No More Excuses: Deadly Streets Demand Action Now

A sedan turned left at Avenue K and East 59th. A woman crossed in the marked crosswalk. Steel struck flesh. Her body broke. Blood marked the street. She stayed awake. The car was untouched. She was not.

A woman, age 45, was struck and severely injured by a sedan while crossing Avenue K at East 59th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was in the marked crosswalk when the sedan turned left and hit her. The report states: 'Steel met flesh. Her body torn. Blood smeared the street. She stayed awake. The car was whole. She was not.' The pedestrian suffered severe lacerations to her entire body. The crash data lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. No injuries were reported for the sedan’s occupants. The driver, age 62, was licensed and wore a seatbelt. The car sustained no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4580906, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A distracted SUV driver struck a man crossing Flatbush Avenue. The impact crushed the man’s leg. The driver did not stop. The SUV showed no damage. The man lay broken but conscious on the street. The crash left pain and silence.

A 36-year-old man was crossing Flatbush Avenue when a southbound SUV hit him head-on. According to the police report, 'A man crossed without a signal. A southbound SUV struck him head-on. His leg was crushed. The driver, distracted, kept going.' The pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, a 2021 model, showed no damage. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The driver’s actions and lack of attention led directly to the severe injury. No other injuries were reported among vehicle occupants or witnesses.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4575155, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A bus turned left on Flatbush Avenue. Its front end struck a 79-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She died under the weight. The street bore witness. The machine rolled on. The city swallowed another life.

A 79-year-old woman was killed while crossing Flatbush Avenue at Glenwood Road. According to the police report, a bus making a left turn struck her with its front end as she crossed with the signal. The report lists 'Oversized Vehicle' as a contributing factor. The woman suffered fatal injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. The bus driver, a 46-year-old man, was not injured. No other injuries were reported. The data highlights the danger posed by large vehicles in city streets. The victim was following the signal when struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4573615, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A woman rode south on New York Avenue. A driver failed to yield. Traffic signs meant nothing. She was struck, thrown from her bike. Her head hit the pavement. She died under the streetlights. The city lost another cyclist.

A 53-year-old woman riding a bike southbound on New York Avenue at Cortelyou Road was killed. According to the police report, she was struck and ejected from her bike, suffering fatal head injuries. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The driver ignored traffic signs and did not yield, leading to the deadly impact. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary causes were driver errors. No other injuries were reported. The crash marks another fatal toll for Brooklyn’s streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566835, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Steel screamed on Pearson Street. Two sedans crashed head-on. Both drivers, women, trapped and bleeding, arms shattered. Distraction ruled the wheel. A teenage passenger sat stunned. Sirens cut the silence. The street held its breath.

Two sedans collided head-on near Avenue U in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both vehicles were driven by women—one 55, the other 31. Both drivers suffered crush injuries to their arms and were pinned in their seats, conscious but badly hurt. A 17-year-old female passenger was also involved. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. No other causes are cited. The crash left steel twisted and lives changed. The data shows both drivers wore lap belts and harnesses. The impact was direct, center front to center front, with both cars traveling west. The street fell silent after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563340, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Cadillac sedan struck a 53-year-old cyclist on Ohio Walk. The cyclist flew from his bike, helmeted, head bleeding. Shock froze his face. The car’s right bumper cracked. Both moved straight. The driver held only a permit.

A 17-year-old permit driver in a Cadillac sedan struck a 53-year-old cyclist on Ohio Walk near East 66th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both the car and the cyclist were traveling straight when the sedan’s right front bumper hit the cyclist. The impact ejected the cyclist from his bike. He suffered a severe head injury and was in shock. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the crash left him bleeding from the head. The driver had only a learner’s permit at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558418, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

StreetsPAC called for voters to oust State Sen. Kevin Parker. They backed Kaegan Mays-Williams for her push on protected bike lanes and bus network redesign. Parker ignored safety questions. StreetsPAC praised other candidates who fight for safer streets and transit.

On August 9, 2022, StreetsPAC, New York City's safe streets political action committee, issued an endorsement urging Central Brooklyn voters to retire State Sen. Kevin Parker. The group backed Kaegan Mays-Williams, citing her support for redesigning Brooklyn's bus network and expanding protected bike lanes. StreetsPAC Executive Director Eric McClure said, 'She supports redesigning Brooklyn's bus network to simplify routes and speed commutes.' Parker did not respond to StreetsPAC's request for information and has a record of negative incidents. Mays-Williams stressed the need for dependable public transit and safer cycling. StreetsPAC also highlighted the safety records of Andrew Gounardes, Angel Vasquez, Jabori Brisport, Rajiv Gowda, Christian Amato, and Kristen Gonzalez, noting their support for speed cameras, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and transit improvements. The endorsement signals a clear push for candidates who prioritize vulnerable road users.

