Crash Count for Jamaica
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 2,737
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 1,621
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 340
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 10
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 4
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 30, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Jamaica?

Jamaica Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safe Streets Now

Jamaica Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safe Streets Now

Jamaica: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 19, 2025

The Toll in Jamaica: Lives Shattered, Streets Unchanged

In the past year, Jamaica saw 1 killed, 5 seriously hurt, and 475 injured in 766 crashes. The numbers do not bleed, but the people do. Last month, a 16-year-old was left with severe facial wounds after a moped and taxi collided on Hillside Avenue. The cause: unsafe speed and a bad lane change. The boy survived. Many do not.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and children remain at risk. In the last twelve months, 42 children were injured on these streets. One person over 55 died. The roll call of pain is long, and it does not end.

“I Went This Way and That Way”: The Human Cost

On July 11, an MTA bus in Queens jumped the curb and struck a pole, injuring eight. Ken Baur, a passenger, said, “I was all the way in the back and all of a sudden the bus hit the curb, I guess, jumped the curb, I went this way and that way and banged into the side of the bus.” The driver had fallen asleep. The MTA pulled him from service. The investigation is not over. The injuries were called minor. For the people on that bus, the memory will not be.

A few blocks away, a 56-year-old man was killed crossing Hillside Avenue. He was not at a crosswalk. The SUV kept going straight. The man did not.

Leadership: Votes, Delays, and the Fight for Safer Streets

Local leaders have taken some steps. State Senator Leroy Comrie voted yes on the Stop Super Speeders Act, a bill to force repeat speeders to install speed-limiting devices. He also voted to extend school speed zones. These are steps, not leaps.

But the pace is slow. It still takes years to get a speed hump. The city can lower speed limits to 20 mph, but has not done so everywhere. The carnage continues.

The Next Step: Demand Action Now

Every day of delay is another day of blood on the street. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand speed cameras. Demand streets where a child can cross without fear.

Do not wait for another name to be added to the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Jamaica sit politically?
Jamaica belongs to borough Queens, community board Queens CB12, city council district District 27, assembly district AD 29 and state senate district SD 14.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in Jamaica?
Most harm came from Cars and SUVs (1 death, 273 minor injuries, 85 moderate, 2 serious), followed by Trucks and Buses (no deaths, 25 minor, 4 moderate, 2 serious), Motorcycles and Mopeds (no deaths, 4 minor, 2 moderate), and Bikes (no deaths, 6 minor, 1 moderate, 1 serious).
Are these crashes just 'accidents'?
No. The data shows patterns—speed, unsafe turns, and inaction from leadership. These are preventable deaths and injuries, not random acts of fate.
What can local politicians do to stop traffic violence?
They can lower speed limits, install speed cameras, redesign streets, and pass laws like the Stop Super Speeders Act. They can act faster and put safety before delay.
How many people have been killed or seriously injured in Jamaica recently?
In the last year, 1 person was killed and 5 were seriously injured in 766 crashes. 475 more were hurt.
Who is most at risk in Jamaica?
Children, pedestrians, and older adults. 42 children and 68 people over 55 were injured in the last year.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Alicia Hyndman
Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman
District 29
District Office:
232-06A Merrick Blvd., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
Legislative Office:
Room 717, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Nantasha Williams
Council Member Nantasha Williams
District 27
District Office:
172-12 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans, NY 11434
718-527-4356
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1850, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6984
Twitter: CMBWilliams
Leroy Comrie
State Senator Leroy Comrie
District 14
District Office:
113-43 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans, NY 11412
Legislative Office:
Room 913, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Jamaica Jamaica sits in Queens, Precinct 103, District 27, AD 29, SD 14, Queens CB12.

See also
Boroughs
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Jamaica

Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver

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.


Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave

A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795452 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway

Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
S 4946
Comrie sponsors yellow alert bill, no direct impact on street safety.

Senator Comrie backs a yellow alert system. Police would blast car details after deadly hit-and-runs. The goal: catch drivers who kill and flee. The bill stands at sponsorship. No safety review yet.

Senate Bill S 4946, sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie, aims to create a 'yellow alert system' for law enforcement to publicize vehicle information after fatal hit-and-run crashes. The bill is at the sponsorship stage as of February 14, 2025. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a "yellow alert system" for law enforcement to publicize vehicle information in instances of hit-and-run accidents in which a person has been killed.' No committee action or vote has occurred. No safety analyst has reviewed the impact on vulnerable road users.


Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three

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.


Int 1160-2025
Williams votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.

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.


SUV Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian in Crosswalk

SUV hit a 53-year-old woman crossing with the signal. Driver failed to yield and was distracted. The impact threw her back. She was hurt but conscious. The crash happened at 146 Street and Jamaica Avenue.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old woman was crossing 146 Street at Jamaica Avenue with the signal when a northbound SUV turned left and struck her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered back injuries but remained conscious after the crash. The report states the driver, a licensed woman from New York, failed to yield the right-of-way and was inattentive or distracted. The vehicle was not damaged. The police list driver error—failure to yield right-of-way and inattention/distraction—as contributing factors. The pedestrian’s action, crossing with the signal, is noted but not cited as a cause.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791848 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash

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.


Sedan Passenger Injured in Unsafe Lane Change Crash

A sedan making a right turn collided with a tanker traveling straight north on 97 Ave. The sedan’s front passenger suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries, including whiplash. Police cite unsafe lane changing as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:10 on 97 Ave involving a 2011 Chevrolet sedan and a 2021 Mack tanker truck, both traveling north. The sedan was making a right turn when it collided with the tanker’s left front bumper, impacting the sedan’s right rear bumper. The front passenger in the sedan, a 28-year-old male, was injured with abdominal and pelvic trauma and complained of whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt at the time. The report identifies 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The tanker driver was licensed in New Jersey, and the sedan driver was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791578 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash

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.


