Linden Boulevard Bleeds While City Hall Sleeps

Two sedans crashed on Jordan Avenue. Three people suffered head and neck injuries. Shock followed. Metal twisted. No driver errors listed. Streets stayed dangerous. The toll was real.

Two sedans collided on Jordan Avenue in Queens. Three occupants, including both drivers and a front passenger, were injured, suffering head and neck trauma and shock. According to the police report, the crash involved a BMW and a Toyota, both traveling straight. No specific driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. Several other occupants reported unspecified injuries. The report notes lap belts were used by those injured. The cause remains officially unspecified, but the impact left multiple people hurt and the street marked by violence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV turned left on 109 Road. Cyclist hit. Shoulder bruised. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield. System failed to protect the rider.

A station wagon/SUV struck a 27-year-old cyclist on 109 Road in Queens. The cyclist suffered a shoulder bruise. According to the police report, the SUV was making a left turn when the crash occurred. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists when drivers fail to yield and pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4819585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2025-05-27

Two cars met hard on Merrick Boulevard. Steel hit steel. A woman suffered neck pain. An eight-year-old rode in back. Police blamed vehicle actions and slick pavement. The night air held the sound of impact. No one walked away untouched.

A crash occurred on Merrick Boulevard at 180th Street in Queens. Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, collided while traveling west. According to the police report, a 43-year-old woman driving the sedan suffered a neck injury. An eight-year-old boy, riding as a rear passenger, was also involved. Three other occupants, including a 33-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, were listed with unspecified injuries. Police cited 'Other Vehicular' factors and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing causes. Both vehicles sustained damage at their front and rear ends. The report highlights driver actions and road conditions as key factors in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816057 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.

According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.

• Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-21

Two women hurt in Queens crash. Sedans collide. Both suffer back pain. Police cite driver inattention. Night falls hard on Murdock Avenue.

Two sedans crashed on Murdock Avenue at 200th Street in Queens. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling northwest when the collision occurred. A 20-year-old front passenger and a 25-year-old driver, both women, suffered back injuries and shock. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main contributing factor. The impact struck the center front and back ends of the cars. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No other contributing factors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815839 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two children hurt in Queens. Sedans collide on 120 Road. Driver inattention listed. Impact leaves young passengers aching. Streets stay dangerous for the smallest riders.

A crash on 120 Road and Farmers Blvd in Queens involved two sedans. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the collision. A 12-year-old girl suffered back pain and a 7-year-old boy sustained a knee and leg injury. Both were rear passengers. A 34-year-old female driver reported neck pain. The report lists no other contributing factors before driver inattention. The crash underscores the risk to young passengers when drivers lose focus.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814159 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pickup truck hit a cyclist on Linden Blvd. The rider was ejected, struck his head, and bled. Police cite driver inattention. The street stayed loud. The danger stayed real.

A 20-year-old cyclist was struck and ejected by a pickup truck on Linden Blvd at Nashville Blvd in Queens. The cyclist suffered a head injury and minor bleeding. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as a contributing factor. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but this was noted only after the driver’s error. No other injuries were reported. The crash involved a GMC pickup and a bike. The pickup was parked before the crash. The impact was violent, leaving the cyclist semiconscious.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813197 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Victims and advocates marched to Albany. They demanded action for safer streets. Lawmakers split on bills: some backed speed controls, others balked. The Senate killed an anti-congestion bill. The fight for vulnerable lives pressed on, urgent and raw.

On May 14, 2025, victims of road violence and Families for Safe Streets lobbied at the State Capitol for the SAFE Streets Package. This package includes the 'Idaho stop' bill and the 'Stop Super-Speeders' bill. The event saw support from several Assembly members and a senator for speed controls, while Sen. Anthony Palumbo and Assembly Member Michael Novakhov opposed the super speeder bill, citing government overreach. Sen. Leroy Comrie opposed the Idaho stop bill, citing concerns for seniors. Separately, Senate bill S533, which aimed to block congestion pricing, was defeated in the Senate Transportation Committee. Chair Jeremy Cooney stressed, 'You have to have a plan. If you don’t have a plan, what are [you] doing to get the $15 billion revenue?' The day highlighted the rift between safety demands and political resistance, with victims' voices at the center.

• Pain Points: Victims of Road Violence Make Annual Pilgrimage to Demand Safe Streets, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-14

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

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

A sedan and flatbed collided at Francis Lewis and 115 Ave. A four-year-old girl and a man suffered injuries. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. The street bore the brunt. The system failed the vulnerable.

A crash on Francis Lewis Blvd at 115 Ave in Queens left a 27-year-old man with crush injuries to his shoulder and a four-year-old girl with head trauma. According to the police report, the collision involved a sedan and a flatbed truck. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The child, riding as a rear passenger, suffered whiplash. The adult driver was also hurt. No pedestrians were involved. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lack focus and experience.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810718 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.

• Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-02

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

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

A motorcycle struck an SUV making a U-turn on Linden Blvd. The rider was ejected and injured. Police cite improper lane usage. Metal and bodies hit hard. The street stayed open. The city moved on.

A motorcycle and an SUV collided on Linden Blvd at 191st Street in Queens. The motorcycle rider, a 41-year-old man, was ejected and suffered arm fractures. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' was a contributing factor. The SUV was making a U-turn when the crash happened. The rider wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No pedestrians were involved. The impact left the SUV damaged on its left side and the motorcycle crushed at the front. The crash highlights the danger of improper lane use and risky maneuvers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808560 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council pushes Albany to force speed limiters on chronic speeders. The move targets reckless drivers. Streets stay deadly while the bill sits in committee. Pedestrians and cyclists wait for action.

Resolution 0854-2025, now laid over in the Committee on Public Safety, urges passage of S.7621/A.7979. The measure calls for 'requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by nine co-sponsors including Yusef Salaam and Shahana Hanif. The bill landed in committee on April 24, 2025, with no vote yet. If passed at the state level, it would force repeat speeders to install devices that block speeding. The Council’s action highlights the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users as reckless drivers remain unchecked.

• File Res 0854-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-24

A Brooklyn man lost control on Belt Parkway. His SUV struck a tree near JFK. Emergency crews arrived but could not save him. The road stayed quiet. Police kept watch. The investigation continues.

The Brooklyn Paper reported on April 23, 2025, that a 57-year-old Brooklyn man died after crashing his SUV on the Belt Parkway near JFK Airport. Police said the driver "failed to navigate the roadway and struck a tree." Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case, and no arrests have been made. The article highlights the crash location—westbound Belt Parkway, just west of 130th Street—and notes the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the dangers present on high-speed parkways and the unforgiving design of tree-lined medians.

• Driver Dies After Belt Parkway Crash, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-23

Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.

• Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-21

A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. It hit a man on a bike. He died there, on the street. Police are investigating. The crash happened in Middle Village, Queens. Metal met flesh. The city keeps moving.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The collision happened as the truck was 'turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street.' The victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating the incident. The article notes the truck's turning movement but does not detail further driver actions. This fatal crash highlights the risks at intersections where large vehicles and cyclists cross paths. No information was provided about charges or policy changes.

• FDNY Truck Strikes Cyclist In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-20