Statement from Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets After Hit-and-Run Driver Strikes and Kills 3-Year-Old in Flushing

2023 is now the deadliest year for traffic violence in Queens since 2014.  

11 children under 18 have been killed in traffic violence this year.

QUEENS, NY — On Wednesday night, a hit-and-run driver struck and killed a 3-year-old boy, Quintas Chen, who was crossing the street at College Point Boulevard and 41st Avenue in Flushing, Queens. 

Quintas Chen’s death comes as Mayor Adams announced several new street safety improvements this morning, including improvements to 2,000 intersections, updated safety technology in vehicles, and inclusion of traffic crashes in CompStat. The announcements from City Hall followed the death of Kamari Hughes, a 7-year-old boy killed by a driver in Fort Greene just a month ago. 

Statement from Danny Harris, Transportation Alternatives Executive Director:

“We are heartbroken and angry to hear that a hit-and-run driver struck and killed a 3-year-old yesterday. Quintas Chen should be home with his family, and we must take steps to ensure that no parent or family ever has to suffer like this.”

“His loss was preventable. We know how to make our streets safe, especially for our youngest and most vulnerable New Yorkers. Only a month ago, we lost 7-year-old Kamari Hughes to a reckless driver – our city is still grieving, and now it’s forced to mourn another lost child.” 

“This morning, Mayor Adams announced plans to improve 5% of New York City’s intersections and daylight at least 2.5%. While this is a step forward, we need to bring these safe street improvements to every corner of our city. Our leaders need to treat traffic violence like what it is: a major public health crisis killing our children. New York City can do more and do better – and it must. This driver must also be found and held accountable.” 

Statement from Nickya Whittington, a member of Families for Safe Streets:

“My youngest child, Shavone Bethea Junior, was killed by a bus driver when he was only 7-years-old. It was the very worst day of my life — and now another family is suffering just like mine has.” 

“Absolutely no one should ever have to experience this pain. My heart goes out to the family of Quintas Chen, and everyone who knew and loved him.” 

“These deaths are preventable — and I’m demanding that our city’s leaders make real choices today that will protect our children tomorrow. We can and must stop this.”