Five Dead, Sixteen Broken—Queens Needs Safe Streets Now

A taxi rolled backward on Woodside Avenue. Its broken brakes failed. The rear bumper hit a man standing off the road. Blood pooled at his feet. He stayed conscious, leg torn open, as the street watched in silence.

According to the police report, a taxi with defective brakes rolled backward near 68-02 Woodside Avenue in Queens. The vehicle's rear bumper struck a 46-year-old man who was standing off the roadway. The report states the pedestrian suffered severe bleeding to his lower leg and foot but remained conscious at the scene. The primary contributing factor listed is 'Brakes Defective.' The taxi was backing up at the time of the crash. No driver errors beyond the mechanical failure are cited in the report. The pedestrian was not in the roadway and is not listed as contributing to the collision. The incident underscores the danger posed by vehicle equipment failures, especially in busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714116, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped tore through the noon silence on 60th Street, smashing into a sedan. Blood pooled on the pavement. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, was thrown and conscious, head split. Speed and disregard for control left the street scarred.

At the corner of 60th Street and 70th Avenue in Queens, a violent collision unfolded between a moped and a sedan, according to the police report. The moped, traveling west, struck the sedan's left front quarter panel with force, folding in the car's side. The moped rider, a 31-year-old man, suffered severe head injuries and was partially ejected, bleeding heavily but conscious. The police report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, underscoring the moped driver's dangerous actions. The rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet, as noted in the report, but these details follow the primary driver errors. The sedan driver, licensed and traveling south, was also involved. Noon sun, silent street—speed and disregard for traffic rules turned routine movement into trauma.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714982, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

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

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

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

A dump truck, turning right at 57th Avenue and 80th Street, struck a 43-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She died there, morning light on the asphalt. The truck showed no damage. The driver failed to yield. The city grieves.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 57th Avenue and 80th Street in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a southbound dump truck, making a right turn, struck her. The report states the truck showed no damage. The woman died at the scene. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, underscoring the driver's responsibility in the collision. The vehicle involved was a large Ford dump truck, classified as an oversized vehicle, which the report also lists as a contributing factor. The victim's behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted in the report, but only after the driver's errors. The impact, the loss, and the systemic risk posed by oversized vehicles remain clear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709152, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Lawmakers push $90 million for faster, freer buses. The plan boosts service and expands free routes. Riders win more access. The bill also funds rail links and fare breaks for low-income, seniors, and disabled. Enforcement on tolls gets softer. Streets shift for people.

On March 12, 2024, state lawmakers released a budget proposal targeting New York City transit. The bill, led by Andrea Stewart-Cousins and mentioned in the Assembly and Senate one-house budgets, calls for $90 million to increase bus frequency and expand the MTA's free bus pilot. The matter summary states: 'State lawmakers proposed spending $90 million this year to improve bus service frequency and expand the scope of the MTA's free bus pilot.' The proposal, supported by Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, also adopts the FARES Act, extending half-price MetroCards to commuter rail, and funds new discounts for seniors and people with disabilities. Lawmakers back the QueensLink rail project and recommend subway improvements. They reject tougher toll enforcement, instead supporting the Toll Payer Protection Act. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and more accessible for millions of riders.

• State lawmakers propose $90 million for more frequent buses, fare-free pilot in budget response, amny.com, Published 2024-03-12

Albany lawmakers want more buses and cheaper fares. They propose $90 million for frequent service and 15 new free routes. The plan targets gridlock and aims to boost ridership before congestion pricing hits. Riders in every borough stand to gain.

Bill proposals in the New York State Assembly and Senate, introduced in February 2024 by State Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, seek $90 million for increased bus service and 15 more free bus routes. These measures, part of the 'Get Congestion Pricing Right' package, appear in both houses’ 'one-house' budgets as of March 12, 2024. The matter summary states: 'City buses would run more frequently under new proposals from state legislators in Albany, who included increased bus services and new fare discounts in budget proposals.' Mamdani and Gianaris led the push, citing the need for better transit before congestion pricing launches this summer. Their plan includes expanded Fair Fares, new discounts for seniors and disabled riders, and a weekly CityTicket for unlimited intracity rail travel. Advocates and lawmakers argue these steps are critical for equity and access, especially as the city prepares to charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The proposals now enter negotiations with Governor Hochul.

• Legislators Propose More Bus Service, Transit Discounts In State Budget Negotiations, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-12

An unlicensed 18-year-old on a 2023 ZHEJIANG motorscooter slammed headfirst, ejected, and died on Laurel Hill Boulevard. The streetlight flickered above his crushed skull. No helmet. No one else involved. The road claimed another young life.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male, operating a 2023 ZHEJIANG motorscooter, crashed near Laurel Hill Boulevard and 49th Street in Queens at 22:37. The report states he was 'unlicensed and bareheaded,' and that he was ejected from the vehicle, suffering fatal head injuries. The narrative describes the victim as slamming 'headfirst' and dying alone on the pavement. Police records indicate the driver had no license and wore no safety equipment. The vehicle sustained damage to the center front end, consistent with a high-impact collision. The police report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor, but the data makes clear the driver was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The crash underscores the lethal risk of unlicensed operation and lack of protective equipment, as documented in the official report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709150, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan struck a merging SUV on the Long Island Expressway at 3:42 a.m. Tire failure and driver distraction caused the crash. A 34-year-old man suffered severe leg bleeding and shock. Steel crumpled. Sirens arrived after the silence broke.

