Blood on the Hills: Cars Kill, Leaders Look Away

Oct 18 - A tanker truck made a right turn into the path of a northbound sedan on Staten Island Expressway. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the tanker’s right front quarter panel. The sedan occupant suffered back injuries and whiplash, shocked but restrained.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:23 on Staten Island Expressway near Bradley Avenue. A tanker truck was making a right turn when it collided with a northbound sedan traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the tanker’s right front quarter panel and the sedan’s left front bumper. The sedan’s sole occupant, a 37-year-old male driver, was injured with back pain and whiplash, remaining in shock but properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor, indicating the tanker driver failed to yield or properly observe the sedan’s approach. No contributing factors were assigned to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the danger of large vehicles turning across lanes with inattentive drivers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764765 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 3 - A sedan traveling north on Clove Road rear-ended a pick-up truck also heading north. The impact injured a 7-year-old child passenger in the sedan, who suffered a neck contusion. Driver inattention and inexperience caused the crash.

According to the police report, at 20:14 on Clove Road, a sedan struck the center back end of a pick-up truck traveling in the same direction. The collision caused injuries to a 7-year-old male occupant seated in the left rear passenger position of the sedan. The child, restrained by a lap belt, sustained a neck contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors for the sedan driver. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead when the sedan impacted the truck's rear. The sedan sustained damage to its center back end, while the truck was damaged at its center front end. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4762852 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 27 - Two SUVs traveling west on Westwood Avenue crashed head-on. The impact struck the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver of one SUV suffered unconsciousness and full-body injuries, signaling severe trauma from the collision.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs collided on Westwood Avenue, both traveling west and going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles, indicating a head-on collision. One driver, a 30-year-old male, was injured with full-body trauma and was unconscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, highlighting driver error as the cause. The injured driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused significant damage to the center front ends of both SUVs, underscoring the violent nature of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760215 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 26 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 19 - A bus and an SUV collided on Rockland Avenue in Staten Island at 6:40 AM. Both male drivers suffered serious injuries including fractures and whiplash. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Rockland Avenue near Manor Road in Staten Island at 6:40 AM. The collision involved a 2023 Blue Bird bus traveling north and a 2018 Toyota SUV traveling west. The point of impact was the left front bumper on both vehicles. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers, males aged 50 and 45, were injured but not ejected. The SUV driver sustained a fracture and dislocation to the knee-lower leg-foot area, while the bus driver suffered whiplash and chest injuries. Both drivers were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing on driver errors and unsafe speed as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4757506 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 5 - A 34-year-old woman was struck by a pick-up truck while crossing with the signal on Staten Island. The driver, making a right turn, failed to pay attention. The pedestrian suffered an upper arm abrasion but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Staten Island at the intersection of Spring Street and Richmond Road around 18:20. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Dodge pick-up truck, traveling southeast and making a right turn, struck her with the right front bumper. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained an abrasion and an upper arm injury but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in Pennsylvania. The report explicitly attributes the crash to the driver's failure to maintain attention, with no contributing fault assigned to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753438 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 4 - Two vehicles collided on Staten Island Expressway just after midnight. The sedan struck the chassis cab’s right front quarter panel. The sedan’s driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite unsafe lane changing as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:02 a.m. on Staten Island Expressway involving a 2016 Nissan sedan and a 2019 Volvo chassis cab, both traveling east. The sedan impacted the left side doors while the chassis cab was struck on its right front quarter panel. The report identifies 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor to the collision. The sedan’s driver, a 37-year-old male, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed. The report does not indicate any contributing factors from the victim’s behavior, focusing solely on the driver error of unsafe lane changing that led to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753055 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 23 - A 48-year-old male SUV driver suffered head injuries and shock in a Richmond Road crash. According to the police report, driver inattention caused the collision. The driver was not ejected but complained of pain and nausea after impact.

