Blood in the Crosswalk: No More Excuses, No More Deaths

Two SUVs crashed on 150 Street. Both drivers suffered injuries. One driver hurt his back. Both were conscious or in shock. The crash involved left and front-end impacts. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 150 Street. Both drivers were injured; one sustained a back injury and remained conscious, while the other was in shock with unknown injuries. The vehicles struck each other on the left side doors and center front end. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and wearing lap belts and harnesses. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights driver error in yielding, leading to significant injuries and vehicle damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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.

• Long-Ignored Far Rockaway Speedway Finally Getting Safety Redesign, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-06

A 36-year-old front-seat passenger suffered a head injury in a Belt Parkway crash. The SUV stopped in traffic was struck from behind by a sedan traveling west. The impact caused a concussion. Police cited following too closely as the cause.

According to the police report, a 2019 SUV stopped in traffic on Belt Parkway was rear-ended by a 2019 sedan traveling west. The collision injured a 36-year-old female front-seat passenger in the SUV, who sustained a head injury and concussion. The passenger was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain a safe distance. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The SUV sustained damage to its center back end, while the sedan's center front end was damaged. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561198 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 37-year-old male driver suffered a head injury when his SUV was rear-ended on Belt Parkway. The striking vehicle followed too closely and hit the stopped SUV from behind. Both vehicles sustained front and rear center damage.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male driver was injured when his Jeep SUV, stopped in traffic on Belt Parkway, was struck from behind by a Chevrolet SUV traveling west. The impact caused head injuries to the Jeep driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness and remained conscious. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor for the crash. The Chevrolet SUV hit the center back end of the Jeep, causing damage to both vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561379 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A female pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg abrasions outside the roadway near 166-05 Rockaway Boulevard. The driver of a Chrysler SUV was making a left turn. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was conscious and injured.

According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured near 166-05 Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. She was not in the roadway when the crash occurred. The driver of a Chrysler SUV was making a left turn at the time. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot and remained conscious. The report lists an unspecified contributing factor but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle showed no damage, and no other injuries were reported. The pedestrian's role was clearly outside the roadway, and no safety equipment or signals were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557686 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A taxi making a left turn struck a northbound sedan on Brewer Boulevard. The sedan driver, a 35-year-old woman, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles showed front-end damage. The sedan driver was not ejected and reported pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on Brewer Boulevard made a left turn and collided with a northbound sedan. The sedan's female driver, age 35, was injured with knee and lower leg trauma and experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The taxi struck the sedan's center front end with its left front bumper. Both drivers were licensed. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the taxi was making a left turn while the sedan was going straight ahead. No ejection occurred. The sedan driver’s safety equipment status is unknown. The crash caused center front end damage to the sedan and left front bumper damage to the taxi.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556104 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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.

• Queens councilwoman hasn’t stopped speeding through NYC despite pledge ‘to do better’, nypost.com, Published 2022-08-17

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.

• OPINION: Want to Prevent Flooding? Turn ‘Parking’ Into Greenspace, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-16

Two SUVs collided on Belt Parkway. One struck the left rear bumper of the other. A 32-year-old female front passenger suffered abdomen and pelvis injuries. The crash caused shock but no visible complaints. Following too closely caused the impact.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling west on Belt Parkway collided when one vehicle struck the left rear bumper of the other. The driver error listed was "Following Too Closely." A 32-year-old female front passenger in one of the vehicles was injured, sustaining abdomen and pelvis injuries and experiencing shock. She was not ejected from the vehicle and had no visible complaints. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The collision damaged the left front bumper of the striking vehicle and the left rear bumper of the struck vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4553186 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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.

