Blood on the Crosswalk: South Jamaica Pays for City Hall’s Inaction

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 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 - An SUV making a left turn collided with a southbound e-scooter on Merrick Blvd. The e-scooter driver was ejected, suffering head injuries and contusions. Police cited unsafe speed as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, at 7:57 AM on Merrick Blvd, a station wagon/SUV traveling west made a left turn and struck a southbound e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 35-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained head injuries and contusions, classified as injury severity level 3. The police report identifies "Unsafe Speed" as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error related to speed management. The SUV driver’s maneuver of making a left turn intersected with the e-scooter's path, resulting in impact at the SUV's right rear quarter panel and the e-scooter's center front end. No safety equipment was reported on the e-scooter driver, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. The collision highlights the dangers posed by vehicle turning movements combined with unsafe speeds.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791009 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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

Jan 22 - 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

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 8 - A sedan slammed into a 50-year-old cyclist near Liberty Avenue. The car’s front end crushed the man’s leg. He stayed conscious, pain sharp, bike twisted. Police cite driver distraction. The car rolled on, unscathed. The street bore the wound.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 170th Street near Liberty Avenue struck a 50-year-old man riding a bicycle. The report states the car’s center front end hit the cyclist, crushing his leg and leaving him with serious injuries, though he remained conscious at the scene. The police document lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor in the crash. The sedan showed no damage, while the bicycle was left twisted on the street. No evidence in the report points to any cyclist error or behavior as a cause. The collision underscores the systemic danger posed when drivers fail to pay attention, with vulnerable road users bearing the brunt of the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785438 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 8 - Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Dec 25 - A woman crossing 111th Avenue was struck by two westbound SUVs. Both drivers were distracted. Her pelvis shattered. Blood pooled on the street. She died before help could arrive. The night swallowed her last breath.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old woman was crossing 111th Avenue near 158th Street in Queens when she was struck by two westbound SUVs. The crash occurred at 21:33. The report states both drivers were inattentive or distracted at the time of the collision. The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries, including a shattered pelvis and internal bleeding, and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The victim was crossing without a signal, but this is only mentioned after the drivers' failures. The impact and aftermath are described in stark terms: 'Her pelvis shattered. Internal bleeding. She died on the street. Both drivers were distracted.' The sequence of events and the cited driver errors underscore the systemic danger faced by pedestrians on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781816 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 21 - A cyclist riding north on 111 Avenue suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation after a vehicle making a right turn struck him. The crash, caused by driver inattention, left the bicyclist injured but conscious, highlighting dangers from distracted driving.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling north on 111 Avenue was struck by a vehicle making a right turn at 1:35 AM in Queens. The vehicle impacted the cyclist's left rear quarter panel with its right front bumper. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old male, sustained a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The cyclist was not ejected from his bike and remained conscious after the collision. No other contributing factors related to the cyclist were noted. The crash underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted drivers failing to yield or properly observe cyclists sharing the road.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780781 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 4 - A sedan slammed into an e-scooter on 108 Avenue. The rider, a 66-year-old man, was knocked unconscious with hip and leg injuries. Driver ignored traffic control and failed to yield. Streets turned violent. No escape.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 108 Avenue struck an e-scooter heading north near Guy R Brewer Blvd in Queens at 14:15. The e-scooter driver, a 66-year-old man, suffered serious hip and upper leg injuries and was rendered unconscious. The report cites the sedan driver's failure to yield right-of-way and disregard for traffic control as contributing factors. The sedan's left side doors and rear quarter panel were damaged, showing the force of impact. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The collision underscores driver errors—failure to yield and ignoring traffic signals—as central causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776661 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 4 - Two sedans slammed together on Princeton Street at 107 Avenue. Both drivers hurt. Hip, leg, and back injuries. Police blame driver distraction. Metal twisted. No pedestrians involved.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 14:11 on Princeton Street near 107 Avenue in Queens. Both drivers, a 27-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man, suffered injuries—hip and upper leg for one, back pain for the other. