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

Paging James Vacca: Curb-Jumper Injures Senior Citizen on 5th Ave Sidewalk

Can we get a James Vacca City Council hearing on this?

A man in his eighties was seriously injured today when an SUV driver jumped the curb and slammed into Saks Fifth Avenue in Midtown a little before 11 a.m. Gothamist reports that the victim was walking by the store at the time and was taken to Bellevue in stable condition.

Even though Fifth Avenue has some of the most crowded sidewalks in the Western Hemisphere, the driver who careened off the road was immediately exonerated by NYPD, who told Gothamist there's "no criminality suspected."

At least six pedestrians were killed by curb-jumping motorists in NYC last year. Those victims were all 58 years or older. Given the prevalence of traffic violence -- more than 10,000 NYC pedestrians are hurt by motorists every year -- it's likely that hundreds of other New Yorkers were injured while on the sidewalk in 2012.

Thanks to reader Liz Patek for sending in the photo from the scene.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Zohramp’ At Williamsburg Bridge Still NYPD Ticket Trap … For Cyclists

Meanwhile, driver after driver blew the adjacent red light with impunity.

January 8, 2026

The ‘Affordability Crisis’ Conversation Can’t Leave Out the Cost of Cars

We can't talk about Americans' empty wallets without talking about our empty buses and sidewalks.

January 8, 2026

What Is A Life Worth In NYC? In Fatal Crashes, Sometimes Just $50

Drivers who kill pedestrians often face minimal punishment, a Streetsblog investigation found.

January 8, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: ‘It’s Menin!’ Edition

The Council elected a new Speaker yesterday, but there was not much talk of transportation. Plus other news.

January 8, 2026

Two-Pronged Approach: City Will Appeal Judge’s Block on Astoria Bike Lane But Also Address Her Concerns

The city will appeal but will also complete a minor bureaucratic step that the Adams administration failed to complete, Streetsblog has learned.

January 7, 2026
See all posts