Blood on the Hills: Cars Kill, Leaders Look Away

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 30 - 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.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

May 21 - A sedan overturned on Staten Island’s Ocean Terrace after a left turn at unsafe speed. The front passenger, a 19-year-old male, was trapped and suffered a fractured hip and upper leg. Alcohol involvement was a factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 2018 Chevrolet sedan traveling east on Ocean Terrace overturned after making a left turn. The front passenger, a 19-year-old male, was trapped inside the vehicle and sustained a fractured hip and upper leg. The report lists alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel. The driver was licensed and male. The crash caused serious injury to the passenger, who remained conscious but was severely hurt. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632330 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 16 - 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.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 13 - SUV crashed head-on on Clove Road. Three inside hurt: driver with neck whiplash, front passenger with back whiplash, teen rear passenger with head bruise. Driver distraction listed as cause.

According to the police report, a 2018 Dodge SUV traveling south on Clove Road struck another vehicle head-on. Three occupants were injured: a 40-year-old male driver with neck whiplash, a 37-year-old female front passenger with back whiplash, and a 17-year-old female rear passenger with a head contusion. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. All occupants wore lap belts and harnesses. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper. No one was ejected. The crash highlights the danger when drivers lose focus behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 6 - A distracted driver hit a 16-year-old boy crossing Bradley Avenue with the signal. The teen suffered abrasions and an arm injury. Driver inattention and falling asleep caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Bradley Avenue at an intersection with the signal when a northbound driver struck him with the vehicle's center front end. The teen sustained abrasions and an upper arm injury but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Fell Asleep' as contributing factors. No vehicle type or driver details were given. The pedestrian was crossing legally. The crash underscores the danger of driver distraction and fatigue on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626418 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 28 - 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.

• Assembly Member Carroll: When It Comes to Transit, Everyone Must Pay Their Fair Share, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-28

Apr 17 - SUV plowed into a parked sedan. Driver bruised his arm. Police cite inattention and unsafe speed. Metal crumpled. No one else hurt. Stationary cars took the hit.

According to the police report, a southbound SUV struck a parked sedan on Washington Avenue. The SUV's left front bumper hit the sedan's left rear bumper. The SUV driver, a man, suffered bruises to his elbow and lower arm but was not ejected and stayed conscious. Police list driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. Both vehicles were damaged at the impact points. No other injuries were reported. The crash underscores driver errors that led to a collision with stationary vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621377 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 6 - A 57-year-old woman was hit by a westbound sedan on Washington Avenue. The impact struck her face, causing abrasions. The driver showed inattention and aggressive behavior. The pedestrian was conscious but injured off the intersection.

According to the police report, a 57-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2014 Subaru sedan traveling west on Washington Avenue struck her outside an intersection. The collision impacted the right side doors of the vehicle and caused abrasions to the pedestrian's face. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with aggressive driving and road rage. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and suffered moderate injury. The driver was going straight ahead before the crash. No safety equipment or pedestrian fault is noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618746 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 1 - Two sedans crashed at Willowbrook Road. One driver was making a right turn. The other was going straight. The impact hit the front center of one car and the right side of the other. A 29-year-old driver suffered arm injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Willowbrook Road. One vehicle, a 2021 Tesla, was making a right turn when it struck a 2011 Ford traveling straight ahead. The Tesla sustained damage to its center front end, while the Ford was damaged on its right side doors. The 29-year-old male driver of the Tesla was injured, suffering internal complaints and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt at the time of the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver, but no clear driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617461 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 24 - Two SUVs stopped in traffic on Todt Hill Road. One driver hit the other from behind. The striking driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered a concussion and head injury. Alcohol was involved. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were stopped in traffic on Todt Hill Road in Staten Island when one SUV rear-ended the other. The driver of the striking vehicle, a 32-year-old man, was injured with a concussion and head trauma. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were damaged at their center ends. The driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report does not specify other contributing factors but notes alcohol involvement, indicating impaired driving likely played a role in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616763 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 17 - A 14-year-old boy playing in the roadway on Suffolk Avenue was struck by a northbound sedan. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian with the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The boy suffered facial bruises but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Suffolk Avenue struck a 14-year-old pedestrian playing in the roadway at an intersection. The impact occurred on the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to his face and was conscious at the scene. The report lists the driver’s inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other driver errors or victim behaviors are noted as causes. The pedestrian’s role was simply playing in the road, with no mention of safety equipment or signals involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614009 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 28 - A 37-year-old male driver suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV struck an object head-on. The airbag deployed. The pavement was slippery. The driver was conscious and restrained. The crash caused center front-end damage to the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male driver of a 2017 Jeep SUV was injured in a crash on the Staten Island Expressway. The driver sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The vehicle suffered center front-end damage. The report lists slippery pavement as the contributing factor. The driver was going straight ahead at the time of impact. Safety equipment including an airbag and lap belt were in use. No other driver errors were noted. The crash highlights the danger posed by road conditions rather than driver misconduct.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609337 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 22 - Senate bill lets drivers escape speed camera fines if ticket details are missing or unclear. Errors in paperwork mean no penalty. Vulnerable road users get no extra shield. Streets stay risky.

Senate bill S 5039, sponsored by Andrew J. Lanza, sits at the sponsorship stage as of February 22, 2023. The bill allows dismissal of speed camera violations if required information on the notice is omitted, misdescribed, or illegible. The matter summary states: 'Permits a violation captured by a speed camera to be dismissed... if any information... is omitted... misdescribed or illegible.' Lanza leads the push. No safety analyst has noted any benefit for vulnerable road users. The bill focuses on paperwork, not on protecting people in the street.

• File S 5039, Open States, Published 2023-02-22

Feb 18 - A moving SUV hit a parked SUV on Wheeler Avenue. The parked vehicle’s driver, an 81-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. The collision damaged the left side doors of the parked SUV. Police cited passing too closely as a factor.

According to the police report, a 2021 Hyundai SUV traveling south struck a 2018 Jeep SUV parked on Wheeler Avenue. The impact occurred on the left rear quarter panel of the parked vehicle, damaging its left side doors. The driver of the parked SUV, an 81-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and whiplash and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The moving SUV’s right front bumper was damaged. The parked SUV’s driver was not ejected but experienced shock. The crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers passing too close to parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606646 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 16 - A 56-year-old man driving an SUV on Rockland Avenue was injured in a crash. The vehicle struck with its right front bumper. Unsafe speed and improper lane usage caused the collision. The driver suffered a head contusion but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a single-vehicle crash occurred on Rockland Avenue involving a station wagon/SUV traveling north. The 56-year-old male driver, who was the sole occupant, was injured with a head contusion. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper, indicating a collision likely related to lane control errors at speed. The driver remained conscious after the crash but sustained a bruise to the head.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Jan 26 - A sedan struck the right rear bumper of an SUV on Staten Island Expressway. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old man, suffered full-body injuries and was semiconscious. The crash involved unsafe lane changing and following too closely.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Staten Island Expressway collided with the right rear bumper of an SUV also traveling east. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old male occupant, was injured with full-body trauma and was semiconscious after the crash. The report lists the contributing factors as "Following Too Closely" and "Unsafe Lane Changing" by the sedan driver. The sedan's airbag deployed, and the driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The SUV was making a right turn at the time of impact. The collision caused damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear bumper of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4602398 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18