We do not know why, but it seems that lately, more than ever, drivers are completing ignoring "no parking" signs and regularly double parking on Great Neck's already crowded roads. Why? The big issue is that illegal parking, especially, double-parking, puts lives at risk --- drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

The late Alan Gussack, former mayor of Great Neck Plaza, always admonished illegal parkers with the words ''you park illegally, you could kill someone.'' And he was right. Among a whole list of problems, an illegally parked car often blocks the view of the road and can thus be the direct cause of a deadly accident. There is never ever an excuse for blocking a fire hydrant. And it is just plain rude and inconsiderate to encroach on or block driveways.

There is always, always a reason for a "no parking'' sign, a very valid reason. When an enticing, convenient ''parking spot'' has signage or road striping that clearly denotes no parking that really does mean no parking. If you stop ''just for a minute'' and park illegally you are putting someone else's life in danger.

And double-parking, well it is just arrogant and uncaring to block a road. When you double park you do not just block others cars, but you cause lines of traffic to encroach on the other traffic lane, you block site views, and you could cause a moving vehicle to have to suddenly stop to accommodate your illegally double-parked car. All of these situations are potential deadly accidents. And if you double park, you are putting lives at risk. Think about that!

Are you an accident waiting to happen? Do you regularly park illegally and/or double park? Do you care about life, your own life and the lives of others? We hope you do. But if you continue to carelessly, arrogantly "enjoy" the benefits of illegal parking and double-parking you are a deadly weapon.

Please obey all parking laws and help keep us all safe ... and alive!

- Wendy Karpel Kreitzman