No More Excuses: Slow Down or More Will Die

Jun 13 - A Chevy Tahoe struck a 74-year-old man crossing Northern Blvd. Hours later, a BMW hit a moped rider turning in Brooklyn. Both victims died. Both drivers stayed. No charges. The Tahoe had a record of violations. The city streets stayed deadly.

NY Daily News (June 13, 2025) reports two fatal crashes in New York City within 24 hours. Eric Wexler, 74, was hit by a 2017 Chevy Tahoe while crossing Northern Blvd. in Queens. Police said the Tahoe had 'six speeding and one red light violation,' though it was unclear who drove during those incidents. The driver stayed at the scene; no charges were filed. Less than a day later, Rino El-Saieh, 42, was killed when a 17-year-old BMW driver struck his moped during a left turn in Brooklyn. The BMW then crashed into parked cars. The teen also remained at the scene and faced no immediate charges. Both crashes highlight persistent dangers for pedestrians and riders, and raise questions about enforcement and vehicle histories.

• Two Killed In Separate NYC Crashes, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 12 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.

• File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-12

Jun 12 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.

• File S 5677, Open States, Published 2025-06-12

Jun 12 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-06-12

Jun 11 - A 14-year-old on a scooter suffered a head injury after a sedan struck him on 137 Ave. Driver inexperience and traffic control disregard fueled the crash. The teen was partially ejected. No helmet listed.

A 14-year-old male operating a motorized scooter was injured in a collision with a sedan at 137 Ave and 176 St in Queens. According to the police report, the crash involved driver inexperience and disregard for traffic control. The teen, driving the scooter, suffered a head abrasion and was partially ejected. The sedan’s right front quarter panel was damaged. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. No helmet use was noted for the injured teen. No other injuries were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4819766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 11 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 10 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-06-10

Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 6 - A 76-year-old man crossing Baisley Boulevard with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn. The impact bruised his leg. Police cite failure to yield and disregarding traffic control. The driver and a passenger were also involved.

A 76-year-old pedestrian was injured while crossing Baisley Boulevard at Guy R Brewer Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, the man was crossing with the signal when a 2017 Audi SUV, traveling east and making a left turn, struck him. The pedestrian suffered a contusion to his lower leg. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The driver, a 43-year-old man, and a passenger were also involved but their injuries were unspecified. The report highlights driver errors as primary causes. The pedestrian’s actions—crossing with the signal—are noted, but the fault lies with the driver’s failure to yield and disregard for traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818368 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 26 - A sedan making a U-turn strikes an SUV. Four passengers hurt—head, neck, leg, and abdomen injuries. Police cite driver inattention and improper turning. Metal crunches. Pain follows. A child and three women injured.

On Baisley Boulevard at 161 Place in Queens, a sedan making a U-turn collided with an SUV traveling straight. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly.' Four passengers were injured: an 18-year-old woman suffered a head abrasion, a 28-year-old woman had a leg injury, a 66-year-old woman sustained a neck injury, and a 5-year-old girl complained of abdominal pain. Both drivers were men; one was unlicensed. The report lists no contributing factors for the passengers. The police report highlights driver errors as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815759 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 24 - Two SUVs slammed into stopped cars on Rockaway Boulevard. Two people suffered whiplash. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal and glass scattered. The street fell silent.

Two SUVs and a sedan collided on Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, unsafe speed was a contributing factor. Two people, a 54-year-old male driver and a 60-year-old female passenger, were injured with whiplash and back or neck pain. The crash involved vehicles stopped in traffic and one SUV moving straight ahead. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the driver error. No other contributing factors are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818369 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 6 - Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

May 4 - SUV and sedan collided on Baisley Blvd. Two people hurt. Police cite failure to yield and improper turn. Metal twisted. Lives changed in a blink.

A station wagon/SUV and a sedan crashed at Baisley Blvd and Merrill St in Queens. Two people were injured: a 44-year-old male driver suffered a shoulder injury, and a 33-year-old female passenger sustained a leg injury. According to the police report, both 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' contributed to the crash. The sedan was making a left turn when it struck the SUV going straight. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 3 - SUV hit a woman crossing 133 Ave with the signal. She suffered neck whiplash. Police cite failure to yield. Impact at the center front of the vehicle. System failed to protect her.

A 31-year-old woman was struck by an SUV while crossing 133 Ave at Bedell St in Queens. She was crossing with the signal and suffered neck whiplash. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way while making a left turn. The impact was at the center front of the vehicle. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810281 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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

May 1 - A man crossed Linden Boulevard. A black car hit him and fled. Another car ran over him. He died in the hospital. The first driver vanished. The second stayed. Police search. The street stayed open. Blood on the asphalt.

Patch reported on May 1, 2025, that Christopher Gayton, 62, was killed at Linden Boulevard and 166 Street in Queens. He was struck by an eastbound black vehicle whose driver fled, then run over by a 2024 Ford Edge. The Ford's driver remained at the scene. Police said, 'Police are still searching for the first driver who fled the scene.' No charges have been filed. The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The crash highlights the dangers of multi-lane arterial roads and the ongoing risks for pedestrians in Queens. No arrests have been made.

• Pedestrian Killed In Queens Double Collision, Patch, Published 2025-05-01

Apr 30 - A sedan hit a 24-year-old man crossing Baisley Blvd with the signal. The driver was distracted. The pedestrian suffered leg injuries. Impact was center front. System failed to protect the walker.

A 24-year-old pedestrian was injured when a sedan struck him as he crossed Baisley Blvd with the signal in Queens. According to the police report, the driver was making a left turn and was inattentive or distracted. The pedestrian suffered a contusion and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The sedan showed no damage. The system allowed distraction to endanger a person walking with the right of way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 30 - SUV and sedan collided at 137 Ave and 160 St. Two people bruised. Police cite failure to yield. Steel struck flesh. System failed again.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, crashed at 137 Ave and 160 St in Queens. A 41-year-old woman driving and a 64-year-old man riding as passenger were injured with bruises to the hip, leg, and neck. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' Both vehicles were traveling straight. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The system allowed another preventable collision. No helmet or signal use was cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809418 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 27 - A soul singer crossed Woodhaven at Myrtle. A Yamaha motorcycle struck her. She died at Jamaica Hospital. The rider kept going as the light changed. Police have not charged him. Dreams ended in the street. The city moves on.

NY Daily News reported on April 27, 2025, that Breanna Henderson, 23, was fatally struck by a Yamaha motorcycle while crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. in Queens. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. as the traffic light turned from yellow to red. The article notes, 'the motorcyclist hit her as the light turned from yellow to red.' Police have not charged the 34-year-old rider, and the investigation continues. Henderson was returning home from a performance. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians at major intersections and the risks posed by vehicles failing to yield during signal changes.

• Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-27