chain crash on Grand Central Parkway. SUVs and sedans slammed metal at speed. Chest, leg, and arm injuries. Unsafe speed and bad reactions fueled the wreck. No one ejected. All survived.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle collision struck Grand Central Parkway at 9:40 a.m. Four drivers suffered injuries to the chest, legs, and arms, including fractures and internal trauma. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as contributing factors. The crash involved several SUVs and sedans, all traveling eastbound. Impact points included front quarter panels and bumpers. No ejections occurred. All drivers were conscious and restrained by seat belts and airbags. The police report does not mention any victim fault or helmet use. Driver errors in speed and reaction triggered the crash, leaving four injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606497 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 16 - Mayor Adams told Albany: the city pays enough for the MTA. State lawmakers pushed back. Hochul wants the city to cover more. The fight over who funds transit leaves riders in limbo. No new money means service cuts or fare hikes loom.

On February 16, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams traveled to Albany to oppose Governor Hochul’s proposal for New York City to contribute an extra $500 million annually to the MTA. Adams argued, “MTA is a statewide obligation. We’re doing our share.” State lawmakers, including Assembly Member Ed Braunstein and State Senator Liz Krueger, countered that the city should help. Hochul’s budget would shift more costs—like Access-A-Ride and student Metrocards—to the city. Progressive lawmakers suggested taxing the wealthy and freezing fares. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins warned, “To increase fares would be detrimental.” The debate continues as the legislature drafts its own budget. No direct safety analysis was provided, but funding gaps threaten transit service, putting vulnerable riders at risk.

• Adams To Albany: Someone Fund The MTA; Albany To Adams: Someone Fund The MTA, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-16

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 5 - A 4-year-old boy was struck while crossing 251 Street near 60 Avenue in Queens. The sedan, making a left turn, hit him with its front center. The child suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northeast on 251 Street made a left turn and struck a 4-year-old pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The child sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inexperience as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but was not at an intersection or crosswalk. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The driver was licensed and operating a 2015 Chevrolet sedan. No safety equipment was noted for the pedestrian. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603259 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 4 - Two sedans collided on Cross Island Parkway. The rear vehicle struck the front car’s right rear quarter panel. A 40-year-old female front passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved close following and driver distraction.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Cross Island Parkway collided when the rear vehicle struck the right rear quarter panel of the front car. The front passenger, a 40-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists driver errors including "Following Too Closely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as contributing factors. The rear vehicle was slowing or stopping, while the front vehicle was going straight ahead. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the rear car and the right rear bumper of the front car.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595308 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19