Red Lights, Broken Lives: Who Will Stop the Next Hit?

A sedan struck a moped stopped in traffic on 97th Street in Queens. The moped driver, a 30-year-old man, was ejected and suffered severe whole-body injuries. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the primary cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:21 on 97th Street near 34th Avenue in Queens. A sedan traveling north struck the center back end of a moped that was stopped in traffic, impacting with its right front bumper. The moped driver, a 30-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and suffered injuries to his entire body, classified as severe (injury severity 3). The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, repeated twice for emphasis. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behavior. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800160, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 42-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries when a sedan backing west on 79th Street in Queens hit him outside the roadway. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe backing as causes. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained abrasions.

According to the police report, at 22:50 in Queens near 31-17 79th Street, a 2020 BMW sedan backing west struck a 42-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian was located outside the roadway and was not at an intersection. The collision caused abrasions and injuries to the pedestrian's knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors, the point of impact. The report explicitly lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, indicating driver error during the backing maneuver. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798948, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Kia SUV traveling south struck a westbound motorscooter on 112 Street in Queens. Two motorscooter occupants suffered abrasions and injuries to head and leg. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control disregard as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 112 Street near 34 Avenue in Queens at 3:33 PM. A 2025 Kia SUV driven by a licensed female driver was going straight south when it collided front-center with a westbound 2023 motorscooter carrying two occupants. The motorscooter driver, a 17-year-old male, sustained head injuries and abrasions, while the 18-year-old female passenger suffered abrasions and knee-lower leg-foot injuries. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors linked to the SUV driver. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was noted for the motorscooter driver. Neither occupant was ejected, and both were conscious after the crash. The collision caused center front-end damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798939, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two SUVs crashed on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. One driver suffered neck injuries and shock. The collision involved improper lane usage. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage. The incident exposed dangerous driver errors on a busy city street.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:02 on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. Two station wagons/SUVs collided, one traveling east going straight ahead, the other making a left turn southwest. The point of impact was the center front end of the eastbound SUV and the right side doors of the turning SUV. The contributing factor cited was 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' indicating driver error in lane management. One driver, a 45-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered neck injuries and was in shock. Both vehicles sustained damage consistent with the described impact points. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing solely on driver errors and improper lane usage as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797869, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A distracted SUV driver barreled through the intersection at 82nd Street and 37th Avenue, slamming into a 14-year-old girl crossing with the signal. The right front bumper mangled her leg. She remained conscious as the driver continued straight.

A 14-year-old girl suffered crush injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot when a westbound SUV struck her at the corner of 82nd Street and 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the girl was 'crossing with the light' at the intersection when the SUV’s right front bumper hit her, causing significant injury. The report states the driver was 'distracted' and continued going straight, failing to yield to the pedestrian. Contributing factors listed in the police report include 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience.' The pedestrian’s actions—crossing with the signal—are noted in the report but are not cited as contributing factors. The collision underscores the persistent threat posed by inattentive drivers operating large vehicles in city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796835, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

Two sedans collided head-on on 96th Street around 9 p.m. One driver, a 47-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries. The crash involved disregard of traffic control, causing significant front-end damage to both vehicles and serious injury to one occupant.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling straight ahead collided on 96th Street near Jackson Mill Road at 9 p.m. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the Ford and the center front end of the Infiniti. The 47-year-old female driver of the Ford was injured, sustaining neck injuries and internal complaints, and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. Both drivers were licensed, and the injured occupant was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused significant damage to the front ends of both vehicles, highlighting systemic dangers related to traffic control compliance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796516, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A motorcycle struck the back of a stopped SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash’s impact and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway around 5 p.m. A motorcycle, traveling east, rear-ended a station wagon/SUV that was stopped in traffic. The motorcycle driver, a 37-year-old male, was wearing a helmet and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the collision. The motorcycle’s point of impact was the center back end of the SUV, which also sustained damage at the same location. The motorcycle driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. This crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways, resulting in serious injuries to vulnerable vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796373, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A BMW driver ran the red on Northern Boulevard. Metal screamed as a Mercedes struck head-on. The 23-year-old behind the wheel died, unbelted. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent, marked by violence and disregard.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a BMW sedan 'ran the red,' disregarding traffic control. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The BMW was struck head-on by a Mercedes sedan traveling straight. The 23-year-old BMW driver, unbelted and alone, was killed behind the wheel. The impact was severe enough that a parked Toyota SUV was also damaged. The police narrative describes the aftermath: 'Metal screamed. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent.' The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver actions—specifically, running a red light and alcohol involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795252, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.

