Crash Count for Laurelton
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 676
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 399
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 63
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 1
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 2
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 31, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Laurelton?

No Deaths Yet—But Laurelton Bleeds Every Day

No Deaths Yet—But Laurelton Bleeds Every Day

Laurelton: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 17, 2025

The Toll in Laurelton: No Deaths, But the Hurt Goes On

No one has died on Laurelton’s streets this year. But the numbers do not let you breathe easy. In the past twelve months, there have been 204 crashes. 121 people were hurt. Not one was marked as a serious injury, but pain lingers. Children, elders, workers—no one is spared. In the last year, 11 people under 18 were injured in crashes here. The violence is slow, steady, and always waiting.

The Machines That Hit Us

Cars and SUVs do most of the harm. In the last three years, they caused the only pedestrian death in Laurelton. They left 37 people with minor injuries and 10 with moderate injuries. Bikes caused one minor injury. Trucks and buses did not kill or seriously injure anyone, but the threat is always there. The street is not safe for anyone who walks or rides.

Leadership: Promises, Pressure, and the Need for More

Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers has called out the city’s failures. “DOT gives us their word every hearing and we are not getting results,” she said at a public hearing, demanding real progress on street safety. She co-sponsored a bill to ban parking near crosswalks and clear sightlines for people on foot. But the pace is slow. Promises pile up. Streets stay dangerous.

State Senator Leroy Comrie voted to extend school speed zones and to require speed limiters for repeat dangerous drivers. These are steps, but the carnage continues. One crash, one injury, is too many.

The Call: Don’t Wait for Blood on the Asphalt

This is not fate. This is policy. Every day leaders delay, someone else gets hurt. Call your council member. Demand daylighting at every corner. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand real protection for people who walk and bike.

Do not wait for the next siren. Act now.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Alicia Hyndman
Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman
District 29
District Office:
232-06A Merrick Blvd., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
Legislative Office:
Room 717, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
District 31
District Office:
1931 Mott Avenue, Suite 410, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
718-471-7014
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1865, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7216
Leroy Comrie
State Senator Leroy Comrie
District 14
District Office:
113-43 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans, NY 11412
Legislative Office:
Room 913, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Laurelton Laurelton sits in Queens, Precinct 116, District 31, AD 29, SD 14, Queens CB13.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Laurelton

Brooks-Powers Supports Safety-Boosting Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Lane

Council Member Julie Won blasted DOT for stalling a promised pedestrian lane on the Queensboro Bridge. She called the agency’s excuses garbage. Cyclists and walkers remain squeezed into a narrow, dangerous path. DOT’s delays keep vulnerable road users at risk.

On September 15, 2022, Council Member Julie Won publicly criticized the Department of Transportation for delaying the conversion of the Queensboro Bridge’s south outer roadway into a pedestrian-only lane. The project, promised by the previous mayor for completion by the end of 2022, was pushed back at least a year. Won, whose district covers the bridge’s eastern approaches, led a walkthrough with DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and staff from Council Members Julie Menin and Selvena Brooks-Powers. Won said, “They kept saying they can’t give the south outer roadway to pedestrians because there would be traffic. Well, I don’t care about the congestion!” She forced the commissioner to stand in the cramped lane, showing how unsafe it is for both cyclists and pedestrians. DOT offered only minor adjustments, like repainting lines, which Won dismissed as “missing the point.” The agency promised lawmakers data to justify keeping five car lanes, but Won insisted the delay puts lives at risk and called for immediate action.


Richards Supports Safety Boosting 34th Avenue Open Street

Opponents of the 34th Avenue Open Street hurled slurs and lies. Community Board 3 spread false claims. Volunteers faced homophobia and xenophobia. Officials condemned the hate. The city’s plan aims to cut car traffic and give space to people, not cars.

On September 13, 2022, Queens Community Board 3 and the Jackson Heights Coop Alliance opposed the Department of Transportation’s Paseo Park plan for 34th Avenue. The board circulated an email with misinformation about emergency access and parking. Jim Burke, the open street’s volunteer leader, was targeted with homophobic and xenophobic abuse. Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Borough President Donovan Richards condemned the hate, with Krishnan stating, 'Hate, homophobia, bigotry, threats have no place in our community.' Richards, a supporter of Paseo Park, said, 'We can disagree, but we need to be adults.' DOT spokesman Scott Gastel said the open street benefits the entire community, prioritizing pedestrians and children. The city’s plan removes curbside parking and adds plaza blocks, making streets safer for people.


Richards Supports Safety Boosting Summer Streets Expansion

Brooklyn and Queens leaders want car-free Summer Streets beyond Manhattan. They urge the city to open roads for people, not cars. Advocates back them. The city says it will review. Families, children, and communities stand to gain space and safety.

