I just heard about another way technology is making the Twin Tiers a safer place to live. WETM-TV reported on a new feature for Chemung County patrol cars: Internet access.

Thanks to a $225,ooo state grant from the Department of Homeland Security, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Department was able to purchase 22 Verizon Wireless network cards. Officers on patrol can use the cards in their laptops to connect to the Internet wherever there’s a Verizon signal.

All the deputies have to do is slide the cards into their laptops and they could connect to the main server at the sheriff’s office.

This is going to a real boon to officers on duty, County Sheriff Chris Moss explained. Sheriff’s deputies will be able to patrol our neighborhoods for longer periods of time.  Along with license checks and blotter entries, they can now do much of their paperwork right in the car.

Testing of the system was during May. Soon all the police departments in Elmira, West Elmira, Elmira Heights and Horseheads will have the same technology.

Making more new connections

Here at the Ziff Law Firm, we too invest heavily in the latest, greatest technology so as to provide the best service possible to our clients. A few years ago I implemented a “paperless” office (clutter-free and ecological). Many of the Ziff attorneys contribute to blogs like this one, and/or our online FAQs. We use e-newsletters to offer more information and special offers. The firm even has its own Ziff Law Facebook page (you should check it out)!

It’s not always easy or cheap to put new technology to use. You have to learn new skills and spend money. I applaud the increased use of high technology to improve local services - especially when it comes to the best ways to share information securely and quickly. It’s going to make our neighborhoods safer and take some stress off of our police officers.

Thanks for reading,
Jim
_________________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
Personal Injury & Malpractice Attorney
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866 Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll Free 1-800-943-3529
mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com.

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WETM-TV recently reported that a much-needed traffic light will be added to a risky intersection in our area. (A copy of the story is pasted below.)

Local officials and the New York State Department of Transportation constantly evaluate ever-changing road conditions and make changes and improvements. But this traffic signal is especially significant because it’s right in front of a busy high school.

Corning West High School, located on East High Road in Painted Post, has about 1,ooo students. Imagine what happens every day, when most of those students arrive and leave at about the same time. As the school’s resource officer, Todd Kimmey, described it, it’s a bottleneck of packed traffic.

As a New York and Pennsylvania personal injury attorney, I make much of my living handling car accident cases. I help families and individuals cope with the consequences of auto accidents. In some instances, a simple improvement to road conditions can improve the safety of an area for everyone.

Well worth the cost

It’s common sense to pay more attention when traffic is busy, and when kids are around. But when you compound the risk with harried parents, teen drivers, and traffic congestion, I applaud the effort to make Corning West High School a safer destination with a new traffic signal.

Traffic lights are not cheap. I’ve seen estimates from $40,000 to $100,000 for complete installation and a period of maintenance. This is a much-needed improvement,  a necessity, and the school district has included the cost in its current budget. The work should be wrapped up in July - in time for students, parents and teachers to have a safer trip to and from school come September.

Thanks for reading,

Jim
_________________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
Personal Injury & Malpractice Attorney
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866 Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll Free 1-800-943-3529
mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com

New Traffic Light at Corning West High

Reported by: Ana Liss
Last Update: 4/23 9:26 pm

PAINTED POST, N.Y. - A dangerous intersection in Painted Post is getting a much-needed traffic light this summer.

Corning West High School Resource Officer Todd Kimmey, who is employed by Painted Post Village Police, says that in the morning and afternoon hours, the intersection in front of Corning West High School, located on East High Road in Painted Post, gets bottlenecked with student and employee traffic.

He says that the New York State Department of Transportation performed a study last year at the request of the school district, and found that a traffic light was badly needed.

“We have seen many accidents [at the intersection],” said Officer Kimmey. “It’s just terrible with the amount of people we have here in the morning. People are not paying attention. The traffic light should help a lot.”

Kimmey says construction crews are expected to begin work on the new traffic light when school lets out at the end of June.

Work should be complete sometime in July.

The Corning-Painted Post School District covered the cost in its current budget.

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There’s a crime that happens 50,00o a day in New York State. It occurs  just because drivers aren’t paying attention, or they are in a hurry and think they can get away with it.

The crime is passing a stopped school bus.

This is important. As a New York and Pennsylvania personal injury attorney, I have personally handled three cases for little kids who were badly hurt because of drivers passing stopped school buses.

State law requires motorists to stop for a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing. That means kids are getting on or off the bus. Cars on the road should not be moving and paused at a safe distance from the bus. Tickets for violating this law can cost motorists from $250 to $1,000 (if the safety of children wasn’t enough incentive to obey the law!).

