Five Dead in Queens: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

A taxi slowed to park on the Long Island Expressway. A sedan struck hard from behind. Metal tore through the quiet dawn. A young driver, belted, bled from the arm but stayed conscious. The green light hung above, indifferent.

According to the police report, a taxi was slowing to park eastbound on the Long Island Expressway when a sedan struck it forcefully. The report states, 'A taxi slowed to park. A sedan struck hard. Metal tore through dawn.' The 20-year-old driver of the sedan suffered severe bleeding from his arm but remained conscious. The crash occurred while the light above stayed green and the road was quiet. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor in the collision. The data does not list any victim behavior as a factor. The report makes clear that driver distraction led to the violent impact, resulting in injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714402, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

An ambulance traveling west on Grand Central Parkway struck an object on its right side doors. The 44-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash, experiencing shock. Driver inattention and distraction caused the crash, according to the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:38 AM on Grand Central Parkway involving a 2020 ambulance traveling west. The ambulance sustained damage to its center back end after impact on the right side doors. The driver, a 44-year-old male occupant, was injured with neck pain and whiplash and was reported to be in shock. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead at the time of the collision. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction even in emergency vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713665, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 20-year-old woman walking along Yellowstone Boulevard was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The vehicle’s right front bumper collided with her, causing knee and lower leg injuries. Driver inattention and failure to yield were cited in the police report.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old female pedestrian was injured while walking along Yellowstone Boulevard when a 2021 Mercedes SUV made a left turn and struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites the driver’s errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle southeastbound at the time of impact. The pedestrian was not at an intersection but walking along the highway with traffic. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The collision caused damage to the vehicle’s right front quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709432, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two SUVs collided on the Long Island Expressway, injuring three occupants. The driver of the striking vehicle suffered neck whiplash due to inexperience and distraction. Passengers sustained back injuries. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound when the crash occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:52 on the Long Island Expressway involving two Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicles traveling eastbound. The driver of the 2019 Honda SUV, a 59-year-old male, was cited for driver inexperience and inattention or distraction as contributing factors. This driver sustained neck whiplash and was conscious at the scene. Two passengers in the same vehicle, a 43-year-old female front passenger and a 59-year-old male rear passenger, also suffered back injuries and whiplash. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of the Honda SUV and the right rear bumper of the 2021 Mercedes SUV. The report highlights driver error—specifically inexperience and distraction—as the primary cause of the collision. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708901, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway struck another vehicle from behind. The driver, a 25-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway at 3:00 AM. A 25-year-old male driver of a 2007 sedan, traveling eastbound, collided with the rear of another vehicle. The point of impact was the sedan's right rear bumper striking the center back end of the vehicle ahead. The driver was conscious but injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication of victim fault or other contributing factors. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708688, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A distracted driver traveling south on Vanwyck Expressway rear-ended a box truck. The SUV driver, a 29-year-old woman, suffered upper arm injuries and bruising. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention on busy Queens roadways.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Vanwyck Expressway in Queens around 9:00 AM. A 29-year-old female driver of a 2019 SUV was injured when she collided with the rear of a southbound box truck. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The SUV sustained damage to its center back end, while the truck was damaged at its center front end. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. She suffered contusions and an upper arm injury but was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. This incident highlights the systemic danger posed by distracted driving on high-speed urban expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705441, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 13-year-old boy suffered severe leg fractures after a distracted SUV driver struck him at a Queens intersection. The boy was crossing against the signal when the vehicle, traveling west, hit him with its front center. Shock and injury followed impact.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Queens at the intersection of Yellowstone Boulevard and Burns Street around 3:07 PM. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when he was struck by a 2015 Toyota SUV traveling west. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end, causing fractures and dislocations to the boy's knee, lower leg, and foot. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper attention. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal is noted but driver error remains the primary cause. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The collision caused significant vehicle damage to the front center and left the pedestrian in shock with serious lower limb injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703159, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped driver was ejected and seriously injured in a Queens crash. The collision involved a sedan and an SUV. Police cite driver inattention as a key factor. The rider suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens at 6:30 PM. The collision involved a moped traveling north, a sedan making a left turn eastbound, and an SUV traveling south. The moped driver, a 20-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained serious injuries to his abdomen and pelvis, including contusions and bruises. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The moped driver was wearing a helmet at the time. The sedan impacted the right rear quarter panel of the moped, while the SUV struck the moped's left front bumper area. The moped was demolished in the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's actions. The focus remains on driver error and systemic danger posed by distracted driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697479, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A taxi driver distracted by inattention collided with a sedan on Grand Central Parkway shortly after midnight. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old woman, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash caused front-end and rear-end damage to the vehicles involved.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:49 a.m. on Grand Central Parkway. A taxi, traveling east, struck the rear of a sedan also traveling east. The taxi's point of impact was the center front end, while the sedan was hit at the center back end. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old female occupant, was injured with knee and lower leg trauma and experienced shock. She was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' as contributing factors for the taxi driver. There is no indication of victim fault or pedestrian involvement. The collision highlights driver errors, specifically distraction and vehicle maintenance issues, as central causes of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695447, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped traveling north on Yellowstone Boulevard struck a pedestrian crossing with the signal at Burns Street. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a moped traveling straight ahead north on Yellowstone Boulevard collided with a 35-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained a fracture, dislocation, and distortion to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was conscious at the scene. The report cites the moped driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped, which sustained no damage. The pedestrian was not at fault; the crash resulted from the driver's errors and systemic danger posed by failure to yield and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693660, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan traveling north on Eliot Avenue hit a minicycle moving west, causing injuries to the sedan driver. The collision impacted the sedan’s right side doors. Police cite failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor in this Queens crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:02 AM on Eliot Avenue in Queens. A 2013 Honda sedan traveling north struck a minicycle traveling west. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan, which sustained damage there. The sedan driver, a 34-year-old male, suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The minicycle driver’s details and injuries are not specified, but the focus remains on the sedan driver’s failure to yield, highlighting systemic danger at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691918, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 45-year-old in-line skater was injured in Queens. A sedan struck him while making a left turn. The driver was distracted and following too closely.