At 18:12, a collision occurred on Richmond Road involving a 2014 Chevrolet SUV, a bus, and a sedan. According to the police report, the SUV driver, a 48-year-old male, was distracted, with 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' cited twice as contributing factors. The SUV was traveling east and struck the left front bumper of another vehicle. The driver sustained head injuries and was in shock, reporting complaints of pain and nausea. He was not ejected from the vehicle. The report highlights driver error as the primary cause, with no mention of victim fault or other contributing factors. The crash involved multiple vehicles, but the focus remains on the SUV driver's inattention leading to his injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751493 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 22 - State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal stands firm. He says New York needs congestion pricing. The governor paused the $15 toll. Lawmakers debate lower fees and exemptions. The MTA’s future hangs in the balance. Vulnerable road users wait for action. Streets stay dangerous.

On August 22, 2024, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47) joined the debate over New York’s congestion pricing plan. The original $15 toll was paused by Governor Hochul in June. Now, officials consider a lower toll or alternatives to fund the MTA. Hoylman-Sigal said, 'we need congestion pricing.' The matter, titled 'MTA boss ‘thrilled’ Kathy Hochul eyeing lower congestion toll after NY gov indefinitely paused controversial scheme,' highlights the urgency of MTA financing. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick noted Hochul’s commitment to a replacement plan. The bill’s status remains in flux, with no committee or vote recorded. The safety impact for vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—was not assessed. The city’s most at-risk remain exposed as leaders argue over dollars and cars.

• MTA boss ‘thrilled’ Kathy Hochul eyeing lower congestion toll after NY gov indefinitely paused controversial scheme, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-22

Aug 21 - Two vehicles collided and overturned on the Staten Island Expressway at 2:40 a.m. Both drivers were male and injured. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in the crash that caused roof damage and back injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Staten Island Expressway at 2:40 a.m. involving a sedan and an SUV, both traveling eastbound. The sedan driver, a 25-year-old male, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The SUV driver was also involved in the collision. Both vehicles overturned, sustaining roof damage. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The sedan driver’s pre-crash action was going straight ahead, while the SUV was merging. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of excessive speed and merging maneuvers on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 8 - A 12-year-old boy crossing Brielle Avenue in a marked crosswalk was hit by a sedan making a left turn. The driver’s inattention and improper turning caused the collision. The boy suffered bruises and full-body injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Brielle Avenue at a marked crosswalk without a crossing signal. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver traveling northeast, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his entire body but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. This collision highlights driver errors—specifically distraction and improper turning—that directly led to the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746628 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 3 - Seven Staten Island leaders want Norman Brown off the MTA board. Brown questioned new railcars for the borough after lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. Officials call his stance bureaucratic ignorance. The fight spotlights power struggles over transit and rider needs.

On August 3, 2024, seven Staten Island officials, including Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli (District 51), called for the removal of MTA board member Norman Brown. Their letter to Governor Hochul followed Brown’s June comments suggesting Staten Island lose its promised 75 new R211S railcars because local lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. The letter, signed by Assemblymen Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Tannousis, Michael Reilly, Borough President Vito Fossella, State Senator Andrew Lanza, Councilman David Carr, and Borelli, called Brown’s remarks 'a masterclass in bureaucratic ignorance.' Brown said he would welcome removal. The new railcars would replace aging trains from the 1970s. The matter exposes deep rifts over transit funding and priorities, with Staten Island riders caught in the crossfire.

• Staten Island pols urge Hochul to yank MTA board member who recommended stripping borough of new railcars, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-03

Aug 3 - Seven Staten Island leaders want Norman Brown off the MTA board. Brown questioned new railcars for the borough after lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. Officials call his stance bureaucratic ignorance. The fight spotlights power struggles over transit and rider needs.

On August 3, 2024, seven Staten Island officials, including Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli (District 51), called for the removal of MTA board member Norman Brown. Their letter to Governor Hochul followed Brown’s June comments suggesting Staten Island lose its promised 75 new R211S railcars because local lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. The letter, signed by Assemblymen Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Tannousis, Michael Reilly, Borough President Vito Fossella, State Senator Andrew Lanza, Councilman David Carr, and Borelli, called Brown’s remarks 'a masterclass in bureaucratic ignorance.' Brown said he would welcome removal. The new railcars would replace aging trains from the 1970s. The matter exposes deep rifts over transit funding and priorities, with Staten Island riders caught in the crossfire.