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main cause for both drivers. Both wore lap belts and were not ejected. The crash left both cars with center front end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not cite any victim fault or other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776659 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 30 - A sedan struck a 23-year-old female bicyclist in Queens at 7 p.m. The rider suffered facial abrasions but was conscious and not ejected. The sedan’s left front bumper was damaged while the bike showed no damage. Confusion contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, at 7 p.m. in Queens near 107-45 165 Street, a 2018 Hyundai sedan collided with a female bicyclist traveling north. The sedan was initially parked and impacted the bicyclist with its left front bumper, causing facial abrasions. The bicyclist, age 23, was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, indicating confusion played a role in the crash dynamics. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly listed in the report. The sedan sustained damage to its left front bumper, while the bike showed no damage. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but this was not noted as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775538 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 22 - A taxi making a right turn collided with a sedan traveling straight on Van Wyck Expressway. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and shock. Police cite traffic control disregard and improper lane usage as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Van Wyck Expressway at 10:54 a.m. A taxi, traveling east and making a right turn, struck the right rear quarter panel of a southbound sedan. The sedan driver, a 49-year-old male, sustained back injuries and was in shock, reporting pain or nausea. The police report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factors, highlighting driver errors on the part of the taxi operator. The taxi's impact point was the right front bumper, indicating a failure to yield or properly observe traffic controls during the turn. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing behaviors by the sedan driver. The collision underscores the dangers posed by driver disregard for traffic controls and improper lane maneuvers on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773368 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 22 - A 21-year-old man crossing outside a crosswalk was struck by a northbound sedan. The impact fractured his knee and lower leg. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, with the vehicle’s right front bumper hitting the pedestrian off intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Guy R Brewer Blvd in Queens struck a 21-year-old male pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact point was the vehicle's right front bumper, which sustained damage. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and was not at an intersection when struck. No pedestrian behaviors such as crossing signals or helmet use were listed as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. This crash highlights the deadly consequences of driver distraction in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774294 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 20 - Sedan slammed into e-scooter turning left on 155 Street. E-scooter driver suffered facial wounds and shock. Police blamed failure to yield. Both vehicles took front-end damage.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north struck a southbound e-scooter making a left turn on 155 Street in Queens at 17:04. The e-scooter driver, a 47-year-old man, suffered facial injuries, minor bleeding, and shock. The sedan's right front bumper hit the e-scooter's right rear quarter panel. Police cited 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, pointing to the sedan driver's error. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed. Both drivers were licensed. No mention of helmet or signal use appeared in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776018 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 1 - A taxi struck the rear of a sedan on the Van Wyck Expressway at 2:55 a.m. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and shock. Police cite the taxi driver's failure to maintain a safe distance as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, at 2:55 a.m. on the Van Wyck Expressway, a taxi traveling north struck the center back end of a sedan also heading north. The taxi driver was slowing or stopping before impact. The sedan driver, a 41-year-old male, was injured with back pain and experienced shock. The police report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The sedan driver was not ejected and reported complaints of pain or nausea. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769076 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 27 - A 69-year-old woman driving an SUV struck a parked sedan on Shore Avenue in Queens. The SUV’s left front bumper hit the sedan’s center front end. The driver suffered back injuries but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Shore Avenue near Sutphin Boulevard in Queens at 2:55 PM. A 69-year-old female driver of a 2020 Mercedes SUV traveling westbound collided with a parked 2008 Toyota sedan. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The driver was injured with back trauma and remained conscious, secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The collision involved a moving SUV striking a stationary vehicle, highlighting driver error in vehicle control or attention. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted in the police data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767332 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 23 - Two sedans crashed at 139 Street and 109 Avenue. Both drivers were distracted. The impact hit left front bumpers. The woman turning left was hurt. Whiplash and body trauma followed. No one else involved.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 15:35 on 139 Street near 109 Avenue in Queens. The female driver, age 19, was making a left turn. The male driver was going straight. Both vehicles struck at the left front bumper. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The woman suffered whiplash and injuries to her entire body. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash shows the danger when drivers lose focus at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765786 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18