New 'No Turn on Red' Signs Installed on Hempstead Turnpike

Editor's Note: This article was written and submitted by Steven Nicastro.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has installed a number of new "No Turn on Red" signs on Hempstead Tpke. and other streets as part of a "multi-agency initiative to enhance safety on the street."

The signs were added recently and aim to improve pedestrian visibility and safety, according to Eileen Peters, NYSDOT Public Information Officer.

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No Turn on Red signs are currently being installed at an additional 142 locations between the Nassau/Queens border and NY Route 110 to bring the total to 232 locations. 

"These NTOR signs also work in conjunction with the leading pedestrian intervals that are being installed on NY Route 24 at traffic signals to encourage motorists to yield the right of way to pedestrians, and also give pedestrians a head start in crossing a street before vehicles are given a green light to proceed," Peters said. 

In 2012,  a report by the Tri-State Transportation Corporation (TSTC) rated Hempstead Tpke. as the most dangerous road in the region. 

A number of pedestrians have been struck crossing the street. 19-year-old Island Trees High School student Peter Thearle was killed crossing Hempstead Turnpike at Gardiners Avenue on June 6, 2011, and 16-year-old Anthony D'Alessandro was struck and killed crossing Hempstead Turnpike near Division Avenue in April of 2012. 

Do you think the new No Turn on Red signs will help improve safety on the streets? Tell us what you think in the comments below.