No More Excuses: Slow Down or More Will Die

Oct 5 - A van truck and a pick-up truck crashed on Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. The 70-year-old van driver suffered a neck injury and concussion. Police cited unsafe speed as the cause. Both vehicles sustained left-side damage in the collision.

According to the police report, a van truck traveling east on Rockaway Boulevard collided with a pick-up truck. The 70-year-old male driver of the van truck was injured, suffering a neck injury and concussion. The report lists unsafe speed as the contributing factor to the crash. The van truck's left front bumper and the pick-up truck's left rear quarter panel were damaged. Both drivers were licensed. The van driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe speed on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4668253 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 4 - A 57-year-old woman was struck at an intersection on Bedell Street in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan traveling northeast hit her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered a facial abrasion and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northeast on Bedell Street struck a 57-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained a facial abrasion and was conscious after the impact. The report lists driver errors including "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The vehicle's point of impact was the left front bumper, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing. No safety equipment or helmet was noted for the pedestrian. The crash caused injury severity level 3, with damage to the sedan's left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675251 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 29 - Two passengers suffered head injuries in a Queens crash. A sedan traveling east struck a parked vehicle’s rear bumper. Both victims, a 2-year-old and a 31-year-old female, wore lap belts and sustained whiplash. Driver distraction caused the impact.

According to the police report, a 2018 Toyota sedan traveling east on 172 Street collided with the left rear bumper of a parked 2011 Toyota sedan in Queens. Two occupants in the moving vehicle—a 2-year-old child and a 31-year-old woman—were injured, both sustaining head injuries and whiplash. Both passengers were restrained with lap belts and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The collision caused center front end damage to the moving vehicle and left rear bumper damage to the parked car.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4666316 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 7 - QueensLink backers gathered at City Hall. They demanded new rail and park space for Queens. Elected officials and advocates pressed the MTA to act. The agency stalled, citing costs. Supporters want transit, green space, and bike paths. The fight continues.

On September 7, 2023, QueensLink supporters rallied at City Hall, pushing for the reactivation of an old rail line between southeast and central Queens. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted the proposal's promise: 'both new train service and park land.' State Sen. James Sanders led the call, declaring, 'Yes, we want a park and yes we want a light rail. We can have both.' Mike Scala, another advocate, stressed public support for a combined approach. The QueensLink faces competition from the QueensWay, a park-only plan with $35 million in city funding. The MTA has not committed, citing high costs and ongoing needs assessment. No formal council bill or committee action is recorded yet. Supporters remain determined to see transit, park space, and bike paths included in future city plans.

• QueensLink Transit Supporters Press Case at City Hall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-07

Sep 2 - Two SUVs collided on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. The rear vehicle struck the front one’s center back end. The 74-year-old driver of the front SUV suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction caused the crash. No ejections reported.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles traveling north on Springfield Boulevard collided. The rear SUV struck the center back end of the front SUV, which was slowing or stopping. The 74-year-old male driver of the front vehicle was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The front driver was not ejected and remained conscious. Vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front and center back ends of the respective SUVs. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658947 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 28 - A Ford SUV struck a parked BMW sedan on Baisley Boulevard in Queens. The impact damaged the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the right front bumper of the SUV. A 27-year-old female passenger in the SUV suffered back injuries and whiplash.

