About these crash totals
Counts come from NYC police crash reports (NYC Open Data). We sum all crashes, injuries, and deaths for this area across the selected time window shown on the card. Injury severity follows the official definitions in the NYPD dataset.
- Crashes: number of police‑reported collisions (all road users).
- All injuries: total injured people in those crashes.
- Moderate / Serious: subcategories reported by officers (e.g., broken bones vs. life‑threatening trauma).
- Deaths: people who died due to a crash.
Notes: Police reports can be corrected after initial publication. Minor incidents without a police report are not included.
Close▸ Killed 33
▸ Crush Injuries 33
▸ Amputation 2
▸ Severe Bleeding 15
▸ Severe Lacerations 15
▸ Concussion 39
▸ Whiplash 303
▸ Contusion/Bruise 275
▸ Abrasion 161
▸ Pain/Nausea 88
About this chart
We group pedestrian injuries and deaths by the vehicle type that struck them (as recorded in police reports). Use the dropdown to view totals, serious injuries, or deaths.
- Trucks/Buses, SUVs/Cars, Mopeds, and Bikes reflect the reporting categories in the crash dataset.
- Counts include people on foot only; crashes with no injured pedestrians are not shown here.
Notes: Police classification can change during investigations. Small categories may have year-to-year variance.
CloseAbout these numbers
These totals count vehicles with at least the shown number of camera‑issued speeding violations (school‑zone speed cameras) in any rolling 12‑month window in this district. Totals are summed from 2022 to the present for this geography.
- ≥ 6 (6+): advocates’ standard for repeat speeding offenders who should face escalating consequences.
- ≥ 16 (16+): threshold in the current edited bill awaiting State Senate action.
Caught Speeding Recently in SD 11
- 2024 Gray Honda Suburban (LPH4200) – 150 times • 3 in last 90d here
- 2021 Me/Be Utility Vehicle (Y33PVC) – 134 times • 3 in last 90d here
- 2025 Black Porsche Utility Vehicle (QDI1S) – 113 times • 1 in last 90d here
- 2024 White Lexus Suburban (LHT8624) – 100 times • 2 in last 90d here
- 2023 Gray Toyota Suburban (LCT3025) – 84 times • 2 in last 90d here
About this list
This ranks vehicles by the number of NYC school‑zone speed‑camera violations they received in the last 12 months anywhere in the city. The smaller note shows how many times the same plate was caught in this area in the last 90 days.
Camera violations are issued by NYC DOT’s program. Counts reflect issued tickets and may omit dismissed or pending cases. Plate text is shown verbatim as recorded.
Close
Jamaica Avenue, noon: a woman down in the crosswalk
SD 11: Jan 1, 2022 - Oct 31, 2025
Just after noon at Jamaica Avenue and 171st Street, a driver hit a 53‑year‑old woman in the intersection. Police recorded failure to yield and distraction by the driver; she had severe bleeding and went into shock NYC Open Data.
She is part of a larger count. Since 2022, 34 people have been killed and 7,324 injured in Senate District 11 crashes, across 12,595 collisions NYC Open Data.
The toll does not let up
So far this year, SD 11 has 9 deaths and 1,915 injuries, compared with 7 deaths and 1,669 injuries at this point last year NYC Open Data. The bodies shift, the pattern stays.
On Jan 31, 2025, on Hillside Avenue at 212nd Street, the driver of a 2018 Freightliner box truck turned left and killed a 29‑year‑old man who was crossing with the signal. Police noted driver inattention NYC Open Data.
On Aug 12, 2025, in Astoria at 19th Avenue and 42nd Street, an 84‑year‑old driver sped into a coffee truck, killing two men on the sidewalk. “Traffic violence is not inevitable,” Council Member Tiffany Cabán said that day Streetsblog NYC.
What leaders have done — and what they haven’t
State Senator Toby Stavisky voted yes in committee for a bill to require intelligent speed limiters for repeat violators — “requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits” Open States. That bill still needs to move.
