Rockaway Bleeds While City Sleeps

Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

Feb 7 - A 60-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck at a Queens intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing abrasions and injuries to her entire body. The pedestrian remained conscious despite the severity of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:45 near 58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd in Queens. A 60-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when she was struck by a vehicle. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the driver. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her entire body, classified as injury severity level 3, but remained conscious. The vehicle involved is unspecified in type and details, and no information about the driver’s license status or vehicle damage is provided. The report does not list any pedestrian behaviors as contributing factors, focusing solely on the driver's failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792183 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Jan 22 - Council Chair Brooks-Powers blasted DOT for missing bike and bus lane targets. She pushed a bill to force public tracking. DOT made excuses. The city fell short for the third year. Vulnerable road users wait. The council wants answers, not promises.

""DOT gives us their word every hearing and we are not getting results,"" -- Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

On January 22, 2025, Council Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers confronted the Department of Transportation at a public hearing. She cited DOT's repeated failure to meet the 2019 Streets Master Plan benchmarks—50 miles of protected bike lanes and 30 miles of bus lanes each year. In 2024, DOT delivered only 5.3 miles of bus lanes and 25.7 miles of bike lanes. Brooks-Powers introduced Intro 1105, a bill requiring DOT to publish a tracker of its progress. She declared, "DOT gives us their word every hearing and we are not getting results." DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione objected, claiming the tracker would add paperwork and reduce community engagement. Brooks-Powers countered, "DOT needs to be more transparent about its project pipeline so we can identify bottlenecks." The committee signaled intent to advance the bill. The city’s failure leaves pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders exposed.

• Council Transportation Chair Tells DOT That She’s Sick of the Streets Plan Excuses, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-22

Jan 22 - A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Jan 19 - An SUV traveling east on Rockaway Fwy struck an object or vehicle, injuring two child passengers. Both suffered bruises and contusions to chest and lower limbs. The driver was using a hands-free cell phone, contributing to the crash.

According to the police report, a 2012 Honda SUV driven by a licensed female driver was traveling east on Rockaway Fwy in Queens at 19:27 when it crashed. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end. Two child occupants, ages 6 and 14, seated in the right rear and front passenger seats respectively, were injured with contusions and bruises to the chest and lower leg areas. Both children were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies the driver’s use of a hands-free cell phone as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver distraction. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The injuries occurred inside the vehicle, with no ejections reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791441 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.

On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.

• Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 9 - A 51-year-old woman suffered facial abrasions after a sedan failed to yield while making a left turn on Beach 90 Street. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without signal. The driver’s failure to yield caused the collision.

According to the police report, at 20:38 a sedan traveling east on Beach 90 Street made a left turn and struck a 51-year-old female pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk without signal. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained abrasions to her face. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the driver. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian’s crossing without signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The collision highlights the danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785481 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Dec 31 - Two sedans collided on Beach 47 St in Queens at 7:05 AM. An 87-year-old male driver was injured and shocked. The crash involved a westbound sedan going straight and an eastbound sedan making a left turn. Both vehicles sustained right-side damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:05 AM on Beach 47 St near Rockaway Fwy in Queens. A westbound 2006 Honda sedan was traveling straight ahead when it collided with an eastbound 2013 Honda sedan making a left turn. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the westbound vehicle and the right rear bumper of the eastbound vehicle. The 87-year-old male driver of the eastbound sedan was injured and experienced shock but was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured driver but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782920 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 19 - Council moves to test bold pavement markings at crash sites. Five spots per borough. Focus: places where drivers have killed or maimed. Report to follow. Streets marked for danger.

Int 1154-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024. The bill orders a pilot for high visibility pavement markings—at least five locations per borough. The city must target streets with high injury or fatality counts from bad driving. The matter title reads: 'establishing a high visibility pavement marking pilot program.' Council Member Yusef Salaam leads, joined by Menin, De La Rosa, Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Brannan, and Hanif. The law demands a report on results and challenges. The aim: mark danger, force drivers to see, and push the city to act where blood has already been spilled.

