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

Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Dangerous Staten Island Arterial; No Charges

The crosswalk does not apparently have a “walk” signal on the west side of South Avenue. Photo: Google

A senior citizen was run over and killed by the driver of a Ford van on Monday afternoon at a notorious Staten Island intersection, but the driver was not charged, said the NYPD.

According to cops, Yingqui Liu, 73, was crossing South Avenue at around 3 p.m. when the driver, whose name was not released, slammed into him as he turned left from Forest Avenue. A Google image taken just one month ago shows that the intersection in which Liu walked did not have a proper pedestrian signal on the western side of the crosswalk.

Forest Avenue is a dangerous roadway. In just one year, there have been 60 reported crashes in the short stretch between Willow Road and South Street, injuring 33 people, including two cyclists and eight pedestrians, according to city statistics. Three people have been killed on Forest Avenue since 2019, according to Transportation Alternatives. There have been no roadway improvements west of Morningstar Road.

“We are heartbroken and outraged that yet another senior pedestrian was killed by a driver," said Rose Uscianowski, the group's Staten Island and South Brooklyn organizer. "Crossing the street should not be a death sentence. Yingqui Liu should be alive today. We need city officials to build safe pedestrian and bike access between the Bayonne and Goethals bridges to slow down drivers and protect everybody on our roads. Traffic violence is preventable — we need our leaders to take action now to keep all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable, safe.”

At least 99 pedestrians have been killed on New York City streets this year, according to the Department of Transportation, which provided statistics through Nov. 20:. It is the second bloodiest year since Vision Zero began in 2014.

Forty-two New Yorkers 65 and older have been killed in traffic crashes this year — and three-quarters were pedestrians.

Chart: DOT
Chart: DOT
Chart: DOT

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Reining in Deliverista Distances is the Key to Safety

A mileage fee on food deliveries can serve workers as well as the society of which they’re a part. What are we waiting for? 

November 5, 2024

State Now Considering Car-Free Connector Next To Cross-Bronx Expwy Instead of Covert Highway

Perhaps all of the local outrage over building a parallel highway to the Cross Bronx is working?

November 5, 2024

DECISION ’24: The Next President Needs a Vision for America’s Transportation Future

No matter who wins the White House, advocates are ready to push for the transportation system we all deserve — starting with these nine principles.

November 5, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines: Vote Like Your Life Depends on It Edition

Forgive us for wishing that a presidential candidate — ever — addressed the nation's road violence epidemic. Plus other Election Day news.

November 5, 2024

Slaughter of the Innocents: SUV Driver Kills Upper West Side Teen

Thirteen-year-old Niyell McCrorey is the 15th child killed by drivers so far this year, and at least the 97th pedestrian.

November 5, 2024
See all posts