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

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

Two sedans collided on the Grand Central Parkway Exit 9 eastbound at 9:53 a.m. A six-year-old passenger suffered a neck contusion. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause, with impact on the right front quarter panel and center front end.

According to the police report, at 9:53 a.m., two sedans collided on the Grand Central Parkway Exit 9 eastbound. One vehicle, a 2020 BMW sedan traveling west, was struck on the right front quarter panel, damaging its right side doors. The other, a 2024 Nissan sedan, was making a left turn and impacted with its center front end. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor to the collision. A six-year-old male occupant in the BMW, seated in the right rear passenger position and secured with a lap belt and harness, sustained a neck contusion and was conscious after the crash. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The collision highlights driver error in yielding, leading to injuries among vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

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

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

Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

Trump’s push to kill congestion pricing would gut MTA funding. John Liu calls it basic maintenance, not luxury. The plan’s billion-dollar revenue keeps subways running and streets safer. Without it, transit crumbles. Riders and vulnerable road users pay the price.

On February 2, 2025, NYC officials responded to reports of a federal move to repeal congestion pricing, just weeks after its January 5 launch. At a press conference, Council Member John Liu warned, “This is not for fancy stuff. This is basic transit maintenance.” Liu said losing congestion pricing would erase a billion dollars in annual MTA revenue, threatening $15 billion in planned upgrades. The money funds new subway cars, buses, station repairs, and safety improvements. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined Liu, stressing millions rely on transit daily. Both officials opposed the repeal, highlighting the risk to the city’s transit backbone. The bill is not numbered, but the threat is clear: without congestion pricing, the city’s streets and subways grow more dangerous for everyone outside a car.

• Trump repeal of congestion pricing would devastate NYC transit, city pols warn, amny.com, Published 2025-02-02

A distracted driver rear-ended a stopped SUV on Grand Central Parkway. The impact caused upper arm injuries and whiplash to the driver of the struck vehicle. Both vehicles were traveling west when the collision occurred in traffic.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:50 on Grand Central Parkway involving two SUVs traveling westbound. One SUV was stopped in traffic when it was struck in the center back end by another SUV traveling straight ahead. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 46-year-old woman, sustained upper arm injuries and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The driver of the striking vehicle failed to maintain attention, leading to the rear-end impact. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing factors from the injured driver. The collision highlights the danger of distracted driving in congested traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789125 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

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

A speeding SUV distracted its driver and slammed into the back of a sedan going east on Grand Central Parkway. Two front-seat passengers suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:45 on Grand Central Parkway. A 2024 Subaru SUV traveling west rear-ended a 2019 BMW sedan traveling east. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for the SUV driver. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. Two front-seat passengers in the sedan, both female and wearing lap belts and harnesses, were injured with chest trauma and whiplash. Neither occupant was ejected, and both remained conscious. The collision's damage was concentrated at the center rear of the sedan and the center front of the SUV. The report highlights driver errors—distraction and unsafe speed—as the primary causes, with no contributing factors attributed to the passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785845 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

A sedan driver, unlicensed and aggressive, changed lanes on Grand Central Parkway, striking the right side of an SUV. The SUV driver suffered elbow and arm abrasions. The collision exposed dangers of reckless driving and unlicensed operation on city roads.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:30 on Grand Central Parkway involving a sedan and an SUV, both traveling west. The sedan driver, identified as unlicensed, was changing lanes aggressively when the vehicle's left front bumper collided with the SUV's right rear bumper, damaging the SUV's right side doors. The SUV driver, a 37-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor, highlighting the sedan driver's reckless lane change. The SUV driver was properly restrained with an airbag deployed and lap belt in use. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident underscores the systemic danger posed by unlicensed and aggressive drivers on New York City roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783205 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted SUV driver veered south on Van Wyck Expressway, slamming head-on into a man standing near a parked flatbed. The impact crushed his body. He died there, under the cold morning sky, another life ended by driver inattention.

A 41-year-old man was killed on the Van Wyck Expressway when a southbound SUV struck him head-on as he stood near a parked flatbed, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 11:35 a.m. The report states the SUV driver was 'distracted' and that 'alcohol was involved.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was engaged in 'other actions in roadway,' but the police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The SUV's right front bumper delivered the fatal blow, crushing the man's body. The police narrative describes the victim's death as immediate, with his body 'crumpled beneath the wheels.' No contributing factors are attributed to the pedestrian. The data underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction and impairment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776236 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A female SUV driver suffered back injuries and shock after a collision caused by unsafe lane changing. The impact struck the vehicle’s left front quarter panel. The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Grand Central Parkway, eastbound.

According to the police report, the crash involved a 2020 Jeep SUV traveling eastbound on Grand Central Parkway. The driver, a 25-year-old female occupant, was injured with back trauma and experienced shock. The report cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the SUV, indicating the vehicle struck or was struck during a lane change maneuver. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The collision also involved another vehicle traveling eastbound, which sustained damage to its right rear quarter panel. The driver held a valid New York license. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of improper lane changes on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775876 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV struck sedan from behind on Grand Central Parkway. Woman at the wheel suffered neck injury and shock. Police blamed following too closely. Impact left pain and whiplash. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota SUV rear-ended a 2018 Chevrolet sedan on Grand Central Parkway at 4:15 a.m. The sedan's 31-year-old female driver was injured, suffering neck pain, whiplash, and shock. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the cause, showing the SUV driver failed to keep distance. The victim was properly restrained and not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore safe spacing, leaving vulnerable road users hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777601 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04