No More Waiting for Blood: Make Oakland Gardens Streets Safe Now

May 1 - Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

Apr 23 - A Brooklyn man lost control on Belt Parkway. His SUV struck a tree near JFK. Emergency crews arrived but could not save him. The road stayed quiet. Police kept watch. The investigation continues.

The Brooklyn Paper reported on April 23, 2025, that a 57-year-old Brooklyn man died after crashing his SUV on the Belt Parkway near JFK Airport. Police said the driver "failed to navigate the roadway and struck a tree." Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case, and no arrests have been made. The article highlights the crash location—westbound Belt Parkway, just west of 130th Street—and notes the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the dangers present on high-speed parkways and the unforgiving design of tree-lined medians.

• Driver Dies After Belt Parkway Crash, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-23

Apr 21 - Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.

• Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-21

Apr 20 - A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. The driver struck a man on a bicycle. He died at the scene. Police closed the street. Another life ended in the crosswalk’s shadow. The city investigates. The street stays dangerous.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The crash happened as the truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street. According to police, 'the truck was turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street in Middle Village when the collision occurred.' The cyclist, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating. The incident highlights the risks faced by cyclists at intersections and the dangers of large vehicles turning across paths. Policy questions remain about intersection design and vehicle operation in dense neighborhoods.

• FDNY Truck Turns, Cyclist Killed In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-20

Apr 19 - A firetruck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. The wheels crushed a cyclist. Sirens wailed. Sheets covered the scene. Two firefighters stood stunned. The body lay beneath the truck. One life ended. The street stayed silent.

According to the New York Post (April 19, 2025), an FDNY Rescue Company 4 firetruck struck and killed a cyclist while turning onto Juniper Boulevard near Juniper Valley Park in Queens. The truck was responding to a call with lights and sirens. The victim, reportedly in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene after being trapped under the rear wheels. Photos showed the aftermath, with sheets covering the truck’s back wheels. A witness told the Post, “We stopped at the red light and there was the FDNY truck... One of them seemed concerned, like shaken, like shocked.” The incident is under investigation. The article highlights the risks at intersections and the dangers large emergency vehicles pose to vulnerable road users in city traffic.

• Firetruck Kills Cyclist Near Queens Park, New York Post, Published 2025-04-19

Apr 12 - SUV struck a parked sedan on the Long Island Expressway. A 20-year-old woman suffered a neck injury and shock. Obstructed view cited. Both vehicles damaged. Night, metal, pain.

A crash on the Long Island Expressway left a 20-year-old woman injured after an SUV hit her parked sedan. According to the police report, the SUV's right front bumper struck the sedan's left rear bumper at 3:15 a.m. The woman, driving the sedan, suffered a neck injury and was in shock. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and used lap belts. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805111 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 4 - A driver lost control near a Queens school. The car struck two children and a man. A seven-year-old girl’s leg snapped. Sirens wailed. Police arrested the driver. The sidewalk bore the scars. The city’s danger was plain.

According to the New York Post (April 4, 2025), an unlicensed driver reversed into a box truck, then spun onto the sidewalk outside Our World Neighborhood Charter School in Astoria, Queens. The crash injured three: a 7-year-old girl with a broken femur and head injury, a 14-year-old girl with leg injuries, and a 58-year-old man with bruises. The article states, 'Bah was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving and driving without a license.' This incident follows another recent crash involving a suspended license, highlighting recurring risks from unlicensed drivers. The crash underscores the persistent threat cars pose to people on city sidewalks, especially near schools.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits Kids Outside School, New York Post, Published 2025-04-04

Apr 3 - Two cars struck Jorman Esparza-Olivares at a busy Rego Park crossing. He suffered head and body trauma. Medics rushed him to Elmhurst. He died six days later. Both drivers stayed. No charges. The intersection remains dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 3, 2025, that Jorman Esparza-Olivares, 23, was killed after being struck by two drivers while riding his e-bike north on 63rd Drive at Queens Blvd. The crash occurred just before 5:30 p.m. on March 19. According to police, 'It wasn't clear if any of the men involved in the crash ran a red light.' Esparza-Olivares suffered severe injuries and died six days later at Elmhurst Medical Center. Both drivers, operating a Ford SUV and a Mercedes Benz, remained at the scene and were not immediately charged. The incident highlights persistent risks for cyclists at major intersections and raises questions about traffic controls and driver awareness on Queens Blvd.

• E-Bike Rider Killed At Queens Intersection, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-03

Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.

• Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

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

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

Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.

NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'

• Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.

According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.

• FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26

Feb 25 - A 43-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after an SUV made a left turn and struck him at a Queens intersection. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal. The vehicle showed no damage, highlighting the impact on the vulnerable pedestrian.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing an intersection on Bell Blvd in Queens at approximately 8:30 PM. The report states the pedestrian was crossing without a signal when a 2016 Honda SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a left turn. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the point of impact was noted as 'No Damage,' indicating the pedestrian absorbed the force. The report lists no specific driver contributing factors but highlights the pedestrian's crossing without a signal. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated as moderate. The driver’s left turn maneuver and failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing the street created a hazardous situation resulting in injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794944 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

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

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

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

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

Feb 3 - Two sedans collided head-on on 210 St in Queens. The 19-year-old male driver suffered a fractured elbow and hand injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:13 on 210 St in Queens involving two sedans traveling east and south. The 19-year-old male driver of one sedan was injured with a fractured elbow and hand dislocation, remaining conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. Both vehicles had front bumper damage, indicating a frontal impact. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing victim behaviors in the report. The crash highlights driver error—specifically inattention and distraction—as the primary cause of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790202 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03