On September 12, 2022, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards called for expanding the 'Summer Streets' program to their boroughs. They wrote to Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, stating, 'Every year, we see how much New Yorkers enjoy the car-free street and associated activities, and we are writing to ask you to bring this beloved event to our respective boroughs in 2023.' The Department of Transportation said it would review the request. Advocates like Juan Restrepo and Jackson Chabot joined the call, demanding more hours and borough-wide access. Community groups stressed the benefits for families and children. The program is described as cost-effective, crime-free, and vital for community building. No formal council bill or vote yet, but the push is clear: open streets for all, not just Manhattan.


Improper Merge by SUV Injures Driver in Queens

SUV merged on Springfield Boulevard, struck parked cars. Driver suffered bruised leg and foot. Police cite improper lane use. Metal twisted. No one ejected. Streets scarred.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV merged on Springfield Boulevard and hit several parked vehicles, including a BMW SUV, a Honda sedan, and a Nissan sedan. The 36-year-old female driver of the Ford SUV suffered contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error during the merge. The crash damaged the left front bumper of the Ford SUV and the left side doors of the Nissan sedan. No one was ejected. No other contributing factors or safety equipment details are listed.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563694 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
Richards Backs Safety Boosting Seagirt Boulevard Redesign

Seagirt Boulevard in Far Rockaway, once a six-lane speed trap, will shrink to two lanes. DOT will add a parking-protected bike lane and more space for people on foot. The redesign aims to slow drivers and shield those outside cars from harm.

On September 6, 2022, the Department of Transportation announced a major safety redesign for Seagirt Boulevard, a notorious crash corridor in Far Rockaway. The project, not a council bill but a city action, follows years of neglect and repeated crashes. DOT will cut traffic lanes from six to two, add a parking-protected bike lane, and expand pedestrian space. The plan also includes daylighting at intersections and improved markings. According to DOT, 'the project will improve safety for all users, providing connections to existing bike infrastructure and the reduction of a vehicle lane encouraging safer speeds.' Queens Borough President Donovan Richards praised the move, saying, 'Far too many people are killed and injured on our city’s streets, especially people of color, who are disproportionately impacted by traffic violence.' Laura Shepard of Transportation Alternatives added, 'DOT's move to turn car space into protected bike lanes on Seagirt Boulevard, while shortening crossings and expanding median space, will prevent speeding and make it safer to walk, bike, and take transit.' The redesign targets a stretch with 222 crashes and 87 injuries since 2019, aiming to end the long-standing danger for vulnerable road users.


Sedan Hits Parked Vehicles in Queens

A sedan driven by a 31-year-old woman struck two parked vehicles on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. The driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver fatigue as a contributing factor. The parked vehicles sustained left-side damage.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old female driver traveling north on Springfield Boulevard collided with two parked vehicles, a pick-up truck and a sedan, both damaged on their left side doors. The driver was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash, and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as a contributing factor, indicating driver fatigue led to the crash. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The parked vehicles were unoccupied at the time of impact.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4559663 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
Comrie Warns Against Broad Congestion Pricing Exemptions

Lawmakers spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want tight limits. Others push for taxi exemptions and tunnel credits. Advocates warn: too many carve-outs gut the plan. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, New York officials debated congestion pricing exemptions as the policy neared implementation. The discussion, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted shifting positions. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once opposed to exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll said, "I think that there should be limited exemptions." State Senator Andrew Gounardes added, "Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible." Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine backed toll credits for tunnel users and taxi exemptions. Taxi and for-hire drivers lobbied for relief, citing existing surcharges. Advocacy groups warned against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide on further exemptions after federal review. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.


Comrie Warns Broad Congestion Pricing Exemptions Create Major Problems

Council and state leaders spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want carve-outs. Others warn exemptions gut the plan. Vulnerable road users wait as drivers fight for special treatment. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, the council held a public debate on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, titled 'Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions,' drew sharp lines. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once a hardliner against exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll backs limited carve-outs, saying, 'I think that there should be limited exemptions.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes stresses, 'Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible.' Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine pushes for toll credits and taxi exemptions. Advocacy groups warn against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide after federal review. The debate centers on who pays and who gets a pass, while the safety of people outside cars hangs in the balance.


Brooks-Powers Supports Speed Cameras While Undermining Safety With Speeding

Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers sped through Queens after vowing to slow down. Cameras caught her three times in three months. She leads the transportation committee. Seventeen tickets in eleven months. Twenty-seven Queens crash deaths this year. No comment from her.

On August 17, 2022, Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers of District 31, chair of the City Council’s transportation committee, was reported for repeated speeding violations. The matter, titled 'Queens councilwoman hasn’t stopped speeding through NYC despite pledge to do better,' details that Brooks-Powers was caught by city speed cameras on April 24, June 23, and July 22, despite a public promise to 'do better' after 17 prior tickets in 11 months. She has praised speed cameras as vital for protecting 'motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.' Nearly all violations occurred in Queens, where 27 people died in car crashes this year as of July 31. Brooks-Powers’ record now qualifies her for the dangerous vehicle abatement program, which can mandate a safety course or impoundment. She did not respond to requests for comment.


