Crash Count for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,474
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 1,208
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 215
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 12
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 6
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 30, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park?

Park or Perish: Blood on Flushing Meadows’ Streets Demands Action Now

Park or Perish: Blood on Flushing Meadows’ Streets Demands Action Now

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 16, 2025

The Toll in the Park

The numbers do not lie. Since 2022, six people have died and 1,137 have been injured in crashes in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Ten of those injuries were serious. The dead include a 41-year-old man crushed on the Van Wyck, a 33-year-old woman struck on the Grand Central Parkway, and a 63-year-old woman thrown from her moped on Blossom Avenue. The park is ringed by highways. The danger is constant.

Buses jump curbs. Cars mount sidewalks. On July 11, an MTA bus in Flushing jumped the curb and smashed into a light pole and ticket machine, injuring eight. One rider described the chaos: “I was all the way in the back and all of a sudden the bus hit the curb, I guess, jumped the curb, I went this way and that way and banged into the side of the bus.” The driver, just 25, told investigators he misjudged the curb. Video later showed he had fallen asleep at the wheel. The MTA pulled him from service. The crash could have killed. It did not. This time.

Who Pays the Price

The most vulnerable bleed first. Pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders are struck by SUVs, trucks, and buses. In the last twelve months, 367 people were hurt and one killed in 449 crashes. The dead are not numbers. They are fathers, mothers, children. A woman on a moped, ejected and left bleeding. A man walking, crushed by a truck. A passenger, dead from a head wound after a sedan slammed a parked rig. The park is a magnet for families. The roads around it are a trap.

What Leaders Have Done—and Not Done

Senator John Liu has voted yes on bills to curb repeat speeders and extend school speed zones. He co-sponsored the Stop Super Speeders Act, which would force the worst offenders to install speed limiters. But the carnage continues. The city has the power to lower speed limits to 20 mph. It has not done so. The MTA pulls a driver after a crash, but the system that put him there remains. “It must be very devastating for the people that were on the bus,” said a bystander. The devastation is routine.

The Next Step Is Yours

This is not fate. These deaths are not accidents. They are the result of choices. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand real protection for people outside cars. The park should be a place for families, not funerals. The time to act is now.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Sam Berger
Assembly Member Sam Berger
District 27
District Office:
159-06 71st Ave., Flushing, NY 11365
Legislative Office:
Room 818, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
James F. Gennaro
Council Member James F. Gennaro
District 24
District Office:
185-10 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
718-217-4969
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1833, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6956
Twitter: JamesGennaro
John Liu
State Senator John Liu
District 16
District Office:
38-50 Bell Blvd. Suite C, Bayside, NY 11361
Legislative Office:
Room 915, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Flushing Meadows-Corona Park sits in Queens, Precinct 110, District 24, AD 27, SD 16, Queens CB81.

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

Traffic Safety Timeline for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

76-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured Crossing Park Drive East

A 76-year-old man was struck while crossing Park Drive East with the signal. He suffered an upper arm abrasion and remained conscious. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported. The crash left the pedestrian injured at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 76-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Park Drive East at an intersection with the signal. He sustained an abrasion to his shoulder and upper arm and was conscious after the impact. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type were provided. The pedestrian was not at fault, and no safety equipment or other conditions were noted. The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing legally.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658336 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
2
Improper Left Turns Injure Two on College Point

Two men hurt in a violent left-turn crash on College Point Boulevard. Both vehicles struck head-on. Driver inattention and bad lane use listed. Head injuries and whiplash. Both stayed conscious. No ejections.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV and a Toyota sedan collided while both drivers attempted left turns on College Point Boulevard in Queens. The SUV's driver and front passenger, both men, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report lists driver errors as "Passing or Lane Usage Improper," "Turning Improperly," and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The SUV was hit at the left front quarter panel, the sedan at the right front bumper. No one was ejected. The crash shows the danger when drivers misuse lanes and lose focus during turns.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658045 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
2
Taxi Rear-Ends SUV Injuring Two Passengers

A taxi struck the rear of an SUV on Grand Central Parkway. Two passengers in the SUV suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained. The crash was caused by driver inattention and following too closely.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on Grand Central Parkway rear-ended a westbound SUV. The impact occurred at the center back end of the taxi and the center front end of the SUV. Two passengers in the SUV—a 29-year-old woman and a 2-year-old child—were injured, both sustaining head injuries and whiplash. Both occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely." No other contributing factors were noted. The crash caused significant damage to the front of the SUV and the rear of the taxi.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656162 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Grand Central Pkwy

A 23-year-old front passenger suffered whiplash and full-body injuries in a crash on Grand Central Parkway. Two vehicles traveling east collided. Alcohol was involved. The injured occupant remained conscious and was not ejected from the sedan.