• Staten Island pols urge Hochul to yank MTA board member who recommended stripping borough of new railcars, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-03

Aug 3 - Seven Staten Island leaders want Norman Brown off the MTA board. Brown questioned new railcars for the borough after lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. Officials call his stance bureaucratic ignorance. The fight spotlights power struggles over transit and rider needs.

On August 3, 2024, seven Staten Island officials, including Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli (District 51), called for the removal of MTA board member Norman Brown. Their letter to Governor Hochul followed Brown’s June comments suggesting Staten Island lose its promised 75 new R211S railcars because local lawmakers opposed congestion pricing. The letter, signed by Assemblymen Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Tannousis, Michael Reilly, Borough President Vito Fossella, State Senator Andrew Lanza, Councilman David Carr, and Borelli, called Brown’s remarks 'a masterclass in bureaucratic ignorance.' Brown said he would welcome removal. The new railcars would replace aging trains from the 1970s. The matter exposes deep rifts over transit funding and priorities, with Staten Island riders caught in the crossfire.

• Staten Island pols urge Hochul to yank MTA board member who recommended stripping borough of new railcars, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-03

Jul 24 - Governor Hochul’s halt on congestion pricing guts $12 billion in MTA contracts. Thousands of jobs vanish. Local companies lose out. Lawmakers in affected districts stay silent or cheer. Trains and buses face deep cuts. Riders, workers, and streets pay the price.

On July 24, 2024, Governor Hochul’s official pause on congestion pricing triggered a $12 billion loss in MTA contracts, according to a Reinvent Albany report. The move slashes funding for the 2020-24 MTA capital plan, which was to be partly paid by congestion pricing. The report highlights that many companies losing contracts are in districts represented by lawmakers who either support the pause or have stayed silent. Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick called congestion pricing 'simply another tax' and demanded repeal. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow praised the pause, saying it allows time to address 'communities' concerns.' Frank Russo, president of Ozone Park Lumber, warned, 'You can't just say, 'We're not going to buy supplies and equipment.'' Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany said, 'Congestion pricing is an economic booster.' The pause means less money for transit, fewer jobs, and more risk for vulnerable road users who rely on safe, reliable public transportation.

• Hochul’s Congestion Pricing ‘Pause’ Will Cost Area Companies Billions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-24

Jul 19 - A moped crashed on Richmond Road, hurling its unlicensed, unhelmeted rider into a parked SUV. The road split beneath him. Blood pooled on broken asphalt. His leg torn open, he lay conscious, pain radiating from the wound.

A violent crash unfolded on Richmond Road near Spring Street in Staten Island when a moped collided with a parked SUV, according to the police report. The 25-year-old moped rider, unlicensed and without a helmet, was ejected from the seat after the moped struck the center front end against the SUV's left rear bumper. The police report states the rider suffered severe lacerations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with blood pooling at the scene. The primary contributing factor cited in the report is 'Pavement Defective,' highlighting the hazardous road conditions that caused the crash. The SUV was parked and unoccupied at the time. The report notes the rider's lack of license and helmet, but these details are listed after the systemic danger of broken pavement. The crash underscores the lethal risk posed by neglected infrastructure.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 28 - SUV and sedan slammed head-on on Todt Hill Road. Fourteen-year-old girl in front seat hurt—neck and abrasions. Both cars crushed at the front. Police cite illness as a cause.

According to the police report, a 2003 Lexus SUV and a 2023 Toyota sedan collided head-on at 14:10 on Todt Hill Road, Staten Island. Both vehicles suffered center front-end damage. A 14-year-old girl riding in the front passenger seat of the sedan was injured, sustaining neck injuries and abrasions. She was conscious at the scene and not ejected. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor, pointing to a medical issue affecting vehicle control. No other driver errors, such as failure to yield or speeding, were recorded. The victim's actions were not listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 15 - Two SUVs slammed together on Staten Island Expressway. A driver took a blow to the shoulder. A young passenger’s neck snapped back. Police blamed driver inattention. The night left bruises and whiplash in its wake.

According to the police report, two Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicles crashed just after midnight on the Staten Island Expressway. The front of one SUV struck the back of another. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause for both vehicles. A 37-year-old male driver suffered shoulder injuries and bruises. A 13-year-old male passenger sustained neck injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and wore lap belts. The report lists no contributing factors for the victims beyond driver inattention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732862 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07