Brooks-Powers Supports Safety-Boosting Conversion of Parking to Greenspace

Turning parking into greenspace means fewer floods, safer streets. Asphalt traps water. Storms turn roads into rivers. Bioswales and trees soak up rain, protect homes, keep subways dry. The city must swap pavement for life. Action saves lives, not parking.

On August 16, 2022, the Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, discussed flood prevention. An opinion from a Transportation Alternatives staffer urged the Council to 'transform impervious driving lanes into green climate solutions.' The piece calls for bioswales and greenspace in place of parking, citing the deadly floods after Hurricane Ida. It highlights that 72 percent of city land is impervious, worsening flash floods. The author presses city leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams, to repurpose street space for climate resilience, referencing the NYC 25x25 challenge. The message is clear: 'Our streets can become the solution to climate change and flooding.' No council vote occurred, but the advocacy pushes for urgent, systemic change to protect New Yorkers from future storms.


Brooks-Powers Supports Safety-Boosting QueensLink Subway Expansion Study

Fifteen Queens officials urge state and city to fund a study for QueensLink. They want trains running where weeds grow. They reject inflated costs. They say transit equity matters. They press for action, not delay. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On August 5, 2022, fifteen elected officials and two community board chairs from Queens signed a letter demanding Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams fund an environmental impact study (EIS) for the QueensLink subway expansion. The proposal, discussed in the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, seeks to restore service on the abandoned LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch, connecting Rego Park and Ozone Park. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, committee chair, emphasized, 'Transportation equity is a major issue in our city that must be confronted.' The letter criticizes the MTA’s previous cost estimates and compares QueensLink’s need to the state-backed Interborough Express. Supporters argue that if the state can spend $1 billion widening the Van Wyck Expressway, it can fund a study for transit. The EIS would include community engagement to address local concerns. The push is clear: more transit, fewer cars, safer streets for all.


Comrie Supports Safety Boosting Penn Station Redevelopment Plan

State authorities greenlit Governor Hochul’s Penn Station overhaul. The plan promises new towers, apartments, and a $7 billion station revamp. Senator Leroy Comrie backed the initial funding deal but demands federal support for future phases. Critics warn of secrecy and developer giveaways.

On July 27, 2022, the state’s Public Authorities Control Board approved Governor Kathy Hochul’s Penn Station redevelopment plan. The project, described as a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity,' includes 18 million square feet of new office towers, 1,800 apartments, a $7 billion station upgrade, and promises of walkable streets and bike lanes. State Senator Leroy Comrie, representing District 14, voted for the initial PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement but pledged not to support future deals without federal funding and approvals. The plan faces criticism from watchdogs and officials like State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office, who called for a delay due to limited financial details. Reinvent Albany slammed the process for lacking transparency and questioned the reliance on developer tax breaks. The redevelopment’s impact on vulnerable road users remains unassessed.


Brooks-Powers Backs Safety-Boosting Crosswalk and Stop Sign

A new crosswalk and four-way stop sign now stand at Surf Avenue and West 37th Street. Years of community pressure forced action. The intersection, deadly for seniors and pedestrians, finally gets protection. Council and DOT responded. Locals, especially elders, celebrate the change.

On July 26, 2022, Councilmember Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Transportation Chair, joined Councilmember Ari Kagan and DOT officials at Surf Avenue and West 37th Street. The matter: 'Surf Avenue gets new crosswalk and four-way stop sign, creating a safer intersection for seniors.' Kagan’s office led the push, with Brooks-Powers elevating the issue. Kagan said, 'It was one of the most dangerous intersections in Coney Island, not just for pedestrians but for drivers as well.' The crossing serves the Scheuer House senior facility. Community Board 13 and local groups demanded action. Brooks-Powers praised the advocacy: 'Now, your residents will be able to cross the street safely!' The intersection, once life-threatening, now offers basic protection for the city’s most vulnerable.


Brooks-Powers Opposes Jamaica Busways Citing Business Harm

Two Queens council members want the city to scrap Jamaica’s busways. They say bus lanes hurt drivers and businesses. Riders say commutes barely improved. DOT stands firm. The fight pits car convenience against safer, faster transit for thousands.

On July 18, 2022, Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers opposed the city’s pilot busways on Archer and Jamaica avenues. The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the one-year, 24/7 busway pilot to speed up commutes for over 250,000 daily bus riders. Williams called her district a 'car community' and argued, 'there's only one metric of success for the bus lane and not looking comprehensively at how it's actually impacting the community.' Brooks-Powers claimed, 'People cannot access our local businesses.' Both members urged the city to end or shorten the pilot, citing business and driver complaints. DOT and transit advocates countered that bus speeds improved. The DOT plans to continue the pilot and survey businesses and riders at its end. No safety analyst assessment was provided.


