Patterns emerge when studying car crashes in New York State. The causes of car crashes vary by roadway, time of day, day of week and time of year. Common causes of car accidents in the Hudson Valley north of New York City include:
- Following too closely
- Cutting across lanes to exit
- Being distracted by cell phones or other devices
One of the most dangerous roads in the state is in Putnam County. I-684 is listed by the state Department of Transportation as among the most accident-prone in New York.
- I-684 in Putnam County and ramp leading to I-84 from I-684
- Route 59 at Airmont Road in Airmont, Route 59 at Requa Lane in Monsey and four other locations along route 59
- Cross County Parkway in Yonkers
- Route 202 in Haverstraw at the Palisades Parkway
- Route 45 in Spring Valley
- Hutchinson River Parkway in Mamaroneck
- Saw Mill River Parkway
- Westchester Avenue in Port Chester
Of the hotspots in the lower Hudson Valley, over half are in Rockland County. In addition to road design and capacity issues, the growth of Rockland County’s population contributes to congestion problems and resulting traffic accidents, according to Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips.
Authorities are hoping to convert Rockland County residents to public transportation as a solution to car traffic congestion. Traditionally a car-focused county, Rockland County is the subject of a Department of Transportation (DOT) proposal that includes bus transportation linking parts of the lower Hudson Valley across the renovated Tappan Zee Bridge.
In addition to specific proposals such as this, plans are in place to make general improvements across the region that include:
- Adding centerline rumble strips to nearly all roads by 2017
- Installing countdown timers to signals to reduce pedestrian accidents
- Resurfacing skid-prone roads to improve traction in rain, ice and snow
How much these improvements will address the traffic problems in the lower Hudson Valley remains to be seen.
http://www.lohud.com/story/news/transit/2015/07/04/dangerous-roads/29668045/