• A Dozen-Plus Electeds Back QueensLink Subway Expansion, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-05

A sedan struck a 42-year-old man crossing 175 Street. The driver failed to yield. The man suffered internal injuries to his abdomen and pelvis. He stayed conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 175 Street in Queens struck a 42-year-old male pedestrian crossing at an intersection. The pedestrian suffered internal injuries to his abdomen and pelvis and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor on the driver's part. The vehicle showed no damage despite a center front end impact. The driver was starting in traffic when the collision occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551668 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Two SUVs crashed head-on in the dark on Belt Parkway. Metal screamed. A young woman bled from her leg. A man bruised his knee. Both stayed conscious. The airbag burst. The night stayed cold. The road bore the cost.

Two sport utility vehicles collided head-on late at night on Belt Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a 22-year-old woman driving a Jeep suffered severe bleeding to her leg. A 47-year-old man driving the other SUV sustained a knee contusion. Both drivers were conscious after the crash. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both vehicles sustained heavy front-end damage. The police report describes the scene: 'Two SUVs met head-on in the dark. Metal tore. A 22-year-old woman, alone in her Jeep, bled from the leg. The airbag burst.' The cause remains unclear in the official record.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552497 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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.

• Surf Avenue gets new crosswalk and four-way stop sign, creating a safer intersection for seniors, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-07-26

A woman, sixty, walked with traffic on Belt Parkway. A vehicle struck her head-on. She died by the shoulder. No crosswalk. No stop. The road stayed busy. She did not move again.

A 60-year-old woman was killed while walking along Belt Parkway. According to the police report, she was walking with traffic, not at an intersection, when a vehicle struck her head-on. She suffered crush injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. The report notes the point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The contributing factor is listed as 'Unspecified.' No crosswalk was present. The police report does not identify any driver errors or vehicle details. The victim’s actions and safety equipment are not cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549579 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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.

• Two Queens Pols Want City to Eliminate the Jamaica Busways, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-18

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.

• Two Queens Pols Want City to Eliminate the Jamaica Busways, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-18

A Nissan sedan sped east on South Conduit Avenue. Metal twisted. The car slammed and crumpled. In the back, a man lost his arm. Two others hurt. The wreck lay still. Unsafe speed left blood and ruin.

A 2007 Nissan sedan, traveling east on South Conduit Avenue near 150th Street in Queens, crashed at high speed. According to the police report, the car was 'speeding east, slammed hard. Metal twisted.' Three people were inside. The right rear passenger, a 31-year-old man, suffered a traumatic arm amputation and remained conscious. The driver, age 22, and the front passenger, also 31, both sustained neck injuries and reported pain. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicle was demolished. No other vehicles or road users were involved. The crash left one man maimed and two others injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545234 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 64-year-old man driving an SUV crashed into a parked sedan on 145 Avenue in Queens. The driver was trapped and suffered back injuries. Alcohol involvement and falling asleep at the wheel contributed to the crash. The parked car was unoccupied.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old male driver was operating a 2017 SUV eastbound on 145 Avenue in Queens when he collided with a parked 2015 sedan. The driver was trapped in the vehicle and sustained back injuries, reporting pain and nausea. The report lists alcohol involvement and falling asleep at the wheel as contributing factors. The parked sedan was unoccupied at the time of impact. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper, while the sedan's left rear quarter panel was damaged. No other occupants were involved. The driver was licensed in New York. This crash highlights driver errors related to alcohol use and fatigue.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542606 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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.

• Transit Advocates to MTA: Queens Bus Redesign Needs Some Key Tweaks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-29

Three sedans slammed together on Belt Parkway. Drivers hit hard, metal twisted. Three injured—neck, back, head. All conscious. Physical disability listed as a factor. No other errors cited.

According to the police report, three sedans collided while traveling westbound on Belt Parkway. The crash struck the right rear bumper, left front bumper, and right rear quarter panel. Three drivers, ages 29, 42, and 52, suffered internal injuries to the neck, back, and head. All were conscious and restrained. The report lists physical disability as a contributing factor for one driver. No other driver errors, such as failure to yield or speeding, were noted. The vehicles involved were a 2014 Toyota, a 2014 Honda, and a 2012 Toyota, all sedans registered in New York or Maryland.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540463 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16