Your Council Member is Vickie Paladino. Your Assembly Member is Ed Braunstein. The record here does not show them sponsoring the speed‑limiter bill. What gives?
City leaders already hold the key to slower streets. The city can lower speed limits under Sammy’s Law and has begun doing so in spots. The next step is a default 20 MPH limit and speed limiters for the worst repeat drivers CrashCount: Take Action.
The street keeps the score
On Jan 8, 2024, on 89th Avenue, a left‑turning SUV driver failed to yield and killed an 85‑year‑old woman who had the signal NYC Open Data.
On May 18, 2024, on 124th Street, a driver going straight hit and killed a 5‑year‑old boy outside a crosswalk NYC Open Data.
On May 31, 2024, on Hillside Avenue at 171st Street, a driver going straight hit and killed a 56‑year‑old man mid‑block NYC Open Data.
A narrow path forward
The fixes are known and on the record. Lower the default speed. Curb the repeat speeders. Senator Stavisky has taken a recorded yes vote on the limiter bill Open States. The Council and Assembly can act next CrashCount: Take Action.
Act before the next mid‑day hit at a busy corner looks like the last one.
Take one step now: press your officials to slow the streets and rein in repeat speeders /take_action/.
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ What happened at Jamaica Avenue and 171st Street?
▸ How many people have been hurt or killed here since 2022?
▸ Which officials represent this area?
▸ Have any local officials supported speed limiters for repeat offenders?
▸ How were these numbers calculated?
▸ What is CrashCount?
Citations
▸ Citations
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crashes - Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-10-30
- File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-12
- Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-12
- Take Action: Slow the Speed, Stop the Carnage, CrashCount, Published 0001-01-01
Fix the Problem
State Senator Toby Stavisky
District 11
Other Representatives
Assembly Member Ed Braunstein
District 26
Council Member Vickie Paladino
District 19
▸ Other Geographies
SD 11 Senate District 11 sits in Queens, Precinct 111, District 19, AD 26.
It contains Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway, Rikers Island, College Point, Whitestone-Beechhurst, Bay Terrace-Clearview, Fort Totten, Jamaica Estates-Holliswood, Jamaica Hills-Briarwood, Cunningham Park, Douglaston-Little Neck, Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills, Alley Pond Park, Jamaica, Hollis, Glen Oaks-Floral Park-New Hyde Park, Bellerose, Queens Village, LaGuardia Airport, Queens CB80, Queens CB13, Queens CB1, Queens CB8, Queens CB7, Queens CB11.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Senate District 11
18
Sedan Turns Left, Strikes Elderly Pedestrian▸Apr 18 - A sedan turned left on Hillside Avenue. Its right front hit a 71-year-old man crossing. Blood ran from his head. He stayed conscious. The driver, 76, walked away. A baby rode in the car. Only the pedestrian was hurt.
A 71-year-old man was struck and injured by a sedan making a left turn at Hillside Avenue and 202nd Street. According to the police report, 'the right front struck a 71-year-old man crossing. Blood ran from his head. He was conscious.' The driver, age 76, and a baby passenger were not hurt. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. No other errors or factors are cited. The pedestrian suffered severe bleeding to the head but remained conscious at the scene.
14
Motorbike Rider Killed in Queens Head-On Crash▸Apr 14 - A motorbike and SUV collide on 188th Street. The bike shatters. A 19-year-old is thrown, crushed, killed. The SUV driver, sixty, survives with pain. Sirens echo. The street holds the silence of death.
A deadly crash unfolded at 188th Street and 90th Avenue in Queens. A 19-year-old motorbike rider was ejected and killed after a head-on collision with an Audi SUV. The SUV driver, a 60-year-old woman, suffered pain but survived. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The motorbike was demolished. The report notes the rider wore a helmet. No blame is placed on the victims. The crash left one dead and one injured.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.
NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.
