Readers: Fix the Southern State Parkway

I am glad to know future planning is underway to address the persistent pattern of dangerous driving on the Southern State Parkway that has increased over time for many, many years [“Fix the deadly Southern State,” Editorial, Aug. 14].

Until that happens, interim action must be taken now.

Police presence must not only dramatically increase, it should be consistently sustained and adjusted to levels appropriate to the flow and volume of traffic. Until public behavior stops, changes and gets into a reasonable routine, police presence should adjust accordingly.

Furthermore, not only it is important for the public to witness the police monitoring the scene, they must see police issuing as many summonses as reasonably necessary.

I would not consider such a response by the police as overwhelming, excessive, or an example of harassment. It is simply appropriate and serves the interests of the general public.

 — Lisa Bank, Merrick

 After reading this editorial, I thought you were writing to the “Wizard of Oz.”

Nothing can be done. Just take a look at your far right-hand picture! The road is in deplorable condition as clearly evidenced by the multitude of patched potholes. This unfinished road surface is a hazard in itself and nothing is being done to completely repave this highway.

This lack of highway maintenance even extends to the underpasses of the Wantagh Parkway. I recently rode my bike north along the badly deteriorating bike path. I got on just south of Hempstead Turnpike. The bike path goes under the first bridge. I was almost killed as my bike skidded off the accumulated road debris that covered the path. Fortunately, no cars were following me. Needless to say, I walked my bike under the next two bridges!

So you suggest some of the changes the Long Island Contractors’ Association wanted. Keep on wishing and maybe the “Wizard” will appear!

 — John Wolf, Levittown

The editorial board is right on. It is time for our leaders to fix the Southern State Parkway. When a teen steals a car and does 90 mph trying to escape the police, he should have a safe highway on which to zigzag in and out of traffic.

When two dragsters use the highway as a racetrack, they should be assured of good road.

Motorcyclists making their own lane, driving between cars, should similarly expect safe conditions.

The shame is when the innocent driver is hurt or killed.

 — Michael Weinick, Merrick

 I have been driving on the Southern State Parkway for more than 60 years. I obey the speed limit, I stay in my lane, I don’t weave in and out, I don’t tailgate, and I follow the other laws designed to keep driving safe for all. If you follow the law and use common sense, you can drive the Southern State in comparative safety.

Sadly, I see lawbreakers out there speeding, weaving in and out, tailgating, etc., but what I don’t see is a much-needed police presence in both marked and unmarked units apprehending those violators responsible for the death toll on the parkway. Roads don’t kill, unsafe drivers do. I find it impossible to blame a roadway for the deaths of motorists who somehow leave the roadway and strike trees that are 50 feet away.

I see this condemnation of the Southern State by politicians and contractors as a backdoor method to use taxpayer dollars to correct flaws in design that don’t seem to kill or maim the hundreds of thousands of drivers who simply drive safely.

— James Wood, North Babylon

 Your editorial does not state unequivocally that speeding drivers and other reckless driving is the real issue in all the crashes on the Southern State Parkway and every other roadway on Long Island. We have to do a better job at encouraging the best behavior from our people. There is just too much angst among our populace. I really can’t comprehend how nasty and mean-hearted our people are, and it plays out everywhere, in particular on the highways and byways of America!

— Mike DeSousa, Kings Park

 Why should law-abiding taxpayers be responsible for covering the costs imposed by the negligence of others? This project will cost taxpayers millions if not billions because a select few choose to use this roadway as their personal speedway. If everyone obeyed the speed limit, this wouldn’t even be an issue. This is a law enforcement issue and that’s where the money should be spent. Catch these violators and impound their vehicles for 30 days. Catch them a second time and sell the cars at auction.

 — Rich Sundermier, Rockville Centre

Absolutely, Long Island’s top priority. Why not try a novel solution? Build a high-speed express highway ABOVE the Southern State Parkway with key/strategic exits as a toll road. The accidents, deaths and injuries along “Blood Alley” in Nassau County are totally unacceptable. This gorgeous, scenic parkway is a dream cruising at 60 mph, but currently a nightmare.

Please help.

— Alan Cohn, Nesconset

Regarding your editorial last Sunday, I wholeheartedly agree. However, I disagree with your approach. Yes, we know the road was not designed for today’s faster cars, nor the volume. But instead of wasting millions of dollars, and suffering the inconvenience of a 10-year project, why not address the most pressing problem: dangerous drivers. For anyone who travels most of our highways or parkways, you can almost bet that every other trip you will encounter at least one car doing over 100 mph, weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating, and perhaps racing. I cringe when I see them in my rear view mirror and just pray for the cars in front of me.

The police and highway patrol do a phenomenal and thankless job trying to keep our roads safe. And given the roads they have to cover, they do show a strong presence, typically on the side of the road. However, I do not feel that being on the side gives them visibility as to what these drivers are doing. I would prefer to know there are more unmarked vehicles traveling the same roads. Simply traveling 60 mph in the center lane of the Southern State Parkway, unmarked, would be a bonus in the effort to get these people off the road.

 — Jack Adams, Commack