Another Child Dead. Leaders Shrug. How Many More Before They Act?

Two cars slammed together on Leonard Avenue. An eight-year-old boy and a woman suffered whiplash. Police cite driver distraction and unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Lives jarred.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, collided at Leonard Avenue and Clinton B Fisk Avenue on Staten Island. An eight-year-old boy and a 56-year-old woman were injured, both suffering whiplash. According to the police report, both drivers were inattentive and distracted. Unsafe speed was also listed as a contributing factor. The crash left the front ends of both vehicles damaged. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report highlights driver inattention and speed as key factors in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831156 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

A sedan hit hard on Clove Road. The driver, a 26-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police list causes as unspecified. The crash left damage to the right rear bumper.

A sedan crashed on Clove Road near Howard Avenue in Staten Island. The driver, a 26-year-old woman, was injured in the head and reported whiplash. According to the police report, the vehicle was making a right turn when it was struck at the center back end, damaging the right rear bumper. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829326 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Two box trucks crashed head-on on Jewett Avenue. One driver suffered a fractured leg. Police cite traffic control ignored and driver distraction. Metal, glass, pain. The street holds the scars.

Two box trucks collided on Jewett Avenue at Post Avenue in Staten Island. One driver, a 20-year-old man, suffered a fractured leg and dislocation. According to the police report, both 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The report lists no other contributing factors. The impact damaged both trucks' front ends. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left one person injured and others shaken.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829599 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Mayor Adams stalled Third Avenue’s redesign. He once called it urgent. Now, cyclists and walkers face the same deadly street. Cars dominate. Promises break. Blood stains linger.

On July 17, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams delayed Brooklyn’s Third Avenue safety redesign. The project, once 'at the top of our list,' now sits idle. Streetsblog NYC reported the mayor’s reversal. No council vote or committee action is recorded. Adams’s move keeps pedestrians and cyclists exposed to known hazards. A safety analyst notes: Delaying redesign postpones critical improvements, keeps dangers in place, and discourages walking and biking. The city’s inaction leaves Third Avenue deadly for all outside a car.

• Fixing Third Ave. Was Once ‘Top of List’ For Eric Adams — But as Mayor He Backed Off, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-17

Ex-Commissioner Tom Donlon says Adams insiders fueled deadly NYPD chases. Cyclists, kids, and bystanders paid. Streets turned chaotic. Policy ignored. Trust shattered. Vulnerable road users left exposed.

""The NYPD is led by the best, brightest and most honorable professionals in the nation — and their results speak for themselves: crime continues to fall across the city, with shootings at the lowest level in recorded history. We will respond in court, where we are confident these absurd claims will be disproven."" -- Charles Fall

On July 16, 2025, former NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon filed a civil racketeering suit, alleging 'deadly and unconstitutional high-speed vehicle chases' under Mayor Adams. The complaint, reported by Streetsblog NYC, claims the NYPD's Community Response Team operated as a rogue unit, answerable only to City Hall, with Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry allowing reckless pursuits. Donlon cites deaths and injuries, including cyclist Amanda Servedio. The suit alleges 398 crashes and 315 injuries in 2024—a 47% jump. Donlon's allegations highlight how high-speed chases increase risk to pedestrians and cyclists, introducing unpredictable, dangerous driving and eroding public trust in safe, equitable enforcement. No council bill or committee action is tied to this event.

• Former NYPD Boss Says Deadly High Speed Chases Were Result Of ‘Rogue’ Adams Insiders, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-16

Two cars collided on Victory Blvd and Bryson Ave. A 76-year-old woman suffered a head injury. No driver errors listed. The street stays dangerous.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, crashed at Victory Blvd and Bryson Ave on Staten Island. According to the police report, a 76-year-old woman driving one car suffered a head injury and was in shock. Three others, aged 20, 57, and 76, were listed as occupants with unspecified injuries. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported in the data. Both drivers were licensed and wore lap belts. The crash left one person hurt and highlighted the ongoing risk on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829595 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Two SUVs collided on Forest Avenue. One driver suffered facial injuries. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal struck metal. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two SUVs crashed on Forest Avenue at Dubois Avenue in Staten Island. According to the police report, a Mazda SUV was struck from behind by a Porsche SUV. The 33-year-old woman driving the Mazda suffered facial injuries. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention any helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash left one driver hurt and exposed the risks of inattention and tailgating on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828033 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

A 16-year-old on an e-scooter died after a collision with a Hyundai in Staten Island. Head trauma proved fatal. Police are investigating. The driver stayed at the scene. No arrests. Another scooter death followed days later.