A 45-year-old male in-line skater was injured when a sedan struck him in Queens. According to the police report, the driver was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The driver’s inattention and distraction, along with following too closely, contributed to the crash. The skater suffered a facial contusion but was conscious at the scene. No safety equipment was noted for the skater.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691473, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A crash on Grand Central Parkway injured four occupants. A taxi and two sedans collided. The impact was severe. Victims suffered neck and chest injuries. All were wearing seatbelts.

On December 28, 2023, a multi-vehicle crash on Grand Central Parkway resulted in injuries to four occupants. According to the police report, the vehicles involved were a taxi and two sedans. The injuries included neck and chest trauma. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. All occupants were wearing lap belts and harnesses. No fatalities were reported, but the severity of the injuries highlights the dangers present on the road.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691455, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A USPS box truck struck a moped traveling south on Yellowstone Boulevard in Queens. The moped driver, a 20-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. The truck driver failed to yield right-of-way while starting from parking, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a USPS box truck was starting from parking on Yellowstone Boulevard when it collided with a moped traveling straight ahead. The moped driver, a 20-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his knee and lower leg but was not ejected and remained conscious. The truck driver, a licensed female from Mississippi, impacted the moped on its right side doors with the truck's left front bumper. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The moped driver was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment, but these were not cited as causes. The collision caused damage to the truck's left front bumper; the moped showed no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689299, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two sedans collided on Saunders Street. A female driver suffered a back injury. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles struck center to rear. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Saunders Street collided when one vehicle stopped in traffic and was struck from behind by another starting from parking. The female driver of the rear vehicle sustained a back injury but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The point of impact was the center back end of the front vehicle and the center front end of the rear vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684525, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A northbound SUV struck a parked SUV on 68 Avenue in Queens. The impact hit the left rear quarter panel of the parked vehicle. The driver of the moving SUV was injured and incoherent. Air bag deployed. Traffic control disregarded caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2012 Honda SUV traveling north on 68 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 BMW SUV. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the parked vehicle. The driver of the moving SUV, a 56-year-old woman, was injured and incoherent at the scene. The air bag deployed during the crash. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked vehicle had no occupants at the time. The collision caused center front end damage to the moving SUV and left rear quarter panel damage to the parked SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683580, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 63-year-old woman was struck while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Fitchett Street. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a driver making a left turn on Fitchett Street in Queens struck a 63-year-old female pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end but showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the scene. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683588, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 38-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street at an intersection. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock. The sedan involved showed no damage. The driver was making a left turn at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Austin Street in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver making a left turn, struck her with the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The sedan showed no damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the driver’s maneuver. No victim fault or safety equipment is noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680910, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A box truck hit a bicyclist on 108 Street in Queens. The cyclist was ejected and suffered fractures to his knee and lower leg. The truck’s left side doors were damaged. The driver was distracted at the time of the crash.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on 108 Street collided with a bicyclist heading north. The impact occurred on the truck’s left side doors and the bike’s front center. The 35-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The truck driver was licensed and driving straight ahead but was found to be inattentive or distracted, which contributed to the crash. No other contributing factors were listed. The bicyclist’s safety equipment status is unknown. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver inattention in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679955, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A motorcycle and sedan collided on Yellowstone Boulevard in Queens. The motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered whole-body injuries, including whiplash. The sedan was turning right when the crash occurred. Driver distraction and failure to yield were factors.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured and ejected during a collision with a sedan making a right turn on Yellowstone Boulevard in Queens. The motorcycle was traveling straight north when the sedan turned right, impacting the motorcycle's left front quarter panel with the sedan's right front bumper. The motorcycle driver suffered injuries to his entire body and complained of whiplash. The report lists driver inattention/distraction and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The motorcycle driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and from Pennsylvania, while the motorcycle driver was licensed in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677877, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15