According to the police report, at 3:42 a.m. on the Long Island Expressway, a sedan collided with a merging SUV. The report identifies 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan, traveling west, impacted the left rear bumper of the SUV during its merge. The crash caused significant vehicle damage and severe injury to a 34-year-old man, who suffered heavy bleeding from his leg and was in shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report does not list any victim behavior as contributing factors. Driver distraction and mechanical failure were central to this crash, highlighting ongoing systemic dangers on New York highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707759, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Lawmakers push to triple fare-free bus lines. Fifteen routes, more buses, faster rides. Focus on low-income neighborhoods. The move aims to shift New Yorkers from cars to transit. Congestion pricing looms. Riders want speed, reliability, and access.

Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the 'Congestion Pricing Done Right' bill on March 4, 2024. The bill, now before the legislature, seeks to expand New York City's fare-free bus pilot from five to fifteen lines, with three in each borough. The measure promises $45 million for better bus reliability and frequency, targeting low-income and disadvantaged communities. The bill summary states: 'expand and extend New York City's fare-free bus pilot program.' Gianaris, as sponsor, aims to boost mass transit before congestion pricing takes effect. Supporters, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Riders Alliance, and the Transport Workers Union, stress that affordable, frequent buses are vital for safety and equity. MTA Chair Janno Lieber backs more service but warns that bus lanes lag behind. The bill focuses on routes that can handle more buses without new infrastructure, aiming to make public transit a real alternative to cars.

• More free rides? State lawmakers look to triple size of NYC fare-free bus pilot, increase frequency ahead of congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-03-04

A box truck struck a 47-year-old man on a bike, crushing him. He was thrown, suffered fatal head trauma, and died on the cold street. The truck kept straight. The man did not move again.

A fatal collision occurred on Maurice Avenue when a box truck struck a 47-year-old male cyclist, according to the police report. The narrative states the cyclist was thrown, crushed, and killed, suffering head trauma. The police report notes the truck 'kept straight' as it struck the cyclist, who lay still after impact. The contributing factor listed by police is 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion,' but no specific driver error is cited in the data. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as recorded in the report, but this is not listed as a contributing factor to the crash. The violence of the impact and the truck's continued path underscore the danger faced by cyclists sharing streets with large vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705063, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Pickup truck smashed into a sedan’s side on 28th Avenue. Airbag burst. Harness pressed tight. A 29-year-old woman, belted and still, died in her seat. Alcohol played its part. Metal and blood pooled in Queens before dawn.

A pickup truck struck the side of a westbound sedan on 28th Avenue near 47th Street in Queens, killing a 29-year-old front passenger. According to the police report, the woman was belted and seated upright when the impact tore open the airbag and left her bleeding out in her seat. The crash occurred at 4:09 a.m. The report explicitly lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. The pickup was traveling straight ahead, while the sedan was also moving westbound. The police narrative states: 'A pickup struck a westbound sedan’s side. The front passenger, 29, belted and still, bled out in her seat. Airbag torn open. Harness tight across her chest. Alcohol was involved.' No evidence in the report suggests any contributing behavior on the part of the victim. The focus remains on the lethal combination of driver action and alcohol involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705035, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped slammed into a parked SUV on Cypress Avenue. The unlicensed rider, 41, was trapped, legs crushed, conscious in the cold. The moped’s front end folded. No other people were present. Metal and bone tangled in the night.

A violent crash unfolded on Cypress Avenue near Centre Street in Queens when a moped collided with the rear of a parked SUV, according to the police report. The report states the moped's front end 'folded in' from the impact, leaving the 41-year-old unlicensed rider trapped with crushed legs. The rider was conscious at the scene, suffering severe lower leg injuries. Police records confirm the SUV was parked and unoccupied at the time of the crash. The report notes the moped operator was 'unlicensed,' and lists 'unspecified' as contributing factors, but does not cite any victim behavior as a cause. No other injuries were reported. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when vulnerable road users and stationary vehicles collide on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698391, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 75-year-old man crossed Roosevelt Avenue. An e-bike sped west. The man fell hard. His head hit the street. Bones snapped. He faded, silent, as traffic rolled on. The city moved. He did not.