According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.

• FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26

A 73-year-old woman suffered serious hip and upper leg injuries after an SUV struck her at an intersection on 30 Ave in Queens. The driver’s inattention and unsafe speed caused the collision as the pedestrian crossed without signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:52 on 30 Ave near 89 St in Queens. A 73-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection when she was hit by a westbound SUV. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, causing injuries to her hip and upper leg. The pedestrian was conscious and complained of internal pain. The report cites the driver’s inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors to the collision. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk indication, but the primary causes identified relate to the driver’s failure to maintain attention and control. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794874, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two sedans traveling east collided at 34 Avenue in Queens. The impact struck the center back end of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. One driver suffered a back injury but remained conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:20 in Queens near 102-04 34 Avenue involving two sedans traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center back end of a 2017 GMC and the center front end of a 2010 Honda. The driver of one vehicle, a 52-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error as a primary cause. Both drivers were licensed in New York. There is no indication of victim fault or other contributing factors. The collision's damage and injury highlight the dangers of distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794313, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two SUVs collided on 99th Street in Queens as one struck the other from behind. The 73-year-old driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Slippery pavement contributed to the crash, according to the police report.

According to the police report, at 6:50 PM on 99th Street in Queens, a 2017 Hyundai SUV traveling north rear-ended a 2011 Jeep SUV also traveling north. The point of impact was the center back end of the Jeep and the center front end of the Hyundai. The 73-year-old female driver of the Jeep sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash shows the dangers posed by road conditions and driver inability to adjust, resulting in a rear-end collision that injured a vulnerable occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793927, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A tanker swung right on Northern Boulevard, striking a 31-year-old e-bike rider moving straight. The truck’s bumper crushed the man’s knee and foot. The tanker rolled on. The rider stayed down, battered and conscious, helmetless in the street.

At the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 108th Street in Queens, a collision unfolded between a tanker truck and an e-bike, according to the police report. The tanker was making a right turn while the e-bike rider, a 31-year-old man, continued straight. The police report states the truck’s right front bumper struck the e-bike, crushing the rider’s knee and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, highlighting a critical driver error. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s failure to yield. The tanker sustained no damage, while the e-bike was damaged at the center front end. The man remained conscious at the scene, suffering serious crush injuries. The report’s narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of those outside steel and glass.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793495, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 34-year-old male driver suffered chest injuries and shock in a Queens crash. The SUV, traveling east, struck another vehicle while parked. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and complained of pain and nausea after impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:05 AM in Queens on 37 Ave near 74 St. The injured party was a 34-year-old male driver of an SUV traveling east. The vehicle struck a parked vehicle with its left front bumper, causing damage to the SUV's front left. The driver was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt. He sustained chest injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793287, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped traveling east struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian outside an intersection on 31 Ave in Queens. The pedestrian suffered contusions and lower leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention and slippery pavement as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east on 31 Ave in Queens collided with a 29-year-old female pedestrian who was in the roadway but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the impact. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors to the crash. The moped's point of impact was the center front end, indicating the driver failed to avoid the pedestrian. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and hazardous road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792897, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 63-year-old man was injured crossing Northern Boulevard outside an intersection. The sedan, traveling east, struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Northern Boulevard in Queens struck a 63-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside an intersection without a signal or crosswalk. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper, causing injuries to the pedestrian's knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious and complained of internal pain. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. No pedestrian behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing mid-block, with the vehicle's front-left impact indicating the pedestrian was likely in the vehicle's travel path.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792916, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 15-year-old boy suffered upper arm injuries and shock after an SUV struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a right turn, failed to pay attention, causing the collision despite the pedestrian crossing legally with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:11 AM on 80th Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. A 15-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a Nissan SUV, traveling south and making a right turn, struck him with the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained an upper arm injury and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but still caused significant injury. The pedestrian was not at fault, as he was crossing legally with the signal. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792666, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Three sedans collided eastbound on Grand Central Parkway, causing head injuries to a 69-year-old male driver. The crash involved rear-end impacts amid slippery pavement conditions. The driver remained conscious but suffered abrasions and head trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:00 AM on Grand Central Parkway involving three sedans traveling eastbound. The vehicles were stopped in traffic when the collision occurred, with impact centered on the back ends of two vehicles and the front end of the third. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor. A 69-year-old male driver, occupant of one sedan, sustained head injuries and abrasions but was conscious at the scene. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness, and the air bag deployed. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly noted in the report. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed by hazardous road conditions leading to multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792760, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15