-
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-28
2
Sedan Crushes Moped Rider on Hillside Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan slammed into a moped on Hillside Avenue, metal grinding metal. A 20-year-old man, helmeted, was crushed, pain radiating through his body. He stayed conscious. The street bore witness to the violence of careless force.
A violent collision unfolded on Hillside Avenue near 185th Street in Queens when a sedan struck a moped, according to the police report. The impact left a 20-year-old male moped passenger with severe crush injuries to his entire body. The report states he wore a helmet and did not lose consciousness, but the pain was overwhelming. Both vehicles were reported as going straight ahead before the crash. The police report does not specify contributing factors or assign blame, listing them as 'Unspecified.' However, the narrative details the sedan striking the moped, with the moped absorbing the force at its center back end and the sedan’s left front bumper taking the hit. The violence of the impact underscores the ever-present danger vulnerable road users face when sharing streets with heavier vehicles.
24
Left-Turning Sedan Crushes Cyclist’s Legs in Queens▸Feb 24 - A Ford sedan turned left on College Point Blvd, striking a southbound cyclist. Steel hit flesh. The rider, 32, fell. Legs crushed. The street fell silent except for pain. Police cite driver distraction. Systemic danger left another body broken.
A collision occurred on College Point Blvd near 14th Road in Queens at 5:49 a.m., involving a Ford sedan and a southbound cyclist. According to the police report, the sedan was 'making left turn' when it struck the cyclist, who was 'going straight ahead.' The report states, 'Steel met skin. The rider, 32, fell hard. Legs crushed.' The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the lower legs and remained conscious at the scene. Police explicitly list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the sedan and the crash overall. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the bike’s center front end. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after driver distraction is cited as the cause. The crash underscores the persistent risk posed by inattentive drivers to vulnerable road users.
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
4
Pedestrian’s Leg Crushed by Two SUVs on 89th Avenue▸Feb 4 - A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.
According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.
31
Box Truck Turns Left, Kills Pedestrian in Queens▸Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
15
Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
1
Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Apr 18 - A sedan turned left on Hillside Avenue. Its right front hit a 71-year-old man crossing. Blood ran from his head. He stayed conscious. The driver, 76, walked away. A baby rode in the car. Only the pedestrian was hurt.
A 71-year-old man was struck and injured by a sedan making a left turn at Hillside Avenue and 202nd Street. According to the police report, 'the right front struck a 71-year-old man crossing. Blood ran from his head. He was conscious.' The driver, age 76, and a baby passenger were not hurt. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. No other errors or factors are cited. The pedestrian suffered severe bleeding to the head but remained conscious at the scene.
14
Motorbike Rider Killed in Queens Head-On Crash▸Apr 14 - A motorbike and SUV collide on 188th Street. The bike shatters. A 19-year-old is thrown, crushed, killed. The SUV driver, sixty, survives with pain. Sirens echo. The street holds the silence of death.
A deadly crash unfolded at 188th Street and 90th Avenue in Queens. A 19-year-old motorbike rider was ejected and killed after a head-on collision with an Audi SUV. The SUV driver, a 60-year-old woman, suffered pain but survived. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The motorbike was demolished. The report notes the rider wore a helmet. No blame is placed on the victims. The crash left one dead and one injured.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.
NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.
-
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-28
2
Sedan Crushes Moped Rider on Hillside Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan slammed into a moped on Hillside Avenue, metal grinding metal. A 20-year-old man, helmeted, was crushed, pain radiating through his body. He stayed conscious. The street bore witness to the violence of careless force.
A violent collision unfolded on Hillside Avenue near 185th Street in Queens when a sedan struck a moped, according to the police report. The impact left a 20-year-old male moped passenger with severe crush injuries to his entire body. The report states he wore a helmet and did not lose consciousness, but the pain was overwhelming. Both vehicles were reported as going straight ahead before the crash. The police report does not specify contributing factors or assign blame, listing them as 'Unspecified.' However, the narrative details the sedan striking the moped, with the moped absorbing the force at its center back end and the sedan’s left front bumper taking the hit. The violence of the impact underscores the ever-present danger vulnerable road users face when sharing streets with heavier vehicles.