• StreetsPAC to Central Brooklyn Voters: Retire State Sen. Kevin Parker Now!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-09

A man on an e-scooter hit by a turning SUV. His leg split open, blood pooled on Flatbush Avenue. He stayed conscious, partially thrown. The SUV showed no damage. The street bore the mark of impact. No helmet listed as a factor.

A man riding an e-scooter was struck by a northbound SUV making a left turn on Flatbush Avenue near Regent Place in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A man on an e-scooter struck by a turning SUV. No helmet. His leg split open, blood pooling on the street. He stayed awake. The SUV bore no damage. He was partially thrown.' The e-scooter rider suffered a severe leg injury and was partially ejected. The SUV driver was uninjured. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The absence of a helmet is noted, but only after the crash details. The impact left the vulnerable rider bleeding in the street while the SUV remained unscathed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552274, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Ford SUV plowed into a slowing Toyota on Schenectady Avenue. Metal twisted. A 66-year-old man in the front seat groaned, clutching his back. The crash left pain and confusion in the heat. Following too closely caused the impact.

A Ford SUV struck a slowing Toyota from behind on Schenectady Avenue. According to the police report, 'A Ford SUV struck a slowing Toyota from behind. Metal folded. A 66-year-old man in the front seat clutched his back, hurt and conscious, his breath shallow in the heat, pain blooming beneath crushed steel.' Five people were involved. The 66-year-old front passenger in the Toyota suffered back injuries and crush trauma. The crash data lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling west. The Toyota was slowing or stopping when the Ford hit it. No other contributing factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552249, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A man turns left on his bike. An SUV barrels straight. Metal crushes bone. Blood pools on the street. The cyclist lies semiconscious, head split open. The SUV’s front end is wrecked. Night air thick with sirens. The street stays silent.

A 57-year-old man riding a bike was struck by an SUV on Utica Avenue. According to the police report, the cyclist was making a left turn when the SUV hit him head-on. The crash left the cyclist semiconscious with severe bleeding from a head injury. The SUV’s front end was crushed. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary cause remains the driver’s failure to yield. No injuries were reported for the SUV’s occupants. The scene was marked by violence and silence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4547477, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A man crossed Ocean Avenue with the light. An SUV turned and hit his leg. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious. The driver kept his license. The city kept moving. The wound ran deep. The system failed.

A 58-year-old pedestrian was struck by a turning SUV while crossing Ocean Avenue with the signal. According to the police report, the man suffered severe bleeding to his lower leg but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, a 2015 Toyota, showed no damage and the driver retained his license. Police listed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The report notes the pedestrian was in the intersection and crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. No injuries were reported for the vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by those on foot when drivers fail to yield and pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545842, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Nissan turned right on Flatbush. A man rode his bike straight. The car hit his back wheel. He crashed hard. Blood pooled from his head. He lay semiconscious as dusk closed in. The street did not forgive.

A man riding a bike on Flatbush Avenue near Hubbard Place was struck by a Nissan making a right turn. According to the police report, the car hit the back wheel of the bike, sending the cyclist to the pavement with a bleeding head injury. The cyclist, age 55, was left semiconscious. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, which is noted in the report after the driver errors. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists when drivers turn without yielding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541542, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A speeding Infiniti hit a 61-year-old woman at Nostrand and Flatbush. She stood near the intersection. The car tore open her leg. Blood pooled on the street. She stayed conscious, wounded and bleeding under harsh lights.

A 61-year-old woman was struck and injured by a southbound Infiniti at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash happened late at night when the car sped through the intersection and hit the woman, who was not in the roadway. She suffered severe lacerations to her lower leg but remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The data does not mention any other errors or helmet or signal use. The impact left the pedestrian hurt and bleeding under the streetlights.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540464, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Ford sedan hit a young woman crossing Flatlands Avenue. The car’s left front bumper struck her head. She died on the street. The night was silent. The lights blinked. No one moved. The city swallowed another life.

