Crash Count for Westerleigh-Castleton Corners
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,191
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 697
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 180
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 8
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 5
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Aug 2, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Westerleigh-Castleton Corners?

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

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

Westerleigh-Castleton Corners: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 18, 2025

The Deaths Keep Coming

A sixteen-year-old boy on a scooter died on College Avenue. His name was Nacere Ellis. He was hit by a Hyundai Tucson on June 29. He suffered head trauma and never made it home. The driver, seventy-nine, stayed at the scene. No charges. Police are still investigating. The Brooklyn Paper reported the facts.

In the last twelve months, one person died and four were seriously injured in Westerleigh-Castleton Corners. Nearly two hundred more were hurt. The numbers do not bleed, but people do.

Patterns in the Wreckage

SUVs and sedans do most of the damage. Since 2022, cars and SUVs killed four people here. Trucks and buses injured more. Bikes caused three injuries, but no deaths. The old and the young are not spared. Children under eighteen were injured twenty-five times in the past year. Two were seriously hurt.

Leaders: Votes and Silence

Local leaders have a choice. In June, State Senator Andrew Lanza voted no on a bill to require speed-limiting tech for repeat speeders—he opposed a law that would have curbed the worst drivers according to the official record. Assembly Member Sam Pirozzolo voted no on extending school speed zones, turning his back on child safety. The bills passed anyway, but not with their help.

No public statement. No plan for safer crossings. No push for lower speed limits. The silence is loud.

What Comes Next

This is not fate. Every crash is a policy failure. Every injury is a choice made by someone in power. The dead cannot speak. The living must.

“Ellis suffered head trauma as a result of the crash.” The Brooklyn Paper

“No arrests have been made, but the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is continuing its investigation.” The Brooklyn Paper

Call your council member. Call your senator. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand real protection for people outside cars. Do not wait for another child’s name to be written in the police log.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Sam Pirozzolo
Assembly Member Sam Pirozzolo
District 63
District Office:
2090 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314
Legislative Office:
Room 531, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
David Carr
Council Member David Carr
District 50
District Office:
130 Stuyvesant Place, 5th Floor, Staten Island, NY 10301
718-980-1017
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1553, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6965
Twitter: CMDMCarr
Andrew Lanza
State Senator Andrew Lanza
District 24
District Office:
3845 Richmond Ave. Suite 2A, Staten Island, NY 10312
Legislative Office:
Room 413, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Westerleigh-Castleton Corners Westerleigh-Castleton Corners sits in Staten Island, Precinct 120, District 50, AD 63, SD 24, Staten Island CB1.

See also
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Westerleigh-Castleton Corners

S 6802
Lanza votes no on Albany school speed cameras, reducing 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.


Fall Opposes Harmful Transit Service Cuts and Funding Restrictions

Transit faces a cliff. Pandemic gutted ridership and revenue. Federal law blocks agencies from using funds for daily operations. Cuts loom: fewer trains, fewer buses, more danger for those who walk and ride. Labor calls Congress to act. Streets will pay the price.

On May 24, 2023, Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, published an urgent call for federal action. The piece, titled 'Feds Must Give Transit the Support (And Flexibility) It Needs Right Now,' demands Congress let transit agencies use federal funds for operating costs, not just capital projects. Regan warns, 'This flaw in federal policy is squeezing communities around the country.' He highlights looming service cuts in cities like New York, Boston, and Atlanta. Regan opposes current restrictions and supports permanent change. The opinion, published in Streetsblog NYC, reflects labor’s stance: without operational funding, transit shrinks, and vulnerable riders—those who walk, bike, or rely on buses and trains—face greater risk. No council bill number or committee applies; this is a national advocacy push.


Fall Mentioned in Ninth Street Safety Improvement Debate

The city’s Ninth Street redesign faces sharp criticism after a cyclist’s death. Family and advocates say the plan skips key safety fixes. Jersey barriers leave gaps. Pedestrian islands and bike signals are missing. The city delays. Danger remains.