A 75-year-old pedestrian was killed on Roosevelt Avenue near Broadway in Queens. According to the police report, the man stepped into the crosswalk as an e-bike traveled westbound. He fell, struck his head, and suffered severe fractures and dislocations. The report states he was semiconscious before becoming unresponsive. The police list the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are cited in the data. The e-bike sustained no damage. The victim was crossing at an intersection when struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695751, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 31-year-old man rode his e-scooter east on Queens Boulevard. The front end crumpled. He struck head-first, was ejected, and died alone in shock on the cold pavement. No helmet. No other vehicles listed. The street stayed silent.

A 31-year-old man riding an e-scooter east on Queens Boulevard near 73rd Street was killed. According to the police report, he struck head-first, was ejected, and died in shock on the pavement. The report states, 'The front end crumpled. He died in shock, alone on the cold pavement.' The only vehicle involved was the e-scooter. The police listed the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other vehicles or people were named in the report. The man was not wearing a helmet, as noted after the absence of any specified driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692319, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped and taxi slammed head-on on Northern Boulevard. Metal shrieked. The 59-year-old moped rider, helmeted, died from massive facial injuries. The street fell silent. Inexperience and improper lane use drove the fatal impact.

A deadly crash unfolded on Northern Boulevard near 29th Street in Queens. A moped and a taxi collided head-on. The 59-year-old moped rider, wearing a helmet, was killed by severe facial injuries. According to the police report, 'Inexperience steered the crash.' The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The moped and taxi both suffered front-end damage. No injuries to the taxi driver were reported. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when driver errors—specifically inexperience and improper lane use—combine on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682752, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Jeep rear-ended an Infiniti on Greenpoint Avenue. Metal folded. A 58-year-old woman in the front seat stayed belted. Her back broke. She was crushed but conscious. The crash left pain and wreckage behind.

A Jeep SUV struck the rear of a westbound Infiniti sedan on Greenpoint Avenue near Review Avenue. According to the police report, 'A Jeep slammed into the back of a westbound Infiniti. In the front seat, a 58-year-old woman stayed belted, conscious, and crushed. Her back broke where the metal folded. She did not fly out.' The front passenger, a 58-year-old woman, suffered a broken back and crush injuries. The police report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was wearing a lap belt at the time of the crash. No other injuries were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682263, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Metal screamed on the Long Island Expressway. A sedan merged east. A 23-year-old woman flew from the back seat and died. Her friend, 22, crushed in front, survived. Police found alcohol involved. The road was unforgiving. The night ended in blood.

A deadly crash tore through the Long Island Expressway at 4:29 a.m. A sedan merged eastbound. According to the police report, 'A 23-year-old woman, unbelted in the back, flew from the car and died. Her friend, 22, crushed in the front seat, lived. Alcohol was involved.' The crash involved a sedan and two SUVs, all traveling east. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors are specified. The 23-year-old woman was ejected and killed. The 22-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries but survived. The police report does not list helmet or signal use as factors. The toll: one life lost, another scarred, and a road marked by reckless speed and alcohol.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681105, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan turned right on Justice Avenue. Its front end struck a 71-year-old woman crossing with the light. Her leg broke under steel. Blood pooled. She lay silent, stunned. The driver failed to yield. The street did not forgive.

A 71-year-old woman was struck and severely injured by a sedan while crossing Justice Avenue near 55th in Queens. According to the police report, she crossed with the signal when a 2002 Honda sedan turned right and hit her, crushing her lower leg and causing severe bleeding. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left the woman in shock, silent beneath the car. The data shows she was in the crosswalk, obeying the signal. The driver’s failure to yield and inattention led to the crash. No helmet or signal use is listed as a factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676206, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A man on an e-scooter crashed near 64th Street. He flew from the scooter. His head struck hard. Blood pooled on the pavement. The scooter twisted at the bumper. He died there. The street stayed silent.

A 46-year-old man riding a 5th Wheel e-scooter was killed on Flushing Avenue near 64th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the rider was ejected from his scooter and suffered a fatal head injury. The report states, 'Driver Inexperience' contributed to the crash. The man was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. The scooter was left crumpled at the scene. No other vehicles or people were reported injured. The crash highlights the deadly consequences when inexperience meets city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675713, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A BMW turned right on Astoria Boulevard before dawn. The street was empty. A man walked outside the crosswalk. The car struck him. His body lay broken in the dark. Two sedans, one parked, one moving. One life ended. The city kept moving.

A 50-year-old man was killed when a BMW sedan, making a right turn on Astoria Boulevard near Steinway Street, struck and crushed him at 4:02 a.m. According to the police report, 'A 50-year-old man crushed beneath a turning BMW at 4:02 a.m. Two sedans, one parked, one moving. No intersection. The street was empty. Then it wasn’t. His body lay broken in the dark.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was engaged in 'other actions in roadway.' The BMW’s right front bumper was the point of impact. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed in the data. The second vehicle, a Nissan sedan, was parked and unoccupied at the time of the crash. No mention of helmet or signal use is included.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4672149, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15