A 24-year-old woman was killed on Flatlands Avenue when a Ford sedan struck her as she crossed the street. According to the police report, the left front bumper hit her head. She died at the scene from head and internal injuries. The report lists her as a pedestrian crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but does not specify any driver error or contributing factor. The driver was a 25-year-old man, licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other injuries were reported. The police narrative notes, 'She died there, on the asphalt, from head and internal wounds. The streetlights blinked. No one screamed.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4539504, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two cars turned left on Fillmore Avenue. Metal smashed metal. An 87-year-old man, strapped in, was cut by glass. His body throbbed. Both drivers looked away. The street bore witness. Distraction ruled. Pain followed.

Two vehicles, a sedan and a taxi, collided while both were making left turns at Fillmore Avenue and East 49th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'Both drivers looked away.' An 87-year-old male driver suffered severe lacerations and pain throughout his body. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. No other injuries were specified for the other occupants. The crash highlights the danger when drivers lose focus, as noted in the official account. Both drivers were licensed and wearing seat belts. The impact left one elderly man hurt and a street marked by shattered glass.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4537675, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two sedans crashed head-on at Avenue J and East 37th. Metal twisted. A 40-year-old man suffered crush wounds to his shoulder. Both drivers were distracted. Brooklyn’s morning broke with the sound of steel and pain.

Two sedans collided head-on at Avenue J and East 37th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both drivers were distracted at the time of the crash. The impact left a 40-year-old male driver with crush injuries to his shoulder. The report states: “Both drivers were distracted. Morning broke in Brooklyn under the sound of screeching steel and pain.” The data lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both drivers were wearing seat belts. The crash underscores the danger posed when drivers lose focus behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4537669, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Councilman Restler wants to rip up thousands of parking placards. He targets abuse by city officials and fake permits. His bill exempts people with disabilities. Another measure rewards whistleblowers. The Council should pass both. The city’s streets demand it.

On June 7, 2022, Councilman Lincoln Restler (District 33) announced legislation to revoke tens of thousands of personal vehicle parking placards, with exemptions for people with disabilities and those covered by collective bargaining. The editorial, titled 'Free perking: Pull back run amok NYC parking placards,' calls out rampant placard abuse: 'End this scam.' Restler’s companion bill would reward whistleblowers who report cheaters with 25% of fines collected. Both measures have four co-sponsors. The editorial urges the Council to pass the bills and for Mayor Adams to sign them. Placard abuse fuels lawless parking, endangering pedestrians and cyclists. The city’s lack of oversight lets drivers block crosswalks and bike lanes. Restler’s push aims to restore fairness and safety to New York’s streets.

• Free perking: Pull back run amok NYC parking placards, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-06-07

A westbound SUV hit a man on Foster Avenue. The left front bumper smashed his head. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious. The driver was distracted. No intersection. Darkness hid the danger. The city failed to protect him.

A 46-year-old man walking on Foster Avenue was struck by a westbound SUV. According to the police report, 'A westbound SUV struck a 46-year-old man in the dark. The left front bumper hit his head. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious. The driver was distracted. There was no intersection.' The pedestrian suffered a head injury and severe bleeding but remained conscious. The crash data lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The driver, a 60-year-old man, was licensed and wore a lap belt and harness. The impact occurred away from any intersection, leaving the pedestrian exposed. Systemic danger and driver distraction combined to put a vulnerable road user in harm’s way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504722, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Ford SUV struck a man crossing Utica Avenue near Avenue N. The left bumper hit his head. He died in the street. The driver had no license. The night was silent after the crash.

A 31-year-old man was killed when a southbound Ford SUV hit him on Utica Avenue near Avenue N in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A man stepped into the dark. A southbound Ford SUV struck his head with its left bumper. He died on the street. The driver held no license.' The driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash. The impact was to the pedestrian's head, and he died at the scene. The data lists no other contributing factors. The crash highlights the lethal risk unlicensed drivers pose to people on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504756, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A bus turned on Flatbush. A 72-year-old man crossed with the signal. The bus struck him. His leg broke. He died there. The driver was distracted. The street stayed busy. The man did not rise.

A 72-year-old man was killed while crossing Flatbush Avenue near 1598 in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the man was crossing with the signal when a bus made a right turn and struck him, breaking his leg. The report states, “The driver was distracted.” The data lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The bus showed no damage. The pedestrian died at the scene. No injuries were reported for the bus driver or occupants. The crash highlights the lethal risk to pedestrians when drivers fail to yield and pay attention, especially at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504027, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15