The Brooklyn Paper (2025-07-13) reports a fatal crash on June 29 in Staten Island. Sixteen-year-old Nacere Ellis, riding an electric scooter, collided with a westbound Hyundai Tucson. The article states, 'Ellis suffered head trauma as a result of the crash.' The 79-year-old driver remained at the scene. NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the case. No charges have been filed. The report notes a similar fatal scooter crash days earlier in Queens. The incidents highlight ongoing risks for micromobility users and the need for systemic safety measures.

• Teen E-Scooter Rider Killed In Crash, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-07-13

Years pass. Bus speeds crawl. City dodges real bus rapid transit. Riders wait. Streets choke. Vulnerable users stuck with slow, crowded, unsafe options. Nothing changes. Safety stands still.

On July 11, 2025, Dave Colon spotlighted two reports slamming New York City’s failure to deliver real bus rapid transit. The reports state, 'Years of bus priority projects have barely improved speeds because New York City leaders have not implemented real bus rapid transit (BRT).' Colon, reporting for Streetsblog NYC, supports comprehensive BRT and opposes the city’s piecemeal fixes. Mayor Adams and city agencies have not acted on key recommendations. The safety analyst notes: the lack of real BRT means missed chances for mode shift and street equity, but does not directly worsen conditions for pedestrians and cyclists; the status quo remains unchanged.

• Why No BRT For NYC? Two New Reports Tackle Why Your Bus Service Sucks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-11

Two drivers struck at Bradley and Purdy. Both men hurt. One with chest injury, one with arm pain. Metal twisted. No clear cause named. Streets silent after impact.

A sedan and a pickup truck crashed at Bradley Avenue and Purdy Avenue on Staten Island. Two male drivers, ages 56 and 43, were injured—one suffered chest trauma and whiplash, the other arm pain. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight ahead when they collided. The report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor. No driver errors are detailed. Both drivers were conscious after the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No further details on cause or fault are given in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825486 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Mayor Adams halts 34th Street busway. Streets stay clogged. Pedestrians and bus riders lose. Car dominance remains. Safety and equity stalled.

On July 3, 2025, the Adams administration paused the 34th Street busway project, as reported by Streetsblog NYC. The matter, described as a 'highly-anticipated 34th Street busway,' had support from Council Members Erik Bottcher, Keith Powers, and others. Bottcher called it 'transformative,' promising fewer crashes and faster buses. Powers slammed the last-minute reversal. Safety analysts warn: canceling the busway preserves car dominance, discourages transit, and keeps streets unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. The project’s future is uncertain. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

• Anti-Miracle On 34th Street: Adams Administration Pauses Work On 34th Street Busway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-03

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

SUV struck a standing scooter on College Ave. Teen driver ejected, unconscious, bleeding from head. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield. Streets remain dangerous for the young.

A 16-year-old male driving a standing scooter was struck by a 2007 Hyundai SUV on College Ave, Staten Island. The teen was ejected, left unconscious, and suffered severe head bleeding. According to the police report, the SUV driver was inattentive and failed to yield the right-of-way. Both driver errors are listed as contributing factors. The teen had no safety equipment. The SUV driver, a 79-year-old woman, was not injured. The crash highlights the risks faced by young road users when drivers fail to pay attention and yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825475 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Motorcycle struck sedan’s rear as it turned left. Rider ejected, suffered pelvic injury. Sedan driver unhurt. No clear cause named. Streets left another body broken.

A motorcycle and a sedan collided at Watchogue Road and Crystal Avenue on Staten Island. The motorcycle, traveling straight, hit the sedan’s right rear as it turned left. According to the police report, the motorcyclist was ejected and suffered an abdomen-pelvis injury. The sedan driver was not injured. Both vehicles had one occupant. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were cited in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822448 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Two SUVs met on Purdy Avenue. Metal struck metal. Two women, one a driver, one a passenger, were hurt. One bled from her arm. The other took a blow to the abdomen. Police cite failure to yield. Shock followed. The street stayed silent.

Two sport utility vehicles collided on Purdy Avenue at Mann Avenue in Staten Island. According to the police report, the crash involved a 2016 Kia SUV and a 2020 Ford SUV, both traveling east. Two women were injured: a 38-year-old driver suffered minor bleeding to her arm, and a 37-year-old rear passenger sustained internal injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. Both experienced shock. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors are noted. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Safety equipment was used by those injured. The crash left two hurt and a street marked by impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822285 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Two sedans collided on Victory Boulevard. Passengers and a driver suffered injuries. Police cite driver distraction and unsafe speed. The crash left a 50-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man hurt.

Two sedans collided at 1632 Victory Boulevard in Staten Island. A 50-year-old female passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. A 44-year-old male driver reported leg pain and nausea. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' were listed as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left multiple occupants with unspecified injuries. Driver error—distraction and speed—stands out in the official account.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821474 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17