Public Commentary
Writer wants more action to control speeding on DPA

Dear Editor:

I know I am a few weeks late here to a quick response to your article regarding vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed on Deer Park Avenue, (Beacon, Sept. 6, Babylon Village residents look to slow down traffic on DPA). I am a Deer Park Avenue resident since 1981. Our residence is between Sunrise Highway and the first traffic light in the Village near the Village Dentist office. Over the years, I have lost count of how many vehicular accidents I have witnessed, vehicle vs. vehicle, vehicle vs. pedestrian, vehicle vs. trees, poles and vehicles vs. homes. The list goes on and on. Over the years there have been numerous hearings regarding this problem. The answer is always that there is not enough police presence. There are not enough mobile speed signs in the county to have a few designated to the area? I do not understand the responses given at the Village meetings. The only thing that occurs is that the same conversation comes up with no resolution when an accident like the ones mentioned above occurs.

I drive DPA daily, both north and south. Driving south from Sunrise Highway there are three strategically spaced signs posted with the 30 mph speed limit on them. Trust me, more than enough signs for about a mile stretch.

Driving north from the Village the first sign is about three quarters of a mile up from the Village. During the summer it is blocked by a hanging plant on one of the lampposts. The other two are up near the Good Samaritan building about 150 feet from each other.

I want to propose a few solutions to be looked at regarding this problem before we lose a life on DPA due to speeding vehicles.

1) The Village does not stop south of Dairy Barn. Instead of having code enforcement patrolling the Village to write tickets for illegally parked, uninspected, unregistered cars, increase Babylon Village code enforcers presence on Deer Park Avenue.

2) Have uniform, strategically placed speed limit signs along DPA.

3) Install digital speed signs under each strategically placed speed limit sign displaying the vehicle's speed. They have one placed on DPA near Marion G. Vedder School. The electricity is already in place due to the light post placement up to Village Line Road. Yes, I know this would mean more money for the digital signs and electricity, but I am sure the Village or the Babylon Beautification Society would not mind a few less lampposts in order to have the funds for this to save a life. This would eliminate SCPD fron having to bring out their limited the mobile sign.

4) Distribute free cell phones to the crossing guards. If they witness a speeder they can call into SCPD. The crossing guards work for the county. I know their job is stressful, and they do an wonderful job. I am sure a few less speeders would make their job a lot less stressful if they didn't have to deal with speeding cars when crossiong our children.

Let's see if any action will be taken, or will there be just more conversation at a Village Board meeting when someone gets killed by a speeding car on Deer Park Avenue.

Name withheld at writer's request

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