The Coalition for a Safer Manhasset (CSM) has completed research investigating solutions to make Plandome Road safer for pedestrians. Several pedestrian accidents and potentially dangerous conditions have sparked a group of concerned citizens to press officials to create changes to minimize risks to pedestrians who must cross this heavily trafficked road.

Plandome Road is currently owned by Nassau County and therefore falls under the jurisdiction of the Nassau County Department of Public Works. The coalition has been communicating with the county for several months trying to find solutions that will create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Requests have been made to add crosswalks on Plandome Road at Memorial Place and Gaynor Avenue, two locations that currently lack crossings and have heavy pedestrian traffic. It was suggested that research should be conducted as to the viability of placing crosswalks at so-called "uncontrolled intersections," that is, intersections that do not have a traffic light or stop sign.

In the interest of finding a timely solution and investigating the viability of crosswalks at the suggested locations, the coalition assumed the responsibility of researching crosswalk use at uncontrolled intersections. Several studies done by the US Department of Transportation and Highway Safety Administration were located that specifically investigated the use of crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections.

The findings of the research have been prepared and a summary, as well as the complete studies, will be presented to the Nassau County Department of Public Works and County Executive Tom Suozzi. What was determined through this research is that such crosswalks do increase the number of motorists who stop for pedestrians. Additionally, research suggests that the most effective use of crosswalks in that situation is to install them in conjunction with one or more of the following elements: 1) proper signage clarifying the State Law to Yield to Pedestrians; 2) education of pedestrians and motorists; 3) consistent police enforcement of traffic laws; and 4) other "traffic calming measures" that could include changes to the roadway and curbing in order to slow the speed at which motorists travel.

In response to the research findings the coalition intends to incorporate those elements in the following manners:

Currently under consideration is the addition of center stanchions in certain locations, signs that are placed in the center of the crosswalk reading: "State Law-Yield to Pedestrians." Research shows that these signs increase motorists' awareness of the presence of pedestrians and in turn increase the likelihood of motorists yielding to pedestrians. Such signs have been used successfully in many villages on Long Island including Great Neck, Roslyn, Garden City, East Hampton, and Sag Harbor, where jurisdiction lies within the village rather than the county.

In the interest of educating the community, The coalition is planning a kick-off event of their official campaign. CSM's Safety Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 24 at Mary Jane Davies Green. This event will mark the beginning of a campaign to educate residents, both motorists and pedestrians, of the "rules of the road" and bring heightened awareness to the importance of creating a safer environment on Plandome Road. Local officials are being invited to show their support of the coalition's effort and shared concern for safety. There will be entertainment, face painting, refreshments, a raffle, and the unveiling of CSM's new logo, the result of the recent logo contest. The education portion of the campaign will go on to include assemblies in the schools where local law enforcement officials will educate children about how to safely cross a road.

A crucial element of the campaign includes consistent enforcement of traffic laws. The coalition is currently working with Nassau County's Sixth Precinct to target areas of concern including illegal U-turns, use of hand-held cell phones, and failure to yield to pedestrians. Over the next several months, residents should expect to see increased police presence and enforcement of such laws.

The coalition plans to investigate options for traffic calming measures that could aid in creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

It is the intention of the coalition for a Safer Manhasset that an atmosphere can be created on Plandome Road that will be similar to those of the villages mentioned above, where pedestrians enter the road and motorists yield the legal right of way to those on foot. This is the kind of town we moved to Manhasset for, a small town where pedestrians, young and old, can easily and safely cross the road as they shop and socialize.

If you are interested in getting involved in The Coalition for a Safer Manhasset or would like to share a concern, please send an e-mail to CSM556@yahoo.com or write to CSM at PO Box 556 in Manhasset. Additionally, if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, please e-mail the coalition so that we may bring it to the attention of county officials so they can understand the severity of the problem.