Details about this story

• Source: Newsday
• Date: August 05, 2007
• URL: Read the story
• Bylines: Tom McGinty
• Topics: Transportation
• Data Types: State Data , FOIA
• Description/Excerpt: The Southern State Parkway is the most dangerous state road on Long Island and Hempstead Turnpike has the highest concentration of crash-prone locations, according to data compiled by the state Department of Transportation. The Southern State had five of Long Island's 10 worst-rated spots when compared with similar state roads throughout New York. Hempstead Turnpike had 12 segments with above-average accident rates west of the Meadowbrook Parkway. There were nearly 24,000 accidents on the Island's 724 miles of state roads in 2004 and 2005, the latest crash data available. The DOT's analysis of the Island, home to 363 spots where accident frequency exceeds state averages, shows distinct patterns that suggest flaws in certain roads and their surroundings -- not just chance or poor driving habits -- may have contributed to many of the accidents.