Thursday, October 1, 2026
Before we know it, a new school year will be underway. Along with the change of seasons comes increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Our thoughts should shift toward being extra vigilant when driving, especially during the commute to and from work, when negotiating busy intersections and areas crowded with pedestrians. School zones and commercial districts are prime examples.
Many Nassau County residents rely on their vehicles to get to work or school and for other daily activities. Unfortunately, they travel on roads that have become increasingly hazardous. In its “Dangerous Roads” series, Newsday found that traffic fatalities in Nassau increased from 67 in 2024 to at least 78 in 2025. Tragically, the danger has continued into 2026, with 70 traffic fatalities already recorded across Long Island as of this writing.
Just weeks ago, a 24-year-old pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in a busy intersection in Rockville Centre, and on July 11, a 37-year-old man crashed into a utility pole in Roosevelt. The driver was killed, and three passengers were hospitalized with serious injuries. These incidents are often the result of distracted or aggressive driving, speeding, and outdated or poorly maintained roads. Unsafe pedestrian behavior, including disregarding crossing signals, walking in the roadway and failing to pay attention to traffic, also play a part.
There are ways to make streets safer in every community, and we must focus on both long-term investments in our infrastructure and taking immediate actions that can begin reversing this troubling trend.
The communities of Legislative District 1 — Baldwin, Hempstead, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, and South Hempstead — are home to major county roadways that need significant modernization. The county’s capital infrastructure plan is the vehicle for funding these upgrades. Tens of millions of dollars in bond authorizations are already in place, and I will continue fighting for additional resources that will keep these projects on time and on track for completion.
In the Village of Hempstead, design phases for traffic safety projects focused on Peninsula Boulevard and Franklin, Clinton and Washington avenues are already underway. A traffic study is also being conducted on Greenwich Street. In Roosevelt, major projects to improve Babylon Turnpike and Nassau Road are in the design phase, and a traffic study is forthcoming for a project focused on Lakeview Avenue in Rockville Centre.
As we pursue long-term infrastructure improvements, we must also continue working toward more immediate remedies. Chief among them is an increased partnership with the Nassau County Police Department’s 1st Precinct and the Hempstead and Rockville Centre police departments, which serve the communities of District 1. I am in continuous communication with precinct-level leadership to secure enhanced enforcement and traffic-calming resources for high-risk areas in our communities. I invite residents to contact my office at (516) 571-6201, or at sdavis@nassaucountyny.gov, to share specific areas of concern.
An immediate response, however, must also come from each of us. When we’re behind the wheel, it is imperative to focus all of our attention on the road and surroundings at all times — which means putting the phone down, and keeping both hands on the wheel and eyes focused on the road ahead. Safe driving also means staying calm when faced with aggressive drivers, traffic jams, double parking and other familiar frustrations we encounter on our roadways.
For those on foot, scooters, bikes, and particularly those using electric-powered transportation, obeying the law and awareness are equally important. Each of us would be well served by always using crosswalks, stopping at red lights and stop signs, keeping our heads up and away from our phones, making sure we’re visible by wearing light colors and reflective gear (especially in low-light conditions) and keeping earbuds out or at a reasonable volume so we know what’s coming our way and can react quickly if necessary.
Improving Nassau County’s road safety will require continued investment, cooperation and a shared commitment from everyone who uses our roads. Through infrastructure improvements, enhanced enforcement and greater awareness, we can make meaningful progress toward safer communities.
As we begin a new school year, I encourage every resident to do their part and make road safety an everyday priority. By recommitting ourselves to the rules of the road and adopting a mindset of full awareness while driving, we can make a real difference and save lives.
Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.