According to the police report, two vehicles—a 2008 SUV and a 2015 sedan—were traveling east on Grand Central Parkway when the SUV struck the sedan's right rear bumper with its left front bumper. The sedan carried two occupants, including a 23-year-old female front passenger who sustained whiplash and injuries to her entire body. She was conscious and not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The collision point and vehicle damage indicate the SUV rear-ended the sedan. No other contributing factors were specified.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Motorcycle Partially Ejected on Van Wyck Expwy

A 19-year-old motorcyclist was partially ejected on Van Wyck Expressway. The helmeted rider suffered abrasions over the entire body. The motorcycle struck the rear of an SUV traveling westbound. The SUV showed no damage. The rider remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male motorcyclist was partially ejected after his motorcycle collided with the rear end of a westbound SUV on Van Wyck Expressway. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet and suffered abrasions covering his entire body but remained conscious. The SUV, carrying three occupants, sustained no damage. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead in the same direction at the time of impact. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the motorcyclist but does not specify driver errors or violations. The collision point was the motorcycle's center back end striking the SUV's center front end.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Union Turnpike

A 60-year-old woman driving a sedan suffered neck injuries in a rear-end collision on Union Turnpike in Queens. The SUV driver followed too closely and struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Union Turnpike in Queens involving a sedan and an SUV, both traveling west. The SUV struck the sedan from behind, impacting the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s 60-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining a neck injury described as whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647431 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Pedestrian Injured on Van Wyck Expressway

A 51-year-old man working in the roadway was struck on the Van Wyck Expressway. The impact caused internal injuries to his abdomen and pelvis. Alcohol involvement was noted. Multiple vehicles were damaged, including parked trucks and moving sedans.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male pedestrian was injured while working in the roadway on the Van Wyck Expressway. The pedestrian suffered internal injuries to the abdomen and pelvis and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. Several vehicles were involved, including parked pick-up trucks and flatbeds, as well as moving sedans traveling southbound. The collision points included left rear bumpers of parked vehicles and right bumpers of moving sedans. The report does not specify any pedestrian errors but highlights alcohol involvement, indicating driver impairment as a key factor.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643806 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
3
SUV Rear-Ends Flat Bed on Van Wyck

A flat bed truck and an SUV collided on Van Wyck Expressway. Three men in the SUV suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved unsafe lane changing and following too closely. All occupants remained conscious and were not ejected.

According to the police report, a flat bed truck traveling south was struck in the center front end by a southbound SUV. The SUV was slowing or stopping when the collision occurred. Three male occupants in the SUV, including the driver and two passengers, sustained back injuries and whiplash. The report lists driver errors as following too closely and unsafe lane changing. None of the occupants were ejected, and all remained conscious. The flat bed truck had one male driver who was licensed in New Jersey. The SUV driver was licensed in New York. Vehicle damage was centered on the rear of the SUV and the front of the flat bed.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642076 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
2
Subaru Turns Left, E-Bike Riders Thrown and Bloodied

A Subaru turned left on Roosevelt Avenue. An e-bike went straight. Steel hit flesh. Two men flew from the saddle. Legs torn, blood pooled. Both conscious. Both broken. The street showed no mercy.

Two men riding an e-bike were injured when a Subaru SUV turned left into their path on Roosevelt Avenue near 126th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the Subaru was making a left turn while the e-bike was going straight. Both e-bike riders were ejected and suffered severe lacerations to their legs. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. No helmets were worn, but this is noted only after the driver errors. The crash left both men conscious but badly hurt. The impact was brutal. The street did not forgive.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639931 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
A 7043
Liu votes yes on Albany school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

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.


A 7043
Liu votes yes on Albany school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

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.


S 6808
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.


S 2714
Liu votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.


S 6802
Liu votes yes on Albany school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.


S 6802
Liu votes yes on Albany school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.


Liu Supports Safety Boosting Lower BAC Threshold Bill

NYPD and Jo Anne Simon call for tougher drunk driving laws. Police ramp up DWI patrols for Memorial Day. Officials urge Albany to drop legal BAC to .05%. They cite rising deaths. Advocates say alcohol fuels a third of crashes. Streets stay deadly.

On May 26, 2023, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (District 52) joined NYPD and city officials to announce increased traffic enforcement for Memorial Day and to advocate for state legislation lowering the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold from .08% to .05%. The announcement, made at One Police Plaza, highlighted the bill sponsored by Simon and Sen. John Liu. The matter summary states, 'Officials called on Albany to pass legislation to lower the BAC threshold to .05%, arguing it would reduce DWI fatalities by about 10% and align with other countries.' Simon declared, 'Lowering the BAC limit from .08% to .05% is desperately needed to adequately tackle this epidemic of traffic violence.' NYPD Chief Kim Royster and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez echoed the urgency. The bill awaits action in Albany. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but officials cite 43 NYC DWI deaths in 2021 and say 30% of state crashes involve alcohol.


S 6808
Liu votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.


S 775
Liu votes yes to expand ignition interlock monitoring, boosting road safety.

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.


SUV Driver Loses Consciousness on Van Wyck

A 51-year-old male driver lost consciousness while driving north on Van Wyck Expressway. The SUV struck an object on the right side. The driver suffered head injuries but was not ejected. Illness caused the crash, police say.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male driver of a 2018 Honda SUV traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway lost consciousness due to illness. The vehicle impacted on the right side doors, damaging the right front quarter panel. The driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained head injuries and was incoherent after the crash. The report lists 'Illness' and 'Lost Consciousness' as contributing factors. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was licensed and the vehicle was going straight ahead before the impact.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627394 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Left-Turning Sedan Strikes E-Scooter Rider

Sedan turned left on Roosevelt Avenue. Hit e-scooter head-on. Rider, a 29-year-old man, suffered head injury. Police cite driver inattention and alcohol. Impact was hard. Rider stayed conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens struck a westbound e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered a head contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police listed driver inattention and alcohol involvement as contributing factors. The sedan's right front bumper hit the center front of the e-scooter. The report notes the e-scooter rider was not wearing safety equipment, but the crash stemmed from the sedan driver's errors. No blame is placed on the victim.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636885 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06