Richards Opposes Jamaica Busways Citing Business Harm

Two Queens council members want the city to scrap Jamaica’s busways. They say bus lanes hurt drivers and businesses. Riders say commutes barely improved. DOT stands firm. The fight pits car convenience against safer, faster transit for thousands.

On July 18, 2022, Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers opposed the city’s pilot busways on Archer and Jamaica avenues. The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the one-year, 24/7 busway pilot to speed up commutes for over 250,000 daily bus riders. Williams called her district a 'car community' and argued, 'there's only one metric of success for the bus lane and not looking comprehensively at how it's actually impacting the community.' Brooks-Powers claimed, 'People cannot access our local businesses.' Both members urged the city to end or shorten the pilot, citing business and driver complaints. DOT and transit advocates countered that bus speeds improved. The DOT plans to continue the pilot and survey businesses and riders at its end. No safety analyst assessment was provided.


Comrie Opposes Congestion Pricing Exemptions Safety Boosting

State Sen. Leroy Comrie drew a hard line. No exemptions for Manhattan’s congestion tolls. He stood firm as others called for carve-outs. His stance means every car pays. No relief for drivers. The city’s most vulnerable stay in the crosshairs.

On June 29, 2022, State Senator Leroy Comrie made a public statement on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, covered by nypost.com, centers on calls from Mayor Eric Adams for more exemptions to the Manhattan congestion tolls. Adams argued, 'there should be a level of exemptions... so that we’re not overburdening New Yorkers.' But Comrie rejected this, stating, 'I don’t think there should be any exemptions, and I’m going to continue to say that there should be no exemptions.' The congestion pricing plan, passed in 2019, already exempts emergency vehicles, vehicles carrying disabled New Yorkers, and low-income residents inside the zone. Comrie’s stance keeps the system strict. No new carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board may still consider more, but Comrie’s position is clear: every driver pays the toll, no exceptions.


Richards Supports Safety Boosting Queens Bus Redesign Tweaks

Transit groups and Queens leaders urge the MTA to fix its bus redesign. They want faster service, all-door boarding, and better outreach. They demand equity and safer conditions for drivers. The MTA has not answered. Riders wait. Danger lingers.

On June 29, 2022, a coalition of transit advocacy groups and Queens officials sent a letter to the MTA regarding the proposed Queens bus redesign. The matter, titled 'Transit Advocates to MTA: Queens Bus Redesign Needs Some Key Tweaks,' calls for five improvements: more frequent service, all-door boarding, better driver conditions, multilingual outreach, and equity transparency. Borough President Donovan Richards and groups like Riders Alliance, Straphangers Campaign, and Transportation Alternatives led the push. Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance said, 'We are trying to be responsible by saying the bus design simply needs some improvements.' Advocates stress that redesigns must reduce racial inequity and expand access for marginalized communities. The MTA has not yet responded to these urgent demands.


Brooks-Powers Supports Safety Boosting Streets Master Plan Funding

City leaders struck a budget deal. $53 million goes to the Streets Master Plan—far less than the Council wanted. Advocates call it a step, not a leap. The mayor and speaker skipped safety talk. Streets still wait for real protection.

On June 13, 2022, the City Council and Mayor Adams reached a budget agreement, allocating $53 million in operating funds for the Department of Transportation for the fiscal year starting July 1. This is a down payment on the mayor's promised $904 million for the Streets Master Plan, but falls short of the Council's $3.1 billion ask to double the plan's targets. The plan mandates 250 miles of protected bike lanes, 150 miles of dedicated bus lanes, and new public plazas. The official matter summary notes, 'the agreement provided far less for street safety projects than the Council originally sought.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Adams announced the deal, but neither mentioned street safety in their press conference. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, did not comment. Advocates praised the funding as a significant step, but stressed the need for strong implementation to protect vulnerable road users.


SUV Slams Multi-Wheeled Vehicle on 224 Street

SUV struck multi-wheeled vehicle in Queens. Driver ejected, unconscious, whole-body injuries. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Streets remain hostile to the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a Kia SUV traveling south on 224 Street collided with a multi-wheeled vehicle heading west near Merrick Boulevard. The multi-wheeled vehicle driver, a 42-year-old unlicensed man, was ejected and found unconscious with severe injuries to his entire body. The report lists driver inattention or distraction and traffic control disregarded as contributing factors. The SUV struck the right front quarter panel of the multi-wheeled vehicle. No safety equipment was used by the injured driver. No other contributing factors were noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4536235 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
S 5602
Hyndman votes no, opposing expanded speed camera hours and safer streets.

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.