State Senator Ramos, Transportation Alternatives Statements After Traffic Violence Kills 8-Year-Old Bayron Palomino Arroyo in East Elmhurst, Queens

Crashes have killed 52 people so far in 2024 – 27% higher than the Vision Zero-era average.

This child was the 750th person — and the 34th child — killed in Queens since the launch of Vision Zero.

More than one in three people killed so far in 2024 were killed in Queens.

QUEENS, New York — On Wednesday afternoon, the driver of a Nissan pickup truck struck and killed 8-year old Bayron Palomino Arroyo and injured his brother as they crossed the street at 31st Avenue and 100th Street in East Elmhurst, Queens.

More than half of the children killed in the last two years were killed in Queens, including three children who were walking, 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun and 3-year-old Quintas Chen.

Larger vehicles have deadly consequences. SUVs, pickup trucks, and other large vehicles have killed 67 children in the Vision Zero era, representing 61% of all child fatalities.

Statement from Elizabeth Adams, Transportation Alternatives Deputy Executive Director for Public Affairs:

“New York City’s leaders failed this child. He deserved to have a future. Yet, instead our city’s leaders have prioritized the movement of vehicles over the safety of our children. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”

“We’ve lost 109 children to traffic violence since Vision Zero began in 2014. Let there not be one more. Mayor Adams must take action today to keep people safe: Daylight every intersection and build car-free pedestrian space. In Albany, our leaders must finally pass Sammy’s Law to give New York City the power to set its own speed limits. Refusing to act is not an option.”

Statement from State Senator Jessica Ramos:

“I want to extend my deep and sincere condolences to this family. They join an unfortunate number of families in our community who have felt this loss.”

“We are a city, not a suburb. I implore drivers to move through my community with that in mind. I fight so hard for improved public transit because there are too many cars on the road, particularly SUVs and pickup trucks that do not allow for full visibility in city streets. Having too many cars on our streets causes traffic and road rage, which is a recipe for disaster.”

“I understand some people must drive for work or because they live with a disability. But if you do not need to drive, please don’t.”

“In addition to passing my bill to implement scramble crosswalks around schools and passing Sammy’s Law, we need to have a serious conversation about who is awarded the great responsibility of driving in our neighborhoods. It is clear that drivers should be retested frequently, as too many deaths have been the result of a failure to yield to pedestrians crossing the street.”

“Nothing will bring the child back. We can only fight for traffic calming initiatives and better driver behavior so we can save lives.”