Cambria Heights: hurt at dawn, hit at dusk

Feb 28 - Council bill would pay up to $1,000 for tips that help catch hit-and-run drivers who injure or kill. Police and city workers are barred from rewards. The measure targets unsolved crashes that leave victims behind.

Int 0143-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced February 28, 2024. The bill states: 'establishing a reward for individuals who provide information leading to the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person who seriously injures or kills another individual in a hit-and-run accident.' Council Member Rita C. Joseph leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brooks-Powers, Narcisse, Vernikov, Louis, Bottcher, Hudson, Gennaro, and Williams. The bill excludes law enforcement and city employees from eligibility. The aim is to mobilize the public to help solve hit-and-run cases, many of which remain unsolved, and bring justice for victims.

• File Int 0143-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council targets repair shops and rentals clogging city streets with business vehicles. Fines hit hard. Streets clear for people, not profit. Committee weighs next move.

Bill Int 0227-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its introduction on February 28, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting certain commercial establishments from parking vehicles on city streets,' cracks down on auto shops, rental businesses, and gas stations using public streets for business parking. Council Members Nantasha M. Williams (primary sponsor), Vickie Paladino, Erik D. Bottcher, and Robert F. Holden back the bill. Violators face $250–$400 daily fines and possible impoundment. The law aims to reclaim curb space for the public, not private fleets. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0227-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Jan 1 - Two sedans collided on Cross Island Parkway. Both drivers suffered head injuries and whiplash. Impact crushed bumpers. No pedestrians involved. Both drivers stayed conscious. Danger rides with every impact.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling southbound on Cross Island Parkway collided. The 2024 Dodge sedan from Georgia was hit on its left rear bumper. The 2016 Volkswagen sedan from New York struck with its left front bumper. Both drivers, a 31-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified for both drivers. No pedestrians were involved. The crash underscores the risk of vehicle collisions on this stretch of roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691947 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 12 - MTA plans $30 million for Queens bus overhaul. Eight new routes. More frequent service for thousands. Stops spaced farther apart. Most riders keep their stops. Councilmember Brooks-Powers doubts gains for her district. Borough President Richards backs the plan. Rollout not before 2025.

The MTA’s Queens Bus Network Redesign, announced December 12, 2023, proposes $30 million in service upgrades and expands local routes from 83 to 91. The plan, under review since 2020, aims to boost 10-minute-or-better service for 200,000 more residents, raising coverage from 60.1% to 68.9%. The official summary states the redesign will 'streamline and speed up service.' Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers voiced 'serious concerns' about disadvantages for her district, especially with congestion pricing. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, once critical, now supports the draft after public outreach. State Senator Leroy Comrie noted Brooks-Powers wants clarity for her community, not outright rejection. The redesign awaits further input and is expected no sooner than 2025. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• MTA’s Queens Bus Redesign: $30M in Service, 8 More Routes, Skepticism from Brooks-Powers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-12

