In recent years, Long Island, New York, has witnessed a troubling surge in fatalities resulting from car accidents. This alarming trend has raised concerns among residents, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies.
Despite strict laws to protect drivers and pedestrians, we continue to see a significant rise in crashes on our area’s roads. Our car accident lawyer in Long Island is here to explain some causes.
Dangerous Roads Across Long Island
Long Island has seen its share of serious accidents over the past decade. However, some roads have seen a significant portion of these accidents.
Route 25 has persistently maintained its status as one of the most perilous roads within the tri-state area. It has consistently ranked among the state’s most hazardous thoroughfares since at least 2015. Stretching across the entirety of the Island, Route 25 witnesses a significant number of motor vehicle fatalities annually.
The Southern State Parkway is plagued by hundreds of traffic accidents annually, leading the Department of Transportation to designate it as one of the state’s most dangerous roads. The combination of its winding curves, excessive speeding, and inadequate entrance ramps contribute significantly to the high accident rate.
Additionally, the short length of the entrance ramps poses a challenge for drivers attempting to merge onto the Parkway safely. Frequent flooding in the area only heightens the risks for drivers by leaving pools of water on the road surface. These pools not only pose immediate dangers for drivers that persist even after the floods have receded.
Additionally, specific roads in each county see many accidents annually.
Nassau County
Roads where accidents commonly occur include:
- Merrick Road
- Sunrise Highway
- Hempstead Turnpike
- Wicks Road
Suffolk County
Some of the most dangerous roads in Suffolk County include:
- Sunrise Highway
- Route 1
- Route 25 (Middle County Road)
Intersections are Dangerous for Motorists
In addition to seeing frequent accidents on the aforementioned roads, there are specific intersections that see an increased rate of car accidents. These include:
- Northern State Parkway and Round Swamp Road: This intersection’s entrance and exit ramps are next to each other, which can confuse motorists. Additionally, there is a change in speed limit at this location, which often catches motorists off guard.
- The Long Island South Service Road at Roslyn Road: This intersection has a nearby gas station. Drivers heading north often enter the roadway in the wrong direction, increasing the chances of wrong-way accidents.
- Wantagh Parkway and Hempstead Turnpike: The route to the entrance ramp can be confusing for some motorists. As a result, drivers risk passing stop signs at the intersection and entering the road in the wrong direction at the exit ramp.
Whether at an intersection or while traveling on any road in Long Island, there is always a risk of becoming involved in an accident. In many cases, crashes are a result of negligence.
Factors Contributing to Car Accidents
Between 2019 and 2021, the number of traffic fatalities in Long Island increased by 24%. In addition to the total number of fatalities reported, there was an increase in the number of injury accidents. Several common factors are identified in many collisions reported on Long Island. Some of the leading factors include:
- Distractions: Many crashes occur in Long Island due to distracted driving. A lapse in attention on the road can increase the risk of accidents.
- Impaired driving: Drivers who consume alcohol or take drugs before entering roadways are a major contributing factor to the number of collisions reported.
- Speeding: When drivers exceed safe limits, they often experience reduced reaction time and lose control over the vehicle.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive maneuvers or disregarding traffic laws significantly threaten road safety.
- Inadequate road infrastructure: Many crashes, especially involving pedestrians, result from poorly designed intersections or inadequate signage.
After being hurt in a car accident, you should contact a Long Island car accident lawyer immediately. An attorney can help you understand your rights and fight to protect them.
Call Our Long Island Car Accident Attorney
The surge of fatalities from Long Island car accidents is a tragic reality that affects many families every year. While each case is unique, it is important to know that justice can be served and compensation can be obtained with the help of an experienced Long Island car accident attorney at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III.
Our commitment to our clients has been repeatedly proven through our successful outcomes and determination to fight for full victim compensation. If you or a loved one has been affected by a car accident on Long Island, do not settle for less than what you deserve. Schedule a consultation today and let our car accident lawyer in Long Island fight for your rights and seek justice.