On May 19, 2023, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) latest redesign proposal for Ninth Street in Gowanus drew fire at a Community Board 6 meeting. The plan, discussed in the Transportation and Public Safety Committees, adds buffer-protected bike lanes and some jersey barriers, but skips driveways and omits pedestrian islands, raised intersections, and bicycle signals. Maxime Le Munier, whose wife Sarah Schick was killed by a truck driver on Ninth Street, said, “What we want is to guarantee everyone’s safety, and it seems like it’s going to fall short.” Community Board 6 Transportation Chair Doug Gordon and Public Safety Chair Jerry Armer echoed calls for stronger, faster action. Council Member Hanif hosted a recent event on the issue. The committees unanimously approved the DOT proposal with conditions: more pedestrian safety, more traffic calming, and a comprehensive plan for all of Ninth Street. DOT has not set a timeline. Schick’s family is suing the city for $100 million, alleging negligence.


S 775
Lanza 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.


3
SUV Backing Hits Sedan Front Passengers Injured

An SUV backing east struck a southbound sedan’s front end. Three sedan occupants suffered internal injuries to shoulder, neck, and leg. All were conscious and restrained by lap belts. The SUV’s right rear quarter panel was damaged in the collision.

According to the police report, a 2018 Nissan SUV was backing east when it collided with a 2023 Toyota sedan traveling south on Forest Avenue. The impact occurred at the SUV’s right rear quarter panel and the sedan’s center front end. Three sedan occupants were injured: the 53-year-old male driver with knee and lower leg injuries, the 52-year-old male front passenger with shoulder and upper arm injuries, and a 25-year-old female rear passenger with neck injuries. All were conscious and wearing lap belts. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The SUV driver was alone and licensed. The sedan had three occupants, all injured internally. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10
Fall Criticizes Parks Unsafe Detours Amid Bike Lane Repairs

Work starts on Ocean Parkway’s battered bike lane after years of cracks and broken promises. Cyclists still face danger. Parks closed the path but failed to set a safe detour. Riders dodge cars, confusion, and construction. The city drags its feet.

The Ocean Parkway bike lane repair project, funded in 2019 by then-Borough President Eric Adams and former Council Member Mark Treyger, finally began in May 2023 after years of delays. The $2.6-million, seven-block overhaul—managed by the Parks Department—targets the cracked 1894 path between avenues R and X. Construction, delayed by the pandemic and contract issues, will continue through March 2024. The Parks Department closed the northernmost block but failed to provide a safe, legal detour for cyclists, leaving them to navigate dangerous service roads and unclear signage. Treyger celebrated the start on social media, thanking advocates. Jon Orcutt of Bike New York criticized Parks for slow, unsafe detour practices, saying, 'They should be working on it based on function.' Lawmakers have introduced legislation to speed up Parks capital projects. Cyclists remain at risk until the city fixes its broken process.


Fall Supports Safety Boosting Trash Containerization Pilot Plan

New York City will cut 150,000 free parking spots for trash containers. The pilot starts in West Harlem this fall. The plan clears sidewalks, targets rats, and reclaims space for people. Council member Abreu and advocates back the move. Change is coming.

The Department of Sanitation announced a pilot to eliminate 150,000 free residential parking spaces for trash containerization. The program, starting fall 2023 in West Harlem, covers up to 10 residential blocks and 14 public schools. The DSNY report, with McKinsey input, finds containerization viable for most neighborhoods. The matter aims to 'remove garbage bags from sidewalks' and address public health. Council member Shaun Abreu supports the initiative, calling current practices 'backwards' and endorsing large-scale containerization. Advocates like CHEKPEDS founder Christine Berthet support repurposing parking for trash containers, citing sidewalk access. The city will double trash collection in the pilot area, with $5.7 million allocated. The plan faces challenges in dense areas, but signals a shift toward safer, cleaner streets for all.


Carr Supports Safety Boosting Regional Transit Cost Sharing

Assembly Member Carroll rejects letting suburbs dodge the MTA payroll tax hike. He says all regions use transit, all must pay. Exempting suburbs would gut MTA funding. Carroll demands shared cost, warns against service cuts, and calls for real revenue.

