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

A tanker truck struck the rear of an SUV traveling westbound on the Long Island Expressway. The SUV driver, a 33-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited the tanker driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, at 7:55 AM on the Long Island Expressway, a tanker truck traveling westbound collided with the center back end of a westbound SUV. The SUV driver, a 33-year-old woman, was injured, suffering back pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the tanker driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the SUV. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The tanker’s front end struck the SUV’s rear center, causing damage to both vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710292 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two vehicles collided on Cloverdale Boulevard in Queens. Both drivers, men aged 40, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved a Ford SUV and a Hyundai sedan. Driver inattention was cited as a contributing factor in the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:52 on Cloverdale Boulevard in Queens involving a 2017 Ford SUV traveling south and a 2013 Hyundai sedan traveling east. Both drivers, men aged 40, were injured with neck pain and whiplash, each conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the left front bumper of the sedan. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were going straight ahead prior to the crash. No ejections occurred. The report does not list any contributing factors related to victim behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708176 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV slammed into sedan’s rear on Long Island Expressway. Young driver hurt in face, left in shock. Both cars westbound. No ejection. Police list no clear cause.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male sedan driver suffered facial injuries and shock when an SUV rear-ended his car on the Long Island Expressway at 19:55. Both vehicles were traveling westbound, straight ahead. The SUV struck the sedan’s center back end. The injured driver was restrained by lap belt and harness. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. No ejection occurred. No visible complaints noted beyond the facial injury and shock. The report does not cite any error by the sedan driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

An SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway slowed or stopped and was struck from behind by a tractor truck also heading east. Two occupants in the SUV suffered moderate injuries including back contusions and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway around 7:00 AM. The SUV, driven by a 40-year-old male, was slowing or stopping when it was hit in the center back end by a tractor truck traveling straight ahead. The impact point on the truck was its center front end. The SUV had two occupants: the driver and a 37-year-old female front passenger. Both occupants were injured with severity level 3 injuries; the driver sustained back contusions and the passenger suffered whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the SUV driver, indicating possible driver error related to the slowing or stopping maneuver. The tractor truck driver was licensed and traveling eastbound. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704651 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A tractor truck slammed into the back of a sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway. The front passenger in the sedan suffered a back injury and shock. Police cited the truck driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:37 AM on the Long Island Expressway. A tractor truck traveling east struck the center back end of a sedan also moving east. The impact injured the sedan’s front passenger, a 42-year-old man, who suffered a back injury and was in shock. The passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The police report identifies the truck driver’s error as "Following Too Closely," indicating failure to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. No other contributing factors were specified. The focus remains on the truck driver’s responsibility for the rear-end collision that caused injury to the sedan occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703840 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-02-13

Eighteen lawmakers, including Joseph Borelli, sued to stop New York’s $15 congestion pricing. They claim the toll shifts pollution, burdens drivers, and fails communities with poor transit. The MTA defends the plan, saying it funds safer, less crowded streets.

On February 4, 2024, Council Member Joseph C. Borelli (District 51) joined seventeen other lawmakers in a federal lawsuit to block New York City’s $15 congestion pricing toll for Midtown Manhattan. The suit, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, argues the toll 'is a detriment to those that will be affected by this toll, environmentally and financially,' and claims it will shift traffic and pollution to other neighborhoods. Other plaintiffs include State Senators James Skoufis, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Iwen Chu, Monica Martinez, and Assemblymembers Aileen Gunther, Jamie Williams, and David Weprin. The MTA, backed by Governor Hochul, says the toll will raise $1 billion yearly for transit upgrades, promising safer, less congested streets and better transit for the majority who rely on public transportation. The case highlights the political and environmental battle over how to fund and shape New York’s streets.

• 18 NY lawmakers join suit to block $15 congestion toll, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-04

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 2024-01-30

A tractor truck struck a sedan from behind on the Long Island Expressway. Both male occupants of the sedan suffered contusions and injuries to back and lower leg. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 6:45 a.m., a 2018 diesel tractor truck traveling west on the Long Island Expressway collided with the rear center of a 2010 sedan also traveling west. The truck's front center end impacted the sedan's rear center end. The sedan carried two male occupants: a 40-year-old driver and a 43-year-old right rear passenger. Both were conscious but injured, suffering contusions and bruises to the back and lower leg areas. The driver of the tractor truck was licensed and reportedly inattentive or distracted at the time of the crash, as noted under contributing factors. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victims. Both sedan occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The collision highlights the dangers of driver inattention on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697859 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck struck the rear of a sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway. The sedan’s front passenger, a 27-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions. Police cited the truck driver’s failure to maintain distance as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, at 7:09 a.m. on the Long Island Expressway, a box truck traveling east rear-ended a sedan also heading east. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the truck. The truck driver was cited for "Following Too Closely," indicating failure to maintain a safe distance. The sedan was slowing or stopping before the collision. The front passenger of the sedan, a 27-year-old female occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained neck contusions and was injured but conscious. The report lists no contributing factors related to the victim. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating on high-speed roadways and the serious injuries that can result from rear-end collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698257 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A third lawsuit strikes at the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. David Weprin and conservative lawmakers claim the review was weak. They want the toll halted. The MTA stands firm. Transit advocates call the suit a distraction. The fight delays safer, quieter streets.