24
Left-Turning Sedan Crushes Cyclist’s Legs in Queens▸Feb 24 - A Ford sedan turned left on College Point Blvd, striking a southbound cyclist. Steel hit flesh. The rider, 32, fell. Legs crushed. The street fell silent except for pain. Police cite driver distraction. Systemic danger left another body broken.
A collision occurred on College Point Blvd near 14th Road in Queens at 5:49 a.m., involving a Ford sedan and a southbound cyclist. According to the police report, the sedan was 'making left turn' when it struck the cyclist, who was 'going straight ahead.' The report states, 'Steel met skin. The rider, 32, fell hard. Legs crushed.' The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the lower legs and remained conscious at the scene. Police explicitly list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the sedan and the crash overall. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the bike’s center front end. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after driver distraction is cited as the cause. The crash underscores the persistent risk posed by inattentive drivers to vulnerable road users.
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
4
Pedestrian’s Leg Crushed by Two SUVs on 89th Avenue▸Feb 4 - A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.
According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.
31
Box Truck Turns Left, Kills Pedestrian in Queens▸Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
15
Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
1
Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Apr 14 - A motorbike and SUV collide on 188th Street. The bike shatters. A 19-year-old is thrown, crushed, killed. The SUV driver, sixty, survives with pain. Sirens echo. The street holds the silence of death.
A deadly crash unfolded at 188th Street and 90th Avenue in Queens. A 19-year-old motorbike rider was ejected and killed after a head-on collision with an Audi SUV. The SUV driver, a 60-year-old woman, suffered pain but survived. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The motorbike was demolished. The report notes the rider wore a helmet. No blame is placed on the victims. The crash left one dead and one injured.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.
NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.
-
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-28
2
Sedan Crushes Moped Rider on Hillside Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan slammed into a moped on Hillside Avenue, metal grinding metal. A 20-year-old man, helmeted, was crushed, pain radiating through his body. He stayed conscious. The street bore witness to the violence of careless force.
A violent collision unfolded on Hillside Avenue near 185th Street in Queens when a sedan struck a moped, according to the police report. The impact left a 20-year-old male moped passenger with severe crush injuries to his entire body. The report states he wore a helmet and did not lose consciousness, but the pain was overwhelming. Both vehicles were reported as going straight ahead before the crash. The police report does not specify contributing factors or assign blame, listing them as 'Unspecified.' However, the narrative details the sedan striking the moped, with the moped absorbing the force at its center back end and the sedan’s left front bumper taking the hit. The violence of the impact underscores the ever-present danger vulnerable road users face when sharing streets with heavier vehicles.
24
Left-Turning Sedan Crushes Cyclist’s Legs in Queens▸Feb 24 - A Ford sedan turned left on College Point Blvd, striking a southbound cyclist. Steel hit flesh. The rider, 32, fell. Legs crushed. The street fell silent except for pain. Police cite driver distraction. Systemic danger left another body broken.
A collision occurred on College Point Blvd near 14th Road in Queens at 5:49 a.m., involving a Ford sedan and a southbound cyclist. According to the police report, the sedan was 'making left turn' when it struck the cyclist, who was 'going straight ahead.' The report states, 'Steel met skin. The rider, 32, fell hard. Legs crushed.' The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the lower legs and remained conscious at the scene. Police explicitly list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the sedan and the crash overall. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the bike’s center front end. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after driver distraction is cited as the cause. The crash underscores the persistent risk posed by inattentive drivers to vulnerable road users.
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
4
Pedestrian’s Leg Crushed by Two SUVs on 89th Avenue▸Feb 4 - A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.
According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.
31
Box Truck Turns Left, Kills Pedestrian in Queens▸Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
15
Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
1
Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.
NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.
- Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28
2
Sedan Crushes Moped Rider on Hillside Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan slammed into a moped on Hillside Avenue, metal grinding metal. A 20-year-old man, helmeted, was crushed, pain radiating through his body. He stayed conscious. The street bore witness to the violence of careless force.