Assembly Member Robert Carroll issued a legislative statement on April 28, 2023, urging equal cost-sharing for the MTA Payroll Mobility Tax (PMT) increase. The proposal, discussed in the Assembly, faces suburban resistance. Carroll’s statement, titled "When It Comes to Transit, Everyone Must Pay Their Fair Share," argues that exempting suburbs would cost the MTA $325 million and undermine regional transit. Carroll and NYC Assembly colleagues wrote to Speaker Heastie, demanding the PMT hike apply to both city and suburbs or, failing that, that new revenue go only to NYC Transit. Carroll said, "It is unwise and bad policy to abandon the principle of an integrated regional transportation system funded through cost sharing across the jurisdictions that benefit most from the MTA." He warns that letting only city businesses pay would be unfair and would threaten transit service. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the statement centers on funding the transit system that protects vulnerable road users.


Fall Supports Safety Boosting Congestion Pricing Monthly Free Trip

Charles Komanoff pitches a once-a-month free trip for every household into Manhattan’s congestion zone. He says it could break the political deadlock. The plan keeps most benefits: less traffic, faster buses, more transit cash. Regular drivers would pay more. Occasional drivers get a break.

On April 26, 2023, Charles Komanoff proposed a policy tweak to New York’s stalled congestion pricing plan. The plan, passed by the state legislature in 2019, remains stuck in federal review. Komanoff suggests, 'let’s give every household in the 12-county MTA region a single untolled trip per month into the congestion zone.' He argues this would address fairness concerns and soften opposition from occasional drivers. The freebie would cut annual net revenues by $110 million, but Komanoff says this could be offset by raising tolls for regular commuters. The proposal aims to preserve congestion pricing’s core goals: less traffic, faster travel, and more funding for transit. Komanoff’s compromise seeks to break the political stalemate and keep the city moving.


Fall Backs Safety Boosting Bus Lane Camera Enforcement

Bus-mounted cameras slash crashes and speed up commutes. MTA data shows a 25 percent drop in collisions and faster buses on enforced routes. Riders gain time. Streets grow safer. Delivery giants rack up tickets. The city lags on bus lane promises.

On April 25, 2023, the City Council held a hearing on bus lane enforcement and service improvements. The matter, titled 'SMILE! Bus Lane Cameras Reduce Collisions, Speed Commutes, MTA Says,' highlighted MTA data: routes with automated bus lane enforcement (ABLE) saw 25 percent fewer crashes and 5 percent faster bus speeds over four years. MTA New York City Transit President Richard Davey testified, calling camera enforcement 'one of the most efficient and effective tools at our disposal.' MTA board member Andrew Albert pushed for more dedicated lanes, while CEO Janno Lieber urged Mayor Adams to meet legal bus lane minimums. The MTA aims to expand cameras to 1,000 buses, covering 80 percent of lanes. The city DOT has fallen behind on required bus lane mileage. Delivery firms like Amazon and UPS are frequent offenders. The MTA is also redesigning routes and reallocating dispatchers to cut bus bunching. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the data shows clear benefits for vulnerable road users.


Motorcycle Hits Turning Sedan on Forest Avenue

A motorcycle struck the right front of a BMW sedan making a left turn on Forest Avenue. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered full-body contusions. Driver distraction and failure to yield right-of-way contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male motorcyclist was injured after colliding with a 2018 BMW sedan turning left on Forest Avenue. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and suffered contusions over his entire body. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The sedan's driver was making a left turn when the motorcycle, traveling straight west, struck the sedan's right front bumper. The motorcyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash caused damage to the sedan's right front quarter panel and the motorcycle's center back end.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622972 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10
Charles Fall Supports Safety Boosting Municipal Fleet Speed Limiters

Advocates push U.S. cities to install speed limiters on government cars. The Safer Fleets Challenge calls for Intelligent Speed Assist in 50 municipal fleets by 2025. Pilots show sharp drops in speeding and crashes. Officials say it saves lives and money.