Nov 16 - A 44-year-old woman driving a sedan made a left turn on 115 Avenue. She collided front-center with an unspecified object. She suffered chest injuries and whiplash. The crash happened just before 1 a.m. Unsafe speed was a factor.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old female driver was making a left turn on 115 Avenue when her 2021 Hyundai sedan struck an unspecified object. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The driver was injured, sustaining chest trauma and whiplash, but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or injured. The driver held a valid New York license. The crash occurred shortly before 1 a.m. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 15 - Two SUVs crashed on 225 Street in Queens at 3:41 a.m. One driver, a 19-year-old male, suffered a neck injury. The impact hit the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center of the other. Both drivers were licensed.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 225 Street in Queens. One driver, a 19-year-old male occupant, was injured with a neck injury and remained conscious. The crash occurred when one SUV was making a left turn and was struck on the right side doors by the other SUV traveling straight westbound. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured driver but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center end of the other.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679642 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 11 - A 20-year-old male driver crashed on Cross Island Parkway. His SUV was demolished after merging at unsafe speed. He suffered abrasions and full-body injuries but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male driver operating a 2015 Honda SUV crashed while merging on Cross Island Parkway. The vehicle was demolished on impact. The driver was injured with abrasions and injuries to his entire body but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678043 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 10 - Two sedans crashed late at night on Cross Island Parkway. Both vehicles struck front quarters. Two passengers suffered whiplash and back injuries. Drivers disregarded traffic control. Injured passengers wore seat belts and remained conscious.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Cross Island Parkway at 11:30 p.m. The impact occurred at the right front quarter panel of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. Two passengers, a 41-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man, were injured with whiplash and back pain. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report lists driver errors as "Other Vehicular" and "Traffic Control Disregarded," indicating failure to obey traffic signals or rules. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash caused significant damage to the front quarters of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 3 - A 78-year-old man driving an SUV in Queens lost consciousness and suffered injuries. The vehicle struck an unspecified object or vehicle head-on. Police cite illness as a contributing factor. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 78-year-old male driver in a 2007 Toyota SUV traveling north on Springfield Boulevard in Queens became unconscious and injured during a crash at 18:36. The SUV sustained damage to its center front end. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists illness as a contributing factor but does not indicate any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured. The crash details remain limited, with no mention of other contributing factors or victim actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 1 - Convertible hit parked trailer on 115 Avenue. Unlicensed driver and passenger, both 22, suffered fractures and dislocations. Unsafe speed and aggressive driving cited. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, a 2019 Ford convertible driven by an unlicensed 22-year-old man crashed into a parked trailer on 115 Avenue in Queens. The crash happened at 2:56 p.m. Both the driver and his 22-year-old front passenger were injured, suffering fractures and dislocations to the back and lower leg. The report lists unsafe speed and aggressive driving as contributing factors. Both occupants were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The convertible sustained front-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - A sedan and an ATV crashed at night on Murdock Avenue in Queens. The ATV driver was ejected and suffered severe injuries, including fractures and dislocations. The collision damaged both vehicles’ front bumpers. Failure to yield right-of-way was cited.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Murdock Avenue involving a sedan and a multi-wheeled vehicle (ATV). The ATV driver, a 32-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his entire body, including fractures and dislocations. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before impact, which occurred at the left front bumper of the ATV and the right front bumper of the sedan. The ATV driver was not using any safety equipment at the time. The sedan carried two occupants, while the ATV had one. The crash highlights the dangers of right-of-way violations in Queens traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676176 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 15 - Two sedans collided on 116 Avenue in Queens. A 79-year-old woman driving one car suffered a bruised arm. Both vehicles hit front quarter panels. No ejections. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on 116 Avenue in Queens. Both drivers were going straight when the collision happened. The 79-year-old female driver was injured, suffering a contusion to her elbow and lower arm. She was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness. The vehicles sustained damage to their front quarter panels. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and conscious at the scene. No further injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670726 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 27 - An 18-year-old male pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being hit by a northbound SUV on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. The pedestrian was conscious with bruises. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2004 Toyota SUV traveling north on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the pedestrian's actions as "Other Actions in Roadway" with unspecified contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the point of impact was the center front end. No driver errors were explicitly noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657468 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 14 - An SUV struck an 82-year-old woman before dawn on Cross Island Parkway. She crossed outside the crosswalk. The Cadillac hit her with its left front. Her body broke on impact. She died there, in the dark, before morning came.

An 82-year-old woman was killed while crossing Cross Island Parkway before sunrise. According to the police report, she was not at an intersection or crosswalk when a northbound Cadillac SUV struck her with its left front quarter panel. The impact caused fatal injuries to her entire body. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as speeding, failure to yield, or distraction are noted in the data. The woman died at the scene. No mention of helmet use or signaling is included in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654111 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 26 - A 26-year-old man walking along Cross Island Parkway was hit by a BMW traveling west on 115 Avenue. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his entire body. The driver’s inattention caused the crash. The victim remained conscious.

According to the police report, a BMW traveling west on 115 Avenue struck a 26-year-old male pedestrian walking along Cross Island Parkway. The pedestrian was injured with fractures and dislocations affecting his entire body. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The driver was going straight ahead at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649504 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 19 - Two sedans crashed head-on on Cross Island Parkway. One vehicle changed lanes improperly. A 19-year-old passenger suffered elbow abrasions. Both cars were demolished. The injured occupant was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Cross Island Parkway collided. One driver was changing lanes, contributing to the crash with improper lane usage. The collision demolished both vehicles. A 19-year-old male passenger in the middle front seat was injured, sustaining abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists the driver error as "Passing or Lane Usage Improper." No other contributing factors were noted. The passenger was not ejected and suffered injury severity level 3.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646985 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 17 - A sedan making a right turn struck the left side of a sedan traveling straight on 115 Avenue in Queens. The front passenger of the struck vehicle suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Driver distraction contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota sedan was making a right turn when it collided with a 2016 BMW sedan traveling straight westbound on 115 Avenue in Queens. The impact occurred on the right front bumper of the turning vehicle and the left side doors of the straight-moving vehicle. The front passenger in the BMW, a 36-year-old woman, sustained injuries to her entire body, including whiplash, and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645701 - 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