Local Resident Calls For More Safety Measures At Dangerous Turn

EAST ISLIP, NY - One East Islip mother is calling for more safety measures after she has witnessed multiple car crashes at an intersection by John F. Kennedy Elementary school.

According to Donna Bondy, who lives right behind the school, on Saturday at about 7:15 p.m. she saw a young man speeding north on Quail Run.

The driver then took the curve at Kay Court and Quail Run at such high speed that he jumped the sidewalk, plowed through the schoolyard fence and crashed into a tree.

Bondy says the driver walked away with no apparent serious injuries.

"This is where many kids play and walk to and from school (through that fence), people walk their dogs, joggers run and sports are played," Bondy said.

This isn't the first time the local resident has witnessed car crashes in the same area.

"Over the years I've witnessed too many accidents due to reckless driving on this residential street," she said. "You hear the screeching of breaks and then the horrific crash."

She witnessed a similar collision last summer when another young man driving at a high speed around the curve and crashed half way through the schoolyard fence.

In addition, a few years ago another speeding car turning the corner flipped over several times before landing upside down.

Luckily the driver and passenger of the overturned car were not seriously injured either.

"One of these days the miracles will stop coming," Bondy said. "What's it going to take for either the school and/or the Town to take action and do something to help slow these kids down."

Bondy is hoping to prevent another crash like the ones she has witness with additional safety measures.

So far, two signs designating a curve have been installed by according to Bondy, they "do nothing."

She recommends adding speed bumps like they have in residential areas of Patchogue. However when she brought up the idea to the Town Traffic Safety Department, they told Bondy that was not possible.

However, the department plans on conducting a traffic study and asked her to send details of all past events and photos.

Bondy was also invited to speak with Islip Town Councilman Steve Flotteron in order to brainstorm ideas.

"There is an ever present and constant danger here, putting both students and residents, other drivers, and anyone just out walking or going for a run at risk," she said. "This situation endangers the lives of children in a schoolyard as well as so many others. How long will we have to wait?"

What do you think? What should the Town do to fix this dangerous turn? Are there any other dangerous intersections in the area? Let us know in the comments below.

Photos courtesy of Donna Bondy