CBS2 Demands Answers: Babylon Intersection Is A Hotspot For Speeding, Crashes

BABYLON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A quiet residential neighborhood in the suburbs is often the scene of screeching tires and broken glass.

Cars speed through an intersection to make a train, and often crash near a school and homes filled with families.

"We just had two accidents last week. A four car accident and a two car accident the day before," Jeanne McCarthy told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan.

The intersection at Park and Livingston in Babylon is a block from an elementary school. It's been the scene of 13 major crashes in 11 months, police said.

Homeowners say cars have gone through hedges several times. Guard rails were installed after a pair of poles were knocked down.

Fences have been crushed and lawns ruined as cars jumped curbs in wild collisions, narrowly missing homes and families.

The speed limit is 20 mph, but 40 mph and higher are often the norm. Many drivers appear distracted.

"Have seen some cars down the road like it's a freeway. Accidents galore around here in front of the school, it's just insane," Peter Messina said.

"I helped a man one day, an older man, he just got plowed by two young girls. It's dangerous, and it's every day. The fire department is always here," Antoinette Maiorini said.

The village put down rumble strips and painted 'slow school zone' on the asphalt. There are signs everywhere.

"It is a very important issue to the residents and very important issue to this administration. We want to do something about it. Our hands are tied, it is a county road," Babylon Village, Deputy Mayor Kevin Muldowney said.

The village has asked the county and state for help.

The safest remedy? A four way stop, a traffic circle, a traffic light, or a reconfigured road. Still, residents wait.

Janet Hecken said drivers speed to make the train.

"This is the main road that people go through, that people use to go from the train station to sunrise highway," Janet Hecken said.

Linda and Thomas Dooley have started a petition.

"Crashes, you just usually hear a big boom, and then the fire trucks come here and everything. Nothing is really being done," Linda said.

The mayor said he hopes to meet with Suffolk county officials next week.

Residents said they have been complaining for years.