On January 18, 2024, Assemblymember David Weprin and the City Council’s Common Sense Caucus filed a federal lawsuit against the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. The case, filed in Manhattan, challenges the environmental review process and seeks to block the $15 daily toll for cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The lawsuit claims, 'the city, state, and federal government did not do the proper review to protect citizens.' Council Member Bob Holden called the charge 'insane.' The MTA defends its review and says delays threaten $15 billion in transit upgrades. Transit advocates say the lawsuit is frivolous and congestion pricing’s benefits are clear. The case puts the program’s timeline—and safer streets for vulnerable road users—at risk.

• Congestion pricing | MTA hit with third lawsuit from conservative group seeking to stop Manhattan toll plan, amny.com, Published 2024-01-18

Lower East Side residents and Councilman Holden sued to block the $15 congestion toll. They claim it will push traffic to the FDR, worsen air, and hurt businesses. The MTA defends the plan, citing traffic relief and transit funding.

On January 17, 2024, Councilman Robert F. Holden (District 30) joined a lawsuit challenging the MTA’s $15 congestion pricing policy. The legal action, filed by Lower East Side residents, business owners, and elected officials, claims the toll will create a traffic nightmare and worsen pollution by diverting cars to the FDR Drive. The suit argues the MTA and federal government failed to conduct an adequate environmental review and did not consider impacts on local businesses or vulnerable residents. The matter summary reads: 'Lower East Side residents sue MTA over $15 congestion toll, claiming it will create a traffic nightmare.' Holden’s involvement signals council opposition. The MTA maintains the program, approved in 2019, will cut congestion and fund transit upgrades. No independent safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Lower East Side residents sue MTA over $15 congestion toll, claiming it will create a traffic nightmare, nypost.com, Published 2024-01-17

SUV struck sedan’s rear on 218 Street. Woman, 64, suffered internal injuries. Police cite unsafe speed, ignored traffic control. Crash left her conscious, restrained. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling south on 218 Street hit the left rear quarter panel of a Jeep sedan heading east. The sedan’s 64-year-old female driver suffered internal injuries to her entire body but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed and disregarding traffic control as contributing factors. The SUV driver’s actions led to the crash. No other factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687528 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 17-year-old e-bike rider was partially ejected and fractured his hip and upper leg after a 2014 SUV made a left turn on Bell Boulevard in Queens. The SUV struck the bike head-on. The rider was conscious and wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a 2014 Honda SUV was making a left turn on Bell Boulevard in Queens when it collided head-on with an eastbound e-bike ridden by a 17-year-old male. The e-bike rider was partially ejected and suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated hip and upper leg injury. The rider was conscious at the scene and wearing a helmet. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator during the turn. The collision caused center front-end damage to the SUV and left front bumper damage to the e-bike. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679355 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck slammed into the rear left bumper of a slowing sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Four sedan occupants suffered neck and back injuries. The truck driver followed too closely, causing the crash. All victims were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on the Long Island Expressway rear-ended a sedan that was slowing or stopping. The point of impact was the sedan's left rear bumper. Four occupants in the sedan, including the driver and three passengers, sustained injuries such as whiplash and back pain. All were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The truck driver was identified as the primary cause, with 'Following Too Closely' listed as a contributing factor. No ejections occurred. The sedan driver and passengers suffered neck and back injuries but were not at fault. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673739 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck the rear of a tractor truck on the Long Island Expressway. Both sedan occupants suffered neck injuries and shock. The crash happened at 6:18 a.m. Both driver and passenger complained of pain and nausea. The sedan’s rear end was damaged.

According to the police report, a sedan collided with the rear of a tractor truck on the Long Island Expressway. The sedan was traveling eastbound and struck the truck’s left front bumper with its center back end. Both occupants of the sedan, a 37-year-old male driver and a 42-year-old female front passenger, were injured with neck pain and shock. Both were wearing lap belts and were not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor for both occupants, indicating driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The sedan sustained damage to its center back end, while the truck’s left front bumper was damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorscooter passenger was ejected and injured on 64 Avenue in Queens. The 22-year-old woman suffered bruises and arm injuries. The vehicle showed no damage. Police list unspecified contributing factors. The passenger remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a motorscooter traveling north on 64 Avenue in Queens had two occupants. The right rear passenger, a 22-year-old woman, was ejected during the crash and sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report notes no damage to the vehicle and lists contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were recorded. The passenger's safety equipment status is unknown. The passenger was conscious after the incident. The crash details do not indicate any other vehicles involved or specific driver mistakes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4666443 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan crashed head-on on 75 Avenue in Queens. The woman driving suffered facial wounds and bleeding. Passenger distraction listed as cause. No others hurt. Metal and flesh bore the brunt.

According to the police report, a 2011 sedan traveling east on 75 Avenue in Queens struck an object head-on. The 40-year-old female driver was injured, suffering facial wounds and minor bleeding. Passenger distraction is listed as the contributing factor, with the driver losing consciousness before impact. The report notes the driver was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The vehicle sustained center front-end damage. The crash underscores the risk when attention inside the car fails.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654909 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2023-06-08