A violent collision unfolded on Hillside Avenue near 185th Street in Queens when a sedan struck a moped, according to the police report. The impact left a 20-year-old male moped passenger with severe crush injuries to his entire body. The report states he wore a helmet and did not lose consciousness, but the pain was overwhelming. Both vehicles were reported as going straight ahead before the crash. The police report does not specify contributing factors or assign blame, listing them as 'Unspecified.' However, the narrative details the sedan striking the moped, with the moped absorbing the force at its center back end and the sedan’s left front bumper taking the hit. The violence of the impact underscores the ever-present danger vulnerable road users face when sharing streets with heavier vehicles.
24
Left-Turning Sedan Crushes Cyclist’s Legs in Queens▸Feb 24 - A Ford sedan turned left on College Point Blvd, striking a southbound cyclist. Steel hit flesh. The rider, 32, fell. Legs crushed. The street fell silent except for pain. Police cite driver distraction. Systemic danger left another body broken.
A collision occurred on College Point Blvd near 14th Road in Queens at 5:49 a.m., involving a Ford sedan and a southbound cyclist. According to the police report, the sedan was 'making left turn' when it struck the cyclist, who was 'going straight ahead.' The report states, 'Steel met skin. The rider, 32, fell hard. Legs crushed.' The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the lower legs and remained conscious at the scene. Police explicitly list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the sedan and the crash overall. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the bike’s center front end. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after driver distraction is cited as the cause. The crash underscores the persistent risk posed by inattentive drivers to vulnerable road users.
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
4
Pedestrian’s Leg Crushed by Two SUVs on 89th Avenue▸Feb 4 - A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.
According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.
31
Box Truck Turns Left, Kills Pedestrian in Queens▸Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
15
Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
1
Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Mar 2 - A sedan slammed into a moped on Hillside Avenue, metal grinding metal. A 20-year-old man, helmeted, was crushed, pain radiating through his body. He stayed conscious. The street bore witness to the violence of careless force.
A violent collision unfolded on Hillside Avenue near 185th Street in Queens when a sedan struck a moped, according to the police report. The impact left a 20-year-old male moped passenger with severe crush injuries to his entire body. The report states he wore a helmet and did not lose consciousness, but the pain was overwhelming. Both vehicles were reported as going straight ahead before the crash. The police report does not specify contributing factors or assign blame, listing them as 'Unspecified.' However, the narrative details the sedan striking the moped, with the moped absorbing the force at its center back end and the sedan’s left front bumper taking the hit. The violence of the impact underscores the ever-present danger vulnerable road users face when sharing streets with heavier vehicles.
24
Left-Turning Sedan Crushes Cyclist’s Legs in Queens▸Feb 24 - A Ford sedan turned left on College Point Blvd, striking a southbound cyclist. Steel hit flesh. The rider, 32, fell. Legs crushed. The street fell silent except for pain. Police cite driver distraction. Systemic danger left another body broken.
A collision occurred on College Point Blvd near 14th Road in Queens at 5:49 a.m., involving a Ford sedan and a southbound cyclist. According to the police report, the sedan was 'making left turn' when it struck the cyclist, who was 'going straight ahead.' The report states, 'Steel met skin. The rider, 32, fell hard. Legs crushed.' The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the lower legs and remained conscious at the scene. Police explicitly list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the sedan and the crash overall. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the bike’s center front end. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after driver distraction is cited as the cause. The crash underscores the persistent risk posed by inattentive drivers to vulnerable road users.
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
4
Pedestrian’s Leg Crushed by Two SUVs on 89th Avenue▸Feb 4 - A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.
According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.
31
Box Truck Turns Left, Kills Pedestrian in Queens▸Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
15
Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
1
Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Feb 24 - A Ford sedan turned left on College Point Blvd, striking a southbound cyclist. Steel hit flesh. The rider, 32, fell. Legs crushed. The street fell silent except for pain. Police cite driver distraction. Systemic danger left another body broken.