""This is not something cutting edge... This is the U.S. falling behind and needing to catch up what's happening in other countries ... If you ask a parent if they would like to have this technology in their cars for their teenagers, I would venture to guess almost every parent would say yes. If we want it for our teenagers, we should want it for everyone—because everyone is sharing the roads with each other."" -- Charles Fall

On April 20, 2023, a coalition of transportation advocates launched the Safer Fleets Challenge, urging 50 U.S. communities to install Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology on municipal vehicles by 2025. The campaign, highlighted in a Streetsblog NYC article, states: 'Some of America's most prominent sustainable transportation advocacy organizations are challenging governments to embrace a ground-breaking technology that makes it impossible for drivers to speed, starting with the vehicles in their own fleets.' Former council member Erica Gilmore and America Walks president Mike McGinn voiced strong support. Gilmore said, 'Greater safety, of course, would lead to budget savings over the long run for cities and towns.' The article details ISA pilots in New York City and California, showing fewer crashes and less speeding. Advocates argue that executive orders can quickly retrofit fleets, and broader adoption is overdue. The bill is not yet formal legislation but marks a clear push for systemic change to protect vulnerable road users.


Fall Supports Free Bus Pilot for Working Class

Mayor Adams backs free buses on ten city routes. Assembly Member Mamdani hails the move for working-class riders. But promised bus lanes and service upgrades lag. Only 11.95 miles built last year. Political fights stall progress. Riders wait. Danger lingers.

On April 19, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams endorsed a pilot to make two bus routes free in each borough, totaling ten free buses. The plan is part of the 'Fix the MTA' package, originally championed by Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and progressive allies. Adams said, 'I strongly support the thought of having 10 buses being free on lines in the city. I think it would make a major impact.' Mamdani called free buses 'transformative' for working-class New Yorkers. Despite this, other bus improvements lag. Adams pledged 150 miles of new bus lanes in four years, but only 11.95 miles were built last year. Some projects stalled amid political opposition. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber stressed the need for city commitment to bus lanes and warned of fare hikes and service cuts if funding gaps persist. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.


Charles Fall Supports Safety Boosting Anti Sexual Harassment Campaigns

Sexual harassment stalks DC’s transit. Women riders vanish. WMATA’s old campaigns worked, but vanished too. Ridership drops. Safety erodes. The agency drifts. Riders wait. The call is clear: bring back anti-harassment efforts. Restore trust. Protect women. Save transit.

This opinion piece, published April 17, 2023, urges the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to revive anti-sexual harassment campaigns. The article states, 'WMATA should consider reviving their anti-harassment campaigns to help create a welcoming environment for women.' Before the pandemic, women made up over half of DC transit riders. Now, their numbers have dropped. WMATA’s past campaigns, run with Stop Street Harassment and Collective Action for Safe Spaces, reduced reported harassment and encouraged reporting. But since 2019, progress has stalled. The author notes that sexual harassment drives women away from transit, pushing them toward cars and taxis. WMATA’s 2023 budget lists anti-harassment as a priority, but action is missing. The piece calls for visible, renewed efforts to protect women and restore trust in public transit.


Charles Fall Supports Safety Boosting Car Free Streets

A traveler lived car-free in England, Germany, and Japan. She walked, biked, and rode transit. Streets felt safe. Drivers yielded. Cities built for people, not cars. She calls for New Jersey to follow. She saw less danger, more freedom, and fewer cars.

This opinion piece, published April 14, 2023, is not a council bill but a personal statement advocating for car-free living. The author describes her experience in Cambridge, Stuttgart, and Tokyo, where 'everything we needed was within easy reach by foot, bike, bus, or train.' She urges New Jersey to deliver more options for all people, not just drivers. The piece supports congestion pricing, public transit, walkability, and bike infrastructure. No council members are named. The author highlights how deliberate city planning—compact development, mixed uses, and robust transit—keeps vulnerable road users safer. Streets designed for people, not cars, reduce risk and open freedom for all.


