Statements from Transportation Alternatives and Council Member Chi Ossé After Two Hit-and-Run Drivers Strike and Kill 79-Year-Old Woman in Brooklyn

Traffic violence has killed 208 people in 2023  — a 25% increase over 2018, the safest year under Vision Zero.

96% of drivers who injured someone in a hit-and-run in 2022 were not arrested. 

BROOKLYN, NY — On Thursday night, an SUV driver struck a 79-year-old woman crossing New York Avenue at Herkimer Street in a hit-and-run in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Moments later, the driver of a minivan struck the same woman in a second hit-and-run.

These crashes occurred inside a Senior Pedestrian Zone, where DOT investments are supposed to be made to increase safety for older New Yorkers. However, this intersection remained unchanged and unsafe. These zones can and should help guide investments required by the NYC Streets Plan.

Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

“We are devastated to learn that a 79-year-old woman was struck by multiple hit-and-run drivers and killed in Bedford-Stuyvesant last night. We send our deepest condolences to her loved ones.”

“The City of New York has the tools to stop traffic violence, especially for older New Yorkers, but lacks the political will to make our streets safe. Specifically, the NYC Streets Plan legally requires hundreds of intersection upgrades and the creation of car-free pedestrian space, critical improvements that would make our streets safer for older New Yorkers. Despite this, the intersection of Herkimer Street and New York Avenue — a known-dangerous area for senior pedestrians — has received no safety upgrades.”

“New York City must also do more to hold hit-and-run drivers accountable. It’s unacceptable that two drivers hit a fellow New Yorker and kept driving. We cannot allow reckless and deadly drivers to make our streets dangerous, and these drivers must be held accountable.” 

Statement from New York City Council Member Chi Ossé:

“Traffic crashes and fatalities need to be handled with the same urgency and prevention as all violent crimes. Historically, downward trends are followed by surges which only serve to remind us that traffic safety requires consistent and constant efforts. Earlier this week I reminded the administration about their delay in providing protection to existing bike lanes in our district. Safe infrastructure is key. Driver and pedestrian education is key. Responsible policies are key. My hearts and prayers are with the families of my district that are bereaved.”