Driving on Long Island can feel like a test of patience. Heavy traffic builds up on every corner, and sudden stops have become one of the most common reasons for collisions. As a driver, knowing the high-accident zones is essential.
A list of high-accident intersections
According to Newsday, these are some of the most dangerous crossings in Long Island:
- North Franklin Street and Jackson Street in Hempstead: A lengthy road that connects multiple busy neighborhoods and has become a high-risk area for pedestrians
- Old Country Road and Broadway in Hicksville: A complex layout that complicates traffic flow and causes serious collisions due to excessive speeding
- Veterans Memorial Highway and Old Nichols Road in Islandia: A road with heavy congestion that increases the likelihood of side-swipe and rear-end collisions
Most of the car accidents at these intersections occurred due to reckless, impaired and distracted driving. Unfortunately, from 2014 to 2023, these areas accumulated 72 fatal or serious injury crashes.
Steps to stay safe
Avoiding the Long Island intersections can be impossible, especially if you use these routes to get to work, school or other important events. Instead, here are a few recommendations on becoming an active defensive driver:
- Look left and right before entering the intersection.
- Avoid staying within a vehicle’s blind spots.
- Leave at least a four-second gap between you and the car ahead.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Remove distractions in your car.
If an accident occurs, prioritize your health. Seek immediate medical attention to determine whether you have serious injuries. Under New York’s no-fault policy, you have only 30 days to file for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to cover medical bills and lost wages.
Protecting your future after a crash
A car accident can occur without notice, so it is better to stay prepared. Seeking legal guidance from a personal injury attorney can offer clarity on the matter.