About “Operation Safe Stop”

The Operation Safe Stop campaign was a recent effort by New York State law enforcement agencies and Governor Patterson’s Traffic Safety Committee to really crack down on drivers who violate this simple, straightforward rule.

The Associated Press recently reported on Operation Safe Stop and some of the methods officials used to catch more lawbreakers:

• Extra patrols in school zones.
• Law enforcement officers follow school buses on their routes.
• License plate reading equipment in some school districts that will record violator’s license plate numbers.

Some drivers  must believe that passing a school bus is a minor indiscretion. How else could this happen 50,00o times a year in our state?

Not stopping for a school bus is a crime, even if it doesn’t result in an accident every time someone gets away with it. Too often for my taste, there is a young victim.

Thanks for reading,

Jim
_________________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
Personal Injury & Malpractice Attorney
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866 Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll Free 1-800-943-3529
mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com

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• Bicycle Accident Lawyer and Bike Nut Offers 3 Tips for Safer Riding (zifflaw.com)

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WETM-TV recently reported on a Pennsylvania program that educates teens about their most dangerous activity: DRIVING.

Vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of teenagers. “Survival 101″ is a program offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to educate young people about the risks of the road.

According to the WETM story (pasted below), during the program students see photographs of car accidents and hear from a police officer about the consequences of risky behaviors, including driving while impaired, not wearing seat belts, and speeding.

Teens’ worst driving habits

“Survival 101″ shows teen drivers the sometimes horrific consequences of simple carelessness while on the road. It’s a “scared-straight” strategy, but if it works, it’s well worth it.

The Allstate Foundation conducted a survey of  teens age 15 to 17 in 2005. They found that the teens themselves reported:

• 56 percent said they use cell phones while driving

• 69 percent said that they speed to keep up with traffic

• 64 percent said they speed to go through a yellow light

• 47 percent said that passengers sometimes distract them

As a NY and PA personal injury attorney, I make my living handling car accident cases, but I wholeheartedly support any program that promotes safer driving.

In addition, a teen driving safety course doesn’t just improve the odds for young drivers. It makes the motorways safer for all drivers. Autoblog.com reported that a AAA study found that teen drivers were more likely to kill others in accidents than themselves. “Survival 101″ improves the odds for everyone.

You can read more about the “Survival 101″ program at the Buckle Up Pennsylvania website.

Thanks for reading,

Jim
_________________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
Personal Injury & Malpractice Attorney
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866 Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll Free 1-800-943-3529
mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com

Survival 101

Reported by: Raegan Medgie
Last Update: 3/23 11:50 pm

(WETM 2009) CANTON - Vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens. That’s why the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation conducts a state-wide program called “Survival 101″.

Students at Canton High School took part in the program Monday.

A Canton Police Officer came to the school and showed photographs of crashes that have occurred throughout the Keystone State.

By doing this, students will see what could happen if they don’t pay attention when behind the wheel.

“It drives home the point of safety, especially seat belts, not speeding, not using any type of substance that can impair driving.” said PennDOT Safety Press Officer Michael Hess.

The goal of the program is to make teens aware of the importance of driver education.dr

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• Drugs, Alcohol and Poor Judgement Cause Twin Tiers Accidents (zifflaw.com)

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The Elmira Police Department has a great new feature on their website that could make a big difference in how the public interacts with and perceives the department.

“Daily Activity Logs” allow anyone with Internet access to look at the last two weeks of Elmira Police Department incident records. The department has always had a daily activity log, a record of all incidents reported a 24-hour period beginning at midnight. With this new online service, the logs are available to view online for 14 days.

What’s on the log sheet

1. The incident blotter number - a reference anyone can use when calling the department to share information about the incident or to find out more.
2. The date and time the call was received.
3. Type of call - whether it was a traffic stop, a disturbance, larceny or other type of incident.
4. The number of the responding police unit.
5. The location of the incident.
6. This is very important - how YOU can report suspicious activity by calling 271-HALT or visiting www.271halt.com.

I applaud the Elmira Police Department’s effort to involve the public by sharing more information. Sharing these day-to-day details so quickly with the community will serve to make more residents a part of the effort to control crime in Elmira. Part of the department’s stated values is “achieving excellence in our services in our citizens through community-based, proactive policing.”

As Deputy Police Chief David Gardner said in the WETM story “New Elmira Police Service” (also pasted below), “Our community is our eyes and ears.”

Thanks for reading,
Jim
_________________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
Personal Injury & Malpractice Attorney
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866 Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll Free 1-800-943-3529
mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com

New Elmira Police Service

Reported by: Naveen Dhaliwal
Last Update: 3/12 8:05 pm

ELMIRA - A new Elmira police web service will now allow you to keep a closer eye on what the department is doing.

