Sometimes fate takes unexpected turns that we find unexplainable. The odds are slim to none that two former police officers about the same age would die in single vehicle crashes over the same weekend. Yet, this is what occurred. Suffolk County roads once again took their toll on individuals, and in this instance, individuals who were professionally trained to drive and deal with dangerous circumstances.
This past weekend News 12 Long Island reported that two former NYPD officers died in separate Long Island vehicle crashes. Retired NYPD officer Michael Schulerer met his death at the accident scene on the Sunrise Highway Service Road in Bayport. He lost control of his Jeep when the rear wheel on the driver’s side came off, causing the Jeep to overturn and catch fire.
The other retired NYPD officer was Max Velazquez, who died when he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a guardrail on Sunrise Highway in Sayville, Sunday morning.
Both former officers died at the scene of their accidents. Schulerer was 49 and Velazquez, was 48. Both men belonged to the Blue Knights law enforcement motorcycle club.
Both accidents are under investigation to uncover details about the underlying causes.
When vehicle accidents result in death and a negligent party is liable, family members have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Experienced Long Island lawyers can determine the compensation to which you are entitled. Clients owe no fees unless Palermo Tuohy Bruno is successful in recovering damages. Initial consultations to discuss the accident are free of charge.
There is no doubt that some roads are more dangerous than others and consequently see more traffic accidents. When you know which roads are the most perilous, you can make a point of taking greater safety precautions.
News 12 Long Island released an article in March 2015 that named Route 25 as the most dangerous road in the tri-state area, and especially for pedestrians. This is the second year in a row that Route 25 earned this ranking.
Route 25 is not just an isolated section of Long Island. It spans nearly the whole island from Jericho through centrally located cities like Smithtown, all the way to Cross Sound Ferry. In fact, earlier this year in March, a driver was killed in a crash by a woman who was driving on Route 25A in Smithtown. The Smithtown Patch reported that the woman was driving while intoxicated. Authorities charged her with DWI.
You might think that the Broadway in Manhattan, Queens Boulevard or even Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn would top the list as New York’s most dangerous thoroughfares. However, Vision Long Island reports that out of New York state’s 10 most dangerous roadways, seven of them are on Long Island. They include:
Suffolk County
• Middle County Road
• Sunrise Highway
• Route 1
Nassau County
• Wicks Road in Nassau Jericho Turnpike
• Hempstead Turnpike
• Sunrise Highway
• Merrick Road
These are not the only roads where serious accidents occur on Long Island. At the end of April, a serious car accident occurred on the Long Island Expressway at Exit 60 in Lake Ronkonkoma. An NBC New York reporter described the accident. A highway patrol officer was directing traffic at the freeway exit construction area when a tractor trailer rear ended his vehicle. The injured officer was airlifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The best way to avoid accidents is to drive safely and put your attention fully on the road. Distracted driving is the most prevalent cause of accidents today, which includes talking on cell phones, texting and doing other activities while driving.