Town of Hempstead Installs Two New Radar Signs by Seaford High School

Parents, students and teachers arriving at for the first day of classes Wednesday likely noticed two new radar signs on Seamans Neck Road aimed at getting cars to slow down on the busy street that leads to the school.

A day before the first day of school in Seaford, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilwoman Angie Cullin, R-Freeport, unveiled two radar speed signs on Seaman’s Neck Road at the intersections of Marilyn Drive and Joy Court. The signs display a reading of a motorist’s current speed when they approach the radar if they are traveling above the 20 miles per hour speed limit.

Murray pointed out studies that have shown how radar speed signs are effective at regulating motorists’ speed in the area where they are installed. One of the new radar signs at Seamans Neck Road is southbound at Marilyn Drive and the other is northbound at Joy Court. The road only has one traffic light between Jerusalem Avenue and Sunrise Highway and also features vehicles exiting from the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, leading to motorists often traveling well above the 20 MPH posted in a school zone.

“If even one child’s life is saved as a result of these signs, it is more than worth the investment,” said Murray. “With school back in session, these signs will hopefully serve as a reminder to motorists that they need to watch their speed and look out for our children.”

Murray said the idea to place the radar signs on Seamans Neck Road just north of Seaford High School came after PTA leaders approached Councilwoman Cullin about the idea because of concerns that motorists were traveling too fast on the busy on the two-lane street. The two signs cost the town approximately $7,000.

“It just gives you an idea of how fast you are going,” said Seaford High School PTA co-president MaryAnn Gorman. “I hope it raises awareness.”

“We want to ensure a safe and enjoyable school year for our students, teachers and everyone who travels to and around Seaford High School,” said Cullin.

“We’re asking all residents to please drive safely,” said Murray. “We can all afford a few extra minutes of commuting if it means that all our pedestrians will be safer on Seaman’s Neck Road.”