New York, October 20, 2026 – A 12-year-old boy in Glendale, Queens was seriously injured and hospitalized after being hit by a car on October 14th. Councilman Phil Wong has called on the Department of Transportation and the local police department to immediately increase traffic safety resources in the area and conduct a comprehensive review of the traffic conditions on 75th Avenue to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. The Department of Transportation has stated that they are studying potential improvement measures.
The accident occurred around 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of 75th Avenue and 60th Lane. Councilman Wong stated that the boy’s survival was fortunate, and the identity of the boy has not been disclosed.
Councilman Wong pointed out that he has raised safety concerns about this stretch of road multiple times, noting that drivers often disregard parking signs on 61st Street and then speed down 75th Avenue towards 60th Lane. This is the second serious pedestrian accident on this road this year, following an incident on March 17 where resident Michael Benham was struck between 61st Street and 60th Lane, resulting in a broken leg and severe ligament damage as the hit-and-run driver fled the scene.
Councilman Wong has written to Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, urging a comprehensive review of 75th Avenue and immediate enhancement of safety measures. He emphasized that the vicinity includes PS 68Q Public School, Evergreen Park, and multiple daycare facilities with children frequently crossing the intersections.
“For years, residents have been voicing concerns about dangerous driving in this area. We need the Department of Transportation and the police department to give this area the urgent attention it deserves to prevent another family from suffering,” Councilman Wong said.
Benham’s wife, Meghan Tadio, recounted that during the March incident, her husband was standing next to his car when a speeding truck at 61st Street struck another vehicle, then veered into oncoming traffic, pinning him between the truck and their own car, resulting in fractures and tendon and ligament injuries.
Tadio mentioned that many drivers, after running the stop sign, accelerate to beat the traffic light at 60th Lane, while 75th Avenue between the two intersections is a very narrow two-way street. Since moving in 2022, she has witnessed at least four or five serious accidents in the area.
After her husband’s injury, she had requested a traffic study from the Department of Transportation for installing traffic lights and speed bumps. However, the department rejected her application last month, citing insufficient accident numbers, with the standardized response leaving her feeling neglected. She expressed the hope for authorities to explore other speed reduction measures even if installing traffic lights is not feasible.
In response, the Department of Transportation stated, “Every New Yorker should be able to use the streets safely. We are concerned about the injured residents and their families at this intersection and are studying safety improvement measures for the location.”
Transportation officials have confirmed they are in contact with the 104th Police Precinct and are reviewing Councilman Wong’s letter. According to department data, prior to the recent incident involving the boy, there have been two records of pedestrian injuries at the location since 2021.