Who Pays the Price When Leaders Look Away?

An Audi driver with a suspended license turned at a red. She struck a family crossing Ocean Parkway. A mother and two daughters died. Their son fights for life. Another family in a hit car suffered minor wounds. Streets remain unforgiving.

Gothamist reported on March 29, 2025, that a mother and her two daughters were killed when an Audi A3, driven by Miriam Yarimi, turned right on red and struck them in Midwood, Brooklyn. Police said Yarimi’s license was suspended. The car first hit a Toyota Camry, then continued forward, hitting the family in the crosswalk. The article quotes NYPD Commissioner Tisch: 'This was a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road.' Yarimi faces multiple charges, including manslaughter and aggravated unlicensed operation. The crash left a young boy in critical condition and injured another family. The incident highlights the dangers of unlicensed driving and the risks at busy intersections.

• Suspended Driver Kills Brooklyn Family, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-29

An SUV slammed into a sedan’s rear on Hamilton Avenue. The sedan driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered bruises to his knee and leg. Both vehicles moved straight. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Hamilton Avenue was struck from behind by a southbound SUV. The sedan’s 41-year-old male driver suffered contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash happened at 16:50. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead at impact, with the sedan’s rear and the SUV’s front taking the damage. The report does not list explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No information was provided about the SUV’s driver. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801449 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A dump truck making a left turn struck a 36-year-old man crossing a marked crosswalk at night in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered arm injuries and shock. The crash resulted from the truck driver's failure to yield right-of-way and following too closely.

According to the police report, a dump truck traveling south in Brooklyn was making a left turn at the intersection of Wolcott Street when it struck a 36-year-old male pedestrian crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was in shock. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and following too closely as contributing factors. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the truck. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2002 Mack truck. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing behavior. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors at intersections, particularly failure to yield to pedestrians legally crossing the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801043 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on the Gowanus Ramp, injuring a 45-year-old male driver. The crash involved unsafe speed and lane changing. The driver sustained a head contusion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:35 on the Gowanus Ramp involving multiple SUVs traveling westbound. The driver of a 2023 BMW SUV was changing lanes at unsafe speed when the collision happened. The point of impact was the center front end of the BMW and the right rear bumper of a 2023 Mercedes SUV traveling straight ahead. The 45-year-old male driver of the BMW was injured, suffering a head contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected, secured by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the front and rear quarter panels. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker flew through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection is known for danger. Delivery speed and city policy collide.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after being struck by an e-bike delivery worker who "sped through a stop sign" at Franklin and India streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene; no arrests were made as the investigation continued. The article notes that the intersection is a known trouble spot, with Collins stating, "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The report highlights systemic issues: delivery app pressures, lack of regulation, and a street design that encourages risky moves. City data shows e-bikes account for a small share of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Man, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

A 55-year-old man suffered elbow and hand injuries after a sedan traveling north hit him while crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian’s right side, causing shock and a minor burn.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male pedestrian was injured at 3:47 PM in Brooklyn near 447 Columbia Street. The pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk but not at an intersection and without a crossing signal. A 2023 Honda sedan traveling north struck the pedestrian on its right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, experienced shock, and complained of a minor burn. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian fault. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The collision highlights the danger posed by vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians crossing outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798771 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV plows into flatbed’s rear on Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Driver and passenger hurt. Police cite inattention and tailgating. Metal crunches. Shock and bruises follow.

According to the police report, at 8:35 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a Dodge SUV rear-ended a Ford flatbed truck. The SUV driver was inattentive and distracted, and followed too closely, causing the crash. Both the 67-year-old SUV driver and his 48-year-old front passenger suffered moderate injuries, including back contusions and shock. Both wore lap belts and were not ejected. The flatbed’s right rear bumper and the SUV’s front end were damaged. The report highlights driver inattention and following too closely as key factors in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798390 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two taxis collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 7:51 a.m. Following too closely caused a rear-end crash. Two passengers suffered head and full-body injuries with whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses.

According to the police report, at 7:51 a.m., two taxis traveling eastbound on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway collided. The crash involved a rear-end impact, with the striking taxi hitting the center back end of the lead taxi. The contributing factor cited was "Following Too Closely," indicating driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. Two passengers in the lead taxi were injured: a 25-year-old female with head injuries and a 33-year-old male with injuries to his entire body. Both passengers complained of whiplash, were conscious, and were restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report does not indicate any contributing factors from the passengers or other road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798603 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A driver out on bail smashed into a Toyota in Bushwick. The crash killed Hayden Wallace and injured three others. The driver fled, leaving chaos behind. Police tracked him for over a year. Charges stack up, but the loss remains.

NY Daily News (March 8, 2025) reports that Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested after a deadly hit-and-run in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Seabrook had been out on bail for a previous crash involving police. On January 8, 2024, he crashed into a Toyota, killing Hayden Wallace and injuring three others. Seabrook fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The article notes, "All accidents are useless but this one was even more useless because [Seabrook] had so many other offenses." Seabrook faces 23 charges, including manslaughter, leaving the scene, unlicensed driving, and speeding. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and questions about bail and enforcement. Police needed over a year to arrest Seabrook, who had a history of fleeing crashes and driving without a license.

