Blood on the Hills: Cars Kill, Leaders Look Away

Aug 25 - Two SUVs slammed together on Richmond Road. A young woman behind the wheel took a blow to the head and went into shock. Police say traffic control was ignored. Metal twisted. One driver left injured.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Richmond Road at Clove Road. The female driver of one SUV, age 24, suffered head injuries and shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Both vehicles struck each other’s left front bumpers. One SUV had its left side doors smashed, the other its front end crushed. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, pointing to a driver ignoring signals or signs. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558535 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 24 - A 36-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered neck injuries in a crash on Lortel Avenue. The vehicle was making a left turn when it collided. The driver was conscious and not ejected. Police cited driver inattention as a factor.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old female driver of a 2014 Jeep SUV was making a left turn on Lortel Avenue when the crash occurred. She sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The vehicle's left front bumper struck another object, causing damage to the right front quarter panel. The driver was licensed in New York and was not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558187 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 24 - A 41-year-old man was hit while crossing Richmond Road at an intersection. The sedan driver failed to yield and disregarded traffic controls. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver struck the pedestrian head-on.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Richmond Road made a left turn and struck a 41-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and disregard of traffic control as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2008 Honda sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557945 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 21 - Two vehicles crashed at Harold Street near Mountainview Avenue late at night. An SUV struck a pickup truck on its right side. A 43-year-old female passenger in the SUV suffered facial bruises. The crash involved disregarded traffic control signals.

According to the police report, a 2018 Hyundai SUV traveling east collided with a 2020 Ford pickup truck traveling south on Harold Street. The SUV impacted the right side doors of the pickup truck. A 43-year-old female occupant in the SUV, seated in the left rear passenger position and secured with a lap belt and harness, sustained facial contusions. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision. No ejections occurred, and the injured passenger remained conscious. The crash highlights the dangers of ignoring traffic controls at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557642 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 19 - A convertible struck the center back end of a flatbed truck on Staten Island Expressway late at night. The driver and front passenger of the convertible suffered serious injuries. The crash was caused by driver inattention and distraction.

According to the police report, a convertible traveling west on Staten Island Expressway collided with the center back end of a flatbed truck also traveling west. The convertible's driver, a 45-year-old man, sustained whiplash, and the front passenger, a 50-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow or lower arm. Both occupants were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The flatbed truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The impact occurred at the center front end of the convertible and the center back end of the flatbed. No ejections occurred. The injuries reflect the force of the rear-end collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556771 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 8 - A 51-year-old man crossing Manor Road away from an intersection was hit by a northbound sedan. The vehicle’s front center struck him, causing bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver was inattentive and distracted.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Manor Road on Staten Island, away from an intersection or crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The crash involved a 2015 Nissan sedan traveling north, which struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. The vehicle had no occupants other than the driver. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in non-intersection pedestrian crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4555002 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 3 - A sedan hit a 17-year-old boy crossing Richmond Hill Road. The driver was distracted. The teen suffered bruises and leg injuries. Impact was at the intersection. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male pedestrian was struck and injured by a 2015 Toyota sedan traveling east on Richmond Hill Road at an intersection. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal, but the police report highlights driver distraction as the primary cause. The crash underscores the danger faced by pedestrians when drivers are not fully attentive.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552163 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 24 - An unlicensed driver crashed a 2002 SUV into parked vehicles on Melba Street. The driver suffered facial bruises but was conscious and restrained. Alcohol involvement was noted. Multiple parked cars sustained front and side damage in the collision.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old male driver operating a 2002 Toyota SUV was injured after colliding with several parked vehicles on Melba Street. The driver was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor and notes the driver was unlicensed. The SUV struck the left front bumper of a 2008 Lexus SUV and the left side doors of a 2020 Toyota sedan, both parked. The driver sustained a contusion to the face and was conscious at the scene. No other occupants or pedestrians were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549673 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 5 - A 24-year-old female SUV driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash in a crash. The limo, traveling west, struck the SUV’s left side doors. Driver distraction caused the collision. Both vehicles damaged on front and side.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old female driver of a 2021 SUV was injured when her vehicle, making a U-turn, was struck on the left side doors by a 2019 limo traveling straight west. The SUV driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The limo’s right front bumper hit the SUV’s left side. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The limo driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543674 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 22 - A 36-year-old male driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries in a Staten Island crash. The SUV’s defective brakes caused a front-end collision. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected. The crash happened near Lortel Avenue at 2:35 p.m.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male driver was injured in a crash involving a 2006 Toyota SUV traveling north near 116 Lortel Avenue, Staten Island. The vehicle’s brakes were defective, contributing to the collision. The driver sustained whiplash and injuries to his entire body but was not ejected and remained conscious. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV. The report lists no other driver errors or contributing factors. The injured person was the driver and occupant of the SUV. No information on safety equipment use was provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540724 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 16 - DOT aims to shrink Hylan Boulevard. Fewer lanes. Painted bike paths. Cyclists and pedestrians bleed here. Council Member Borelli fights back. He calls it needless. DOT stands firm. Data shows danger. Staten Island drivers protest. Safety hangs in the balance.