Fall Urges Adams Rodriguez Invest in Safe Streets

A hit-and-run driver killed Jaydan McLaurin, a teenage cyclist, on 21st Street in Astoria. He is the 11th cyclist killed this year. The street lacks protected bike lanes. Politicians and advocates demand urgent action. City failed to meet legal safety mandates.

""These are preventable tragedies. Mayor Adams and [DOT] Commissioner [Ydanis] Rodriguez must invest in building safe streets, especially on known-dangerous corridors. We cannot afford to fall further behind on the NYC Streets Plan’s legal requirements."" -- Charles Fall

On April 11, 2023, a hit-and-run driver killed Jaydan McLaurin, a teenage cyclist, on 21st Street in Astoria, Queens. This corridor is a Vision Zero priority but only has an unprotected bike lane. The crash marks the 11th cyclist death in New York City this year, a record high for this point in the year. Council Member Tiffany Cabán called the loss 'wave after wave of grief and heartbreak' and demanded safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists. Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris urged Mayor Adams and DOT Commissioner Rodriguez to invest in safe streets and fulfill the NYC Streets Plan’s legal requirements. Advocates noted the Department of Transportation failed to expand bike and bus lanes as required last year. The call is clear: the city must act now to protect vulnerable road users.


Sedan Crashes Into Parked Sedan on Forest Avenue

A sedan traveling south collided with a parked sedan on Forest Avenue. The parked car’s driver, 68, suffered unspecified injuries and shock. The moving driver was cited for turning improperly and unsafe speed. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south struck a parked sedan on Forest Avenue. The parked vehicle’s driver, a 68-year-old woman, was injured and experienced shock. The report lists the moving driver’s errors as turning improperly and unsafe speed. The collision caused front-end damage to both vehicles. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report does not indicate any fault or error on the part of the injured driver.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619532 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10
Sedan Slams Parked Cars on Dongan Avenue

A sedan struck parked cars on Dongan Avenue. The driver suffered bruises. Glare and failure to yield fueled the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old woman driving a sedan crashed into multiple parked vehicles on Dongan Avenue, Staten Island. She suffered contusions to her entire body but was not ejected. The report lists 'Glare' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The crash damaged the right front quarter panels of several sedans. No pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers were reported injured. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and protected by airbags. The impact left metal bent and the street scarred.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619225 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10
Charles Fall Opposes Harmful NYPD Parking Practices Endangering Pedestrians

NYPD station houses in Brooklyn and Queens choke streets with cars. Sidewalks vanish. Buses squeeze past. Pedestrians and riders dodge danger. Officers park anywhere, block homes, ignore laws. Memorials and entrances get buried. Streets turn hostile. The city looks away.

This media commentary, published March 31, 2023, by Streetsblog NYC, spotlights the Eastern Regional Final of 'March (Parking) Madness.' The contest pits Brooklyn’s 75th Precinct against Queens’ 102nd Precinct for worst parking abuses. The article states: 'cars parked all over the place, garbage everywhere, and little respect for its neighbors.' Officers park illegally, block sidewalks, and force bus passengers into the street. The 75th Precinct surrounds its memorial with cars. The 102nd’s entrance is nearly blocked by police vehicles. Both precincts show disregard for neighbors and the law. Council members are not named; this is a public exposé, not a legislative action. No safety analyst note is provided, but the reporting makes clear: NYPD parking practices endanger pedestrians, transit riders, and neighbors.


SUV Kills Pedestrian on Quiet Clove Road

A Ford SUV hit a 66-year-old man on Clove Road near Tioga Street. The right front bumper struck his head. He died at the scene. The street was quiet. Speed did not forgive. The morning ended in loss.

A 66-year-old man was killed when a Ford SUV struck him with its right front bumper on Clove Road near Tioga Street in Staten Island. According to the police report, the crash happened early in the morning on a quiet street. The pedestrian suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor for the driver. The SUV was traveling south, going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were cited. The driver was licensed and remained at the scene. The crash shows the deadly risk of unsafe speed for people on foot.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10