Pedestrian’s Leg Crushed by Two SUVs on 89th Avenue

A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790442 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Distracted Driver Hits Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

A 65-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a vehicle making a left turn struck him at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver’s inattention caused the collision, resulting in bruising and trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Parsons Blvd near Jamaica Ave in Queens at 18:25. The vehicle, traveling south and making a left turn, struck a 65-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. This collision highlights the systemic danger posed by distracted driving during turning maneuvers at intersections.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789975 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Queens SUV Collision Causes Neck Injury

Two SUVs collided at a Queens intersection. One driver suffered a neck injury and whiplash. Both drivers were distracted, causing impact on the left side and front bumper. The crash left one occupant injured but conscious, restrained by a seatbelt.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided near 90-38 170 Street in Queens at 8:27 AM. The first vehicle, traveling north, was struck on its left side doors by the second vehicle making a left turn westbound. Both drivers were cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction as contributing factors. The injured party was a 35-year-old female driver, conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness, who sustained a neck injury described as whiplash. The impact damaged the left side doors of the first SUV and the left front bumper of the second. The report highlights driver distraction as the primary cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789264 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
2
Sedan Crash on Hillside Ave Injures Two

A sedan traveling west on Hillside Ave struck a defect in the pavement, causing a crash that injured its two occupants. The 65-year-old driver suffered head abrasions; the 93-year-old passenger sustained whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2015 Nissan sedan traveling west on Hillside Ave collided due to a defective pavement and tire failure, which are cited as contributing factors. The driver, a 65-year-old man, was injured with head abrasions and remained conscious, secured by a lap belt and harness. The front passenger, a 93-year-old woman, also conscious and restrained, suffered whiplash affecting her entire body. The vehicle's left front bumper was damaged at the point of impact. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The report highlights pavement defects and tire inadequacy as the primary causes, with no driver error or victim behavior noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788158 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash

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.


Sedan Strikes Pedestrian at Queens Intersection

A 46-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan hit him at a Queens intersection late at night. The pedestrian was left in shock with complaints of pain and nausea. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at its center front end.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 138-60 Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:55 PM. The pedestrian was struck by a 2017 Nissan sedan traveling west, which was going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan, causing knee, lower leg, and foot injuries to the pedestrian, who was left in shock and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian fault or helmet use. The driver's actions leading to the collision are not detailed beyond the vehicle's travel direction and impact point, highlighting systemic dangers at this intersection for pedestrians.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789258 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Aggressive Driving Causes Sedan Collision in Queens

Two sedans collided on 177 Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The driver of one vehicle suffered back injuries and shock. Police report cites aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained front and rear end damage.

According to the police report, at 19:10 on 177 Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens, two sedans collided while both were traveling straight ahead. The driver of one sedan, a 47-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain and shock, reporting complaints of pain or nausea. The report explicitly lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The collision involved impact at the center front end of one vehicle and the center back end of the other, indicating a rear-end collision. Both vehicles were registered in New York and each had one occupant. The injured driver was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The police report does not mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash, focusing solely on the driver errors of aggressive driving and road rage.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789256 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Speeding SUV Crushes Parked Sedan, Driver Killed

Before dawn on 90th Avenue, a speeding SUV tore into a parked sedan. Metal shrieked, the roof caved. A 63-year-old man, alone behind the wheel, died in the wreckage. The street fell silent, marked by violence and loss.

According to the police report, a Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicle traveling east on 90th Avenue near 143rd Street struck a parked sedan at 5:38 a.m. The report states the SUV was moving at 'Unsafe Speed' when it collided with the sedan, folding metal and collapsing the sedan's roof. The sole occupant of the SUV, a 63-year-old man, was killed in the crash. The sedan was unoccupied. The police narrative describes the scene: 'A speeding SUV slammed into a parked sedan. Metal folded. The roof collapsed.' The contributing factor listed is 'Unsafe Speed,' underscoring the role of excessive speed in this fatal collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors are cited in the report. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when speed overtakes control on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787451 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Improper Turn and Tailgating Injure SUV Driver

A truck and SUV collided on 170 St in Queens. Both turned right. The SUV driver, 57, suffered head trauma and whiplash. Police cite improper turning and following too closely as causes.

According to the police report, a tractor truck and a sport utility vehicle collided on 170 St near Douglas Ave in Queens at 12:31 PM. Both vehicles were making right turns when the crash occurred. The 57-year-old SUV driver was left semiconscious with head injuries and whiplash. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, pointing to driver errors. The SUV's left front bumper was damaged. The truck showed no damage. The SUV driver wore a lap belt. No victim actions were cited as contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787328 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
SUV and Sedan Collide on 148th Street

Two northbound vehicles struck each other on 148th Street, injuring a 47-year-old male sedan driver. Impact occurred at the front quarters of both vehicles. The sedan driver suffered a back contusion but remained conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2007 SUV and a 2013 sedan, both traveling north on 148th Street, collided with impact at the right front quarter panel of the SUV and the left front bumper of the sedan. The sedan driver, a 47-year-old male occupant, was injured with a back contusion and remained conscious. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver, but no explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision caused damage primarily to the front quarters of both vehicles.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787023 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06