According to the police report, a 2020 Ford SUV traveling south on Baisley Boulevard collided with a parked 2019 BMW sedan. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the right front bumper of the SUV. The SUV had three occupants; a 27-year-old female passenger was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash. The report lists tire failure or inadequate tires as a contributing factor. The driver of the SUV was licensed in New York. No other driver errors were specified. The injured passenger was not ejected and remained conscious. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the passenger's safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658634 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 26 - A 25-year-old male bicyclist was struck by an eastbound SUV on Baisley Boulevard in Queens. The rider suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved failure to yield and disregarded traffic control by the driver.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on an e-bike was hit by a station wagon/SUV traveling east on Baisley Boulevard in Queens. The bicyclist sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors attributed to the driver. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The impact occurred at the center front end of the e-bike and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The bicyclist was conscious and injured but not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 23 - A sedan rear-ended a refrigerated van in Queens. The sedan’s driver and front passenger suffered neck injuries. Police cite following too closely and driver distraction as causes. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of a refrigerated van on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s 80-year-old male driver and 50-year-old female front passenger were both injured, suffering neck injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious after the crash. The report lists driver errors as "Following Too Closely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The refrigerated van, driven by a licensed male, was also heading south. The impact hit the van’s center rear and the sedan’s center front. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No one was ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658441 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 12 - A backing SUV hit an eastbound SUV on Thurston Street. The 63-year-old driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe backing. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old man backing a BMW SUV on Thurston Street collided with a Ford SUV traveling east. The driver was injured, suffering facial trauma, shock, and pain or nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely' as contributing factors. The impact struck the center back end of the backing vehicle and the left front bumper of the moving SUV. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653848 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 6 - A 36-year-old man driving a sedan suffered back injuries and whiplash after an SUV struck his vehicle from behind on Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver followed too closely and was distracted. The sedan driver was restrained and conscious.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling west on Rockaway Boulevard rear-ended a sedan making a right turn. The sedan driver, a 36-year-old male, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists the SUV driver's errors as "Following Too Closely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The impact occurred at the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and distracted driving in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 3 - A 69-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his SUV struck the rear of another vehicle on Brewer Boulevard. The impact damaged the right rear bumper. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old male driver operating a 2006 SUV was involved in a rear-end collision on Brewer Boulevard. The SUV impacted the center back end of another vehicle, damaging its right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining back pain and whiplash, but remained conscious and was secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. No other persons were involved or injured in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653796 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 25 - A 37-year-old man was struck on Brewer Boulevard in Queens while crossing against the signal. The sedan, traveling north, hit him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered facial abrasions but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Brewer Boulevard against the signal. The collision occurred at 10:20 p.m. when a northbound sedan struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained facial abrasions and was conscious after the crash. The driver, a licensed female from New York, was going straight ahead at the time. The report lists no contributing factors for the driver and no vehicle damage was noted. The pedestrian’s crossing against the signal is recorded, but no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are indicated in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648940 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 16 - A 15-year-old boy crossing 125 Avenue in Queens was hit by an eastbound SUV. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash happened at an intersection. Impact was with the vehicle’s front end.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male pedestrian was struck by an eastbound 2015 Honda SUV while crossing 125 Avenue in Queens. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end, damaging the right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646194 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 6 - A 69-year-old female bicyclist was injured in a collision with a Ford SUV on Baisley Boulevard. The SUV hit the bike from behind. The bicyclist suffered a back injury and remained conscious. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling east on Baisley Boulevard struck a 69-year-old female bicyclist traveling north. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the bike. The bicyclist was injured in the back and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor by the SUV driver. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644554 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 15 - A sedan slammed into another on Farmers Boulevard in Queens. The crash left a 62-year-old woman with back pain and whiplash. Police cited following too closely. Both cars took heavy front-end damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Farmers Boulevard in Queens. The trailing vehicle struck the rear of the car ahead. The driver of the struck sedan, a 62-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, showing the trailing driver failed to keep a safe distance. Both vehicles sustained front-end and rear-end damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639250 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 14 - Two SUVs crashed head-on on 132 Avenue. The female driver suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries. Police cited driver inattention. Both vehicles took heavy front-end damage.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 132 Avenue. Both drivers were traveling straight when the crash happened. The female driver, age 35, suffered injuries to her abdomen and pelvis and was in shock. She wore a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Police listed driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Both SUVs were damaged at the front, with impact on the left front bumpers. The male driver was licensed and headed north; the female driver was licensed and headed east. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637564 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - 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

Jun 6 - 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 2023-06-06

Jun 4 - Two vehicles traveling north collided head-on on 160 Street in Queens. The front passenger in the sedan suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved driver inattention and inexperience. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, a 2022 SUV and a 2022 sedan collided while both were traveling straight north on 160 Street in Queens. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the left front bumper of the sedan. The front passenger in the sedan, a 23-year-old male, was injured with abrasions and trauma to the knee and lower leg. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634906 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - 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 2023-06-01