Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Brooklyn

David Greenfield Monitoring Investigation of Crash That Killed Bystander

2:03 PM EST on December 12, 2012

City Council Member David Greenfield is keeping an eye on the investigation into a fatal collision in Brooklyn last weekend, which so far points to the culpability of both drivers involved in the crash.

David Greenfield

Greenfield told Streetsblog that he has been in touch with NYPD and the office of District Attorney Charles Hynes regarding the death of Chenugor Dao. Dao and three family members were standing near the corner of W. Fifth Street and Quentin Road on Saturday afternoon when two drivers collided at the intersection. One of the vehicles flipped over, striking Dao, her husband, daughter and 1-year-old granddaughter, according to reports.

Dao died at Lutheran Medical Center, and her relatives were hospitalized. Passengers in the vehicle that struck Dao and her family, a Jeep SUV, were also reported injured.

Though NYPD issued the boilerplate "No criminality suspected" statement shortly after the crash, Greenfield said an investigation has so far revealed that one driver was speeding and the other ran a stop sign. "NYPD has assured me that Highway is investigating," said Greenfield, referring to the Highway Patrol unit, which includes the Accident Investigation Squad.

"If you're driving on a rain-slicked road and you lose control, that's an accident," Greenfield said. "Speeding or running a stop sign is something you decide to do."

Hynes's office is working with NYPD to determine how the crash unfolded, according to Greenfield. "Criminal charges should be brought if warranted," he said.

Asked about the Crash Investigation Reform Act, a package of bills intended in part to compel NYPD to reform the department's crash investigation procedures, Greenfield said he is unaware of any movement to bring it closer to passage. It can take nine to 12 months for new legislation to pass through the council, he said. The bills were introduced in July, when Greenfield, joined by council colleagues and traffic violence victims at a rally outside City Hall, said NYPD could devote more resources to street safety and crash investigations within its current budget.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Can We Just Keep Cars Off the Queensbridge Baby Greenway?

Why do we allow car drivers to park on greenways, in parks and on tree beds?

March 29, 2024

Maximum Rage: Delivery Workers Protest Low Wages, App ‘Lockouts’

Couriers with bikes and signs urge the city to step in as Uber Eats, GrubHub and DoorDash withhold work, they say.

March 28, 2024

The Toll of History: MTA Board Approves $15 Congestion Pricing Fee

New York City's congestion pricing tolls are one historic step closer to reality after Wednesday's 11-1 MTA board vote. Next step: all those pesky lawsuits.

March 28, 2024

Company That Fought McGuinness Safety Project Wants to Seize Bklyn Street for Private Backlot

Broadway Stages to Greenpoint residents: "Street safety for me, not for thee."

March 28, 2024
See all posts