On June 16, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation proposed a 'road diet' for Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island. The plan would cut the road from four lanes to one in each direction, add a turning bay, and paint bike lanes. The DOT cites high injury and fatality rates, especially among cyclists, as the reason for action, referencing success from similar projects. Council Member Joe Borelli opposes the plan, saying, 'Thousands who use this road each day will be inconvenienced...all for the benefit of 251 aspiring Greg LeMonds who cycle this stretch on the weekends.' Borelli calls the plan unoriginal and unnecessary. DOT spokesman Vin Barone defends the proposal, pointing to injury data and safety gains. The plan remains a proposal as DOT reviews community feedback. No formal safety analyst assessment is available.

• City Will Rein in Speeding Staten Islanders with Hylan Boulevard ‘Road Diet’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-16

Jun 3 - Two sedans collided on Manor Road in Staten Island. The unlicensed male driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved obstructed view and reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. Both vehicles sustained front quarter panel damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Manor Road in Staten Island. The male driver of the 2007 Hyundai, who was unlicensed, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash occurred as the Hyundai was traveling northwest going straight ahead and the 2021 Jeep was making a right turn eastbound. Contributing factors included a limited or obstructed view and the Hyundai driver's reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the Hyundai and the left front quarter panel of the Jeep. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4534138 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 2 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02

Jun 1 - State Senate passed bill to run speed cameras all day, every day. The vote was 51 to 12. Cameras now catch speeders at night and on weekends. Most deaths happen off-hours. Expansion aims to cut deadly crashes citywide.

On May 31, 2022, the State Senate approved a bill to extend and expand New York City's speed camera program. The measure passed 51-12 and now moves to the Assembly. The bill allows cameras to operate 24/7 in nearly 2,000 locations across 750 school zones until July 1, 2025. The matter summary states, 'The proposal to extend New York City's speed camera program for another three years and expand it to run every day and around the clock easily passed.' Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsored the bill, saying, 'We are going to see a marked reduction in traffic violence on our streets at a time when traffic deaths are at their highest in a decade.' Simcha Felder, Democrat from District 44, voted against. The expansion targets off-hours, which account for 59% of traffic deaths. Speeding dropped 72% and deaths fell 55% where cameras operated. The city pushed for this as fatalities rose under Mayor Adams. Some penalties for repeat speeders were removed during negotiations.

• State Senate votes to approve 24-hour speed cameras in NYC, amny.com, Published 2022-06-01

Jun 1 - The State Senate backed Sen. Gounardes’s bill to run speed cameras nonstop in city school zones. The vote was 51-12. Supporters cited lives lost to speeding. Opponents called it a cash grab. The Assembly must act before the session ends.

Bill S. (no number given) passed the New York State Senate on June 1, 2022, by a 51-12 vote. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes, reauthorizes and expands New York City’s school-zone speed camera program to operate 24/7. The measure was debated in the Senate, with Sen. Robert Jackson and Gounardes defending it: 'Cars speeding in New York kill New Yorkers, injure New Yorkers.' Gounardes called the cameras 'life-saving.' Opponents, including Sen. Andrew Lanza, dismissed the program as a 'cash register.' Danny Harris of Transportation Alternatives said, 'When New York City’s speed safety cameras turn off, speeding increases and crashes rise.' The bill awaits Assembly action before the legislative session ends.

• State Senate Overwhelmingly Supports 24/7 Speed Cameras for the City, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-01

Jun 1 - Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01

May 31 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-31

May 30 - A sedan hit an 18-year-old female pedestrian playing in the road near Wheeler Avenue. She suffered abrasions and upper leg injuries. The driver was going straight westbound. The pedestrian was conscious but injured. No driver errors were specified.

According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling westbound struck an 18-year-old female pedestrian playing in the roadway near Wheeler Avenue. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her hip and upper leg and remained conscious after the collision. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of impact. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end. The report lists no specific driver contributing factors or errors. The pedestrian’s contributing factors are unspecified. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face when in the roadway outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4532867 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 25 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

May 25 - Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-05-25