A collision occurred on College Point Blvd near 14th Road in Queens at 5:49 a.m., involving a Ford sedan and a southbound cyclist. According to the police report, the sedan was 'making left turn' when it struck the cyclist, who was 'going straight ahead.' The report states, 'Steel met skin. The rider, 32, fell hard. Legs crushed.' The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the lower legs and remained conscious at the scene. Police explicitly list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the sedan and the crash overall. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the bike’s center front end. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after driver distraction is cited as the cause. The crash underscores the persistent risk posed by inattentive drivers to vulnerable road users.
5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash▸Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
-
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-05
4
Pedestrian’s Leg Crushed by Two SUVs on 89th Avenue▸Feb 4 - A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.
According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.
31
Box Truck Turns Left, Kills Pedestrian in Queens▸Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
15
Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
1
Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.
NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.
- Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05
4
Pedestrian’s Leg Crushed by Two SUVs on 89th Avenue▸Feb 4 - A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.
According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.
31
Box Truck Turns Left, Kills Pedestrian in Queens▸Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
15
Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
1
Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Feb 4 - A 42-year-old man, walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue, was struck by two westbound SUVs. His leg was crushed beneath steel. He remained conscious as pain demanded amputation. The drivers’ view was blocked. Failure to yield sealed his fate.
According to the police report, a 42-year-old man was walking outside the crosswalk on 89th Avenue near 168th Street in Queens when he was struck by two westbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV. The narrative states, 'His leg crushed beneath steel. He stayed awake. The pain spoke plainly: amputation.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, explicitly citing driver error as central to the crash. The sedan was starting from parking, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The pedestrian suffered severe injury to his lower leg, resulting in amputation, but remained conscious throughout. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The impact and aftermath underscore the lethal consequences of driver inattention and obstructed views on city streets.
31
Box Truck Turns Left, Kills Pedestrian in Queens▸Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
15
Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
1
Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Jan 31 - A box truck swung left at 212th and Hillside. The driver looked too late. A 29-year-old man, crossing with the light, was crushed beneath the bumper. He died in the street before dawn. Steel met flesh. The city kept moving.
According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Hillside Avenue made a left turn at the corner of 212th Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was operating a 2018 FRHT-TRUCK/BUS with one occupant. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted and failed to observe the pedestrian in time. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old man who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Oversized Vehicle' as contributing factors. The victim’s behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and large vehicles at city intersections.
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Distracted Driver Strikes Elderly Woman Crossing 263rd Street▸Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
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Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Jan 15 - A northbound sedan hit a 67-year-old woman crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue. She bled on the pavement, conscious, her leg torn. The driver, distracted, did not stop. Darkness, no crosswalk, no signal—just impact and aftermath.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old woman was crossing 263rd Street near 75th Avenue in Queens when she was struck head-on by a northbound Acura sedan. The crash occurred in the dark, with no crosswalk or signal present at the location. The report states the driver was distracted, citing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman suffered severe bleeding from her leg but remained conscious at the scene. The driver did not stop after the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing where there was no signal or crosswalk, but the police report lists driver distraction as the key factor in the crash. The focus remains on the driver's inattention and the systemic dangers faced by those crossing city streets outside of marked crossings.
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Lexus Sedan Slams Parkway at Unsafe Speed▸Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.
Jan 1 - A Lexus sedan tore into darkness on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crumpled. A 23-year-old woman, unconscious, bled in the driver’s seat. Only speed stood between her and the morning. The road bore witness to violence and silence.
According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway near Francis Lewis Boulevard crashed at 5:09 a.m. The report states the vehicle 'slammed into the dark' and suffered severe front-end damage. The sole occupant, a 23-year-old woman behind the wheel, was found unconscious and bleeding, with injuries to her entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the only known contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the isolation of the injured driver. The report does not cite any other contributing factors or victim behaviors. The evidence points squarely to excessive speed as the systemic danger in this early morning crash.