• Repeat Offender Kills Passenger In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-08

SUV driver, distracted, hit a moped on Court Street. Moped rider, 26, bruised arm. Impact crushed moped’s front, SUV’s side. No mention of rider fault. Inattention behind the wheel caused harm.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at midnight on Court Street in Brooklyn. A licensed SUV driver, distracted and inattentive, struck a 2024 moped while parked. The moped rider, a 26-year-old man, was driving straight and suffered a contusion to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The SUV’s left side doors and the moped’s front end were damaged. There is no mention of any error or fault by the moped rider. The crash highlights the danger posed by distracted drivers in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. The driver hit a man crouched for food. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. The driver fled. Police are still searching. Brooklyn’s streets remain deadly for those on foot.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was kneeling in the street to pick up food when the truck, turning right, hit him. According to police, 'the driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene.' The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The article notes this was one of several fatal crashes in Brooklyn that week, highlighting persistent dangers for pedestrians. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene underscores ongoing issues with hit-and-runs and enforcement.

• Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian in Williamsburg, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-03

A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-02

A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-01

A taxi struck the rear of a sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at dawn. The sedan’s right rear passenger suffered facial contusions. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors in the crash.

At 4:47 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a taxi collided with the rear of a sedan traveling westbound, according to the police report. The impact was at the sedan’s center front end and the taxi’s center back end. A 22-year-old female occupant seated in the sedan’s right rear suffered facial contusions and was conscious after the crash. The police report identifies driver inattention and following too closely as the primary contributing factors. The injured passenger was secured with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Multiple vehicles were involved, but the critical collision was the rear-end strike by the taxi on the sedan. The report places responsibility on the taxi driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and attention, with no mention of victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794588 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Ford SUV struck the rear of a Honda sedan traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Two 21-year-old male passengers in the sedan suffered contusions. Police cited alcohol involvement as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:10 AM on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A 2019 Ford SUV was parked before the crash and impacted the center back end of a 2010 Honda sedan traveling west. The sedan's center front end sustained damage. Two male occupants, both 21 years old and passengers in the sedan, were injured with contusions and remained conscious. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report identifies alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the collision. The driver errors include failure to maintain control or proper attention, as implied by the alcohol involvement, leading to the SUV striking the sedan from behind. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794126 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW X5 veered off Belt Parkway near Exit 14. The SUV struck a tree. Marcus Joseph, 41, died at the scene. No passengers. No bystanders hurt. The crash left only silence and wreckage on the Brooklyn road.

NY Daily News (2025-02-18) reports Marcus Joseph, 41, died after his BMW X5 spun out of control on the Belt Parkway near Exit 14 in Starrett City, Brooklyn. Police said the SUV 'skidded off the road and slammed into a tree.' Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The article does not mention weather or road conditions. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed corridors like the Belt Parkway, where loss of control can prove fatal. No charges were filed. The report underscores the persistent risks for all road users on New York City highways.

• BMW Skids, Slams Tree On Belt Parkway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-18

A driver fell asleep on the Gowanus Ramp. Cars crashed. A one-year-old girl, strapped in the back seat, took a blow to the head. She suffered whiplash. The road turned brutal in a blink.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash erupted at 10:35 on the Gowanus Ramp in Brooklyn. The report states a driver fell asleep, causing a chain collision involving SUVs, a sedan, and a box truck. A one-year-old female passenger, secured in a child restraint in the left rear seat, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Her injuries were classified as severity level 3. The police report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the primary driver error. No contributing factors related to the victim were noted. This crash highlights the danger of driver fatigue on New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789882 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pick-up truck struck a stopped sedan on Bay Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 24-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite the truck driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Bay Street in Brooklyn at 14:26. A pick-up truck traveling east rear-ended a sedan that was stopped in traffic. The impact struck the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the truck. The sedan’s driver, a 24-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash, wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. Both drivers were licensed and traveling eastbound. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights driver error in maintaining safe following distance, resulting in injury to the sedan occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789347 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cargo van struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide in Brooklyn. Gil died. The driver turned left, hit them in the crosswalk. No charges filed. Gil survived war and disaster, but not New York traffic. Another senior lost to city streets.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. A man driving a cargo van made a left turn and struck Gil and her home health aide. The aide survived; Gil did not. Police made no arrests or charges. The article notes, 'She was a very active lady.' Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn that month. Transportation Alternatives highlighted that 46 senior pedestrians died in city crashes last year. The crash underscores the ongoing risk to older New Yorkers at crosswalks and the lack of driver accountability in such incidents.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

A 27-year-old man suffered chest injuries and shock after a sedan made a right turn and struck him in a marked crosswalk. The impact hit the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal at the time of collision.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on Court Street made a right turn and struck a 27-year-old male pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper, which sustained damage. The pedestrian suffered chest injuries and was in shock but had no visible complaints. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and does not identify any driver errors explicitly. The pedestrian was at the intersection, crossing when the collision occurred. No driver license or occupant information was provided. The crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles at intersections where pedestrians are present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788061 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04