Feb 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

Feb 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

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 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

Feb 4 - 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

Feb 2 - 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

Jan 23 - 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 2025-09-19

Jan 23 - 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

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 14 - 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 2025-09-19

Jan 8 - 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

Dec 31 - 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 2025-09-19

Dec 3 - 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 2025-09-19

Dec 2 - 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 2025-09-19

Dec 1 - 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 2025-09-19

Nov 30 - Two SUVs collided head-to-tail on the Van Wyck Expressway at night. Three occupants suffered contusions and bruises, including back and shoulder injuries. Driver distraction was cited as the cause, with no ejections or fatalities reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Van Wyck Expressway around 12:30 a.m. Two station wagons/SUVs traveling south collided, with the point of impact at the center front end of one vehicle and the center back end of the other. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The second vehicle, a 2013 Ford SUV with three occupants, was driven by a licensed New York male driver. All three occupants, including the driver, sustained injuries classified as contusions and bruises to the back and shoulders. All were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. There were no ejections. The collision and resulting injuries highlight the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775909 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 24 - A sedan lost control on Van Wyck Expressway after a tire failed. The driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered hip and leg bruises. Faulty equipment turned a routine drive into a crash.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old male driver was injured when his 2005 BMW sedan crashed on Van Wyck Expressway at 1:10 AM. The report cites 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' as the primary contributing factor. The sedan, traveling southeast, struck with its center front end. The driver, the only occupant, was properly restrained and suffered a contusion to his hip and upper leg. No other driver errors or victim actions were listed. This crash highlights the danger posed by vehicle maintenance failures on New York City roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773944 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 22 - Box truck hit sedan from behind on Jewel Avenue. Rear passenger in sedan suffered neck injury and whiplash. Driver inattention and unsafe lane change caused the crash.

According to the police report, a box truck rear-ended a sedan merging north on Jewel Avenue near Van Wyck Expressway in Queens at 6:40 AM. The sedan's left rear quarter panel was struck. Driver inattention and unsafe lane changing are listed as contributing factors. A 49-year-old male rear passenger in the sedan was injured, suffering neck trauma and whiplash. He was conscious, not ejected, and wore a lap belt. The box truck showed no damage. The crash underscores the risks posed by distracted driving and unsafe lane changes in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773392 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 18 - City data shows open streets thrive. Storefronts fill up. Pedestrians and cyclists bring life and cash. Cars do not. Vacancy rates drop where traffic is banned. Volunteers keep these corridors alive, but city support lags behind their success.

On November 18, 2024, the Department of City Planning released a report titled 'Storefront Activity in NYC Neighborhoods.' The analysis, covered by Streetsblog NYC, finds that open streets—car-free corridors—have about half the vacant storefronts of car-filled streets. The report states: 'vibrant public spaces are key to the success of local businesses.' City officials like Ya-Ting Liu, chief public realm officer, and volunteers such as Alex Morano and Brent Bovenzi, praised the program's impact. Bovenzi noted, 'the program is shrinking because too much of the burden falls upon volunteer labor.' The Open Streets program, now permanent, covers over 130 locations but relies heavily on volunteers. Advocates urge the city to invest more, as the data shows people-centric design drives economic recovery and safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.

• Car-Free Streets are Good For Business, Yet Another Report Shows, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-18

Nov 15 - A motorcycle traveling west struck the right rear bumper of a sedan changing lanes eastbound on the G.C.P / L.I.E. The motorcycle driver, a 20-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles sustained front and rear bumper damage.

According to the police report, at 10:45 a.m. on the G.C.P / L.I.E., a motorcycle traveling westbound collided with the right rear bumper of a sedan that was changing lanes eastbound. The motorcycle driver, a 20-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The sedan driver was also male and licensed in New York. The point of impact was the motorcycle's left front bumper and the sedan's right rear bumper. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the sedan was changing lanes at the time of the crash, indicating a driver error related to lane change maneuvers. No victim behaviors or helmet use were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771613 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19