• File Int 1154-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

Dec 18 - An 18-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being struck at an intersection on Beach 101 Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a Ford sedan making a right turn hit him, causing shock and serious injury.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Beach 101 Street and Beach Channel Drive in Queens at 8:10 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when he was struck by a Ford sedan making a right turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver, but the collision occurred during the vehicle's right turn maneuver. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or other violations are explicitly cited in the data. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781565 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 18 - MTA unveiled its final Queens bus overhaul. Seventeen new routes, more frequent service, but cuts on 29 lines. Rush routes aim to speed riders to trains. Public feedback starts January. MTA Board votes in winter. Rollout set for summer 2025.

The MTA announced its final Queens bus network redesign on December 18, 2024. The plan, now entering its last public feedback phase, will be reviewed by the MTA Board in early winter 2025 and implemented by late summer. The proposal includes over $30 million in new funding, 17 new local routes, and increased frequency for 17 lines, but also service reductions on 29 routes. The main highlight is the introduction of 'rush' routes to connect riders to rail faster. MTA Chair Janno Lieber said, 'Every change to a route has an impact on the schedule... and we did it.' Queens Borough President Donovan Richards voiced support, stating, 'I'm ready. We're ready.' The process began in 2019 and was shaped by extensive community input. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• The Queens Bus Redesign Is Finished. Probably, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-18

Dec 5 - Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Nov 26 - Two sedans collided at Beach 87 St and Rockaway Beach Blvd. Both drivers injured. Impact crushed metal. Police list only unspecified factors. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed at 8:40 AM on Beach 87 Street near Rockaway Beach Blvd in Queens. One driver went straight east; the other turned right. Both drivers, a 50-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, suffered whiplash and injuries to the lower limbs and entire body. Both remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists only unspecified contributing factors. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774289 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13

Nov 12 - DOT finished the Queens Boulevard redesign. Protected bike lanes, pedestrian islands, and new signals now line seven miles. Fatalities dropped 68 percent. Injuries fell 35 percent. Julie Won helped fund the next phase. Concrete upgrades will harden safety. Streets remember every life.

On November 12, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced the completion of the final phase of the Queens Boulevard Redesign. The project, part of Vision Zero, was celebrated in Council District 26 with Council Member Julie Won present and helping secure $1.5 million for future upgrades. The redesign stretches from Queens Plaza to Hillside Avenue, creating the city’s longest protected bike lane. The DOT reports a 68% drop in fatalities and a 35% reduction in injuries since 2015. The redesign adds parking-protected bike lanes, pedestrian islands, and improved signals. The next phase, funded in part by Won, will replace painted lanes with concrete, add raised medians, and increase accessibility. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called it a milestone, saying, 'Queens Boulevard is not the Boulevard of Death anymore, but the Boulevard of Life.'

• A ‘Boulevard of Life’ transformation: DOT announces completion of Queens Boulevard Redesign, amny.com, Published 2024-11-12

Nov 11 - SUV and sedan crashed head-on in Queens. Both drivers suffered head injuries and concussions. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield. Shock and trauma marked the aftermath.

Two vehicles collided at 11:57 PM on Rockaway Freeway at Beach 98 Street in Queens. According to the police report, a 2023 Ford SUV and a 2017 Hyundai sedan struck each other at the front bumpers. Both drivers, a 25-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man, suffered head injuries and concussions. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors for both drivers. Both occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected. The report notes both were in shock. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of distraction and failure to yield on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 6 - A sedan hit a 12-year-old girl crossing Rockaway Beach Blvd. She suffered hip and leg bruises. The car’s front struck her. No damage to the vehicle. The street left her exposed.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old pedestrian was hit by a sedan while crossing Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Queens at 8:33 AM. The girl was not at an intersection or crosswalk. The sedan, driven by a licensed woman, was heading east and struck her with its center front end. The child sustained a contusion and bruising to her hip and upper leg. She was conscious after the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not cite any explicit driver errors. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The incident underscores the risk faced by pedestrians crossing wide, busy streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769265 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19