There’s a new section on the police department’s website called Daily Activity Logs.

Every time an officer is sent to an incident they write a report or a log. Each log is assigned a blotter number. If anyone wants more information, they can request it through the police department using that number.

Officials say this service will reduce the workload for officers. They are also hoping people will step forward and provide more information to help their investigations.

“Our community is our eyes and ears. There’s usually between six and eight officers out there on the streets at any given time, but it’s a city, so we can’t be everywhere at the same time,” says Deputy Police Chief David Gardner.

The daily logs will remain on the website for two weeks.

You can find them at: www.cityofelmira.net/police/blotter.html.

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• Study Finds Ways to Make Chemung County Route 64 Safer Place to Drive (zifflaw.com)

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As a NY personal injury attorney, I am constantly helping families sort through the aftermath of auto accidents and vehicle collisions. It’s even more difficult to accept the consequences of a crash in New York when a big factor in the accident could be the everyday driving conditions at the accident site.

That’s why I was glad to see that a recent safety assessment has inspired plans for safety improvements on a busy local road. In WETM’s online Local News section, reporter Jeff Stone recently relayed a story about making County Route 64 in Big Flats a safer stretch of road.

County Route 64 swiftly became one of the busiest corridors in our region. A variety of national retail chains has plunked outlets in what was open land just a few years ago. First, stores left downtown Elmira for the mall, and now they are leaving the mall (which has its own I-86 exit) for the Consumer Square area on Route 64.

The situation has made for a lot of congestion, new signals, driver frustration and ACCIDENTS along what used to be a fairly quiet stretch of road. The road is now so busy that about 100 car accidents happened in and around County Route 64 from 2005-2007, only a three-year period.

Just think, County Route 64 was once the road that the locals took to avoid taking the busy highway.  My how times have changed….

Now, traffic changes are planned for County Rt. 64. The Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council and others conducted a safety assessment study last year on a section of the route, from Simmons Rockwell to Chambers Road.

Some of the recommendations to make Route 64 safer, without spending much money:

• Restripe the roads to provide more driving space.
• Adjust the timers on stop lights.
• Move signs or put up new ones.

Officials said that money for the improvements was already available in the county budget. Let’s hope that in the next three years, Chemung County Route 64 sees a lot fewer than 100 traffic accidents.

Thanks for reading,
Jim
_________________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
Personal Injury & Malpractice Attorney
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866 Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll Free 1-800-943-3529
mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com

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• Bad Car Accident on Rt. 14 in Schuyler County Near Montour Falls (zifflaw.com)

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As the calendar flips to March, Daylight Savings Time is within sight, and the thermometer creeps above 50 degrees, thoughts of getting that motorcycle back on the road will turn to action.  Before you fire up that bike for the first time, please take a minute to consider your safety practices.  These safety tips could mean the difference bewteen coming home in one piece and not coming home at all.

We all know that riding a bike carries a few more risks than sitting behind the wheel of a car, but by applying a few simple strategies, we can reduce that risk significantly. I’m not here to preach; you’re going to do what you want anyway, and so you should. I’d just like you to do it safely.

1. BE VISIBLE

Wear bright clothing and a bright colored helmet, something that will draw attention to you and make you stand out.  This gives the guy who is talking on his cell phone about last night’s game a better chance of seeing you. If all drivers were as vigilant as the average biker you wouldn’t have to take these measures, but they’re not.  Always ride with your headlight on.

2.  WEAR A DOT APPROVED HELMET

Sure, those skull cap helmets look cool, but would you want to be wearing one if your brain depended on it?  Wear a properly certified, good fitting helmet and your chances of surviving a crash without brain damage will go up.  As mentioned above, consider a light or bright color.

3.  SPEED

We have speed limits for a reason.  Obey them, and your chances of coming home safely are increased.  Need another reason?  Not only will obeying speed limits get you home safely, but without speeding tickets you are also more likely to come home with your driver’s license and all your money in your pocket!

4. YOUR BIKE

Consider a tune up before the start of the cycling season to be sure that your motorcycle is in tip top shape.  Check your oil, tires, chain and brakes.  Immediately investigate any unusual noises.

5.  CLOTHING

As mentioned above, bright clothing is preferable, but I wasn’t referring to yellow gym shorts.  Wear clothing that protects you from harm.  You can never go wrong with leather.  A good pair of gloves, especially during the early riding season, will help keep your skin where it belongs.

6.  ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

It goes without saying that alcohol and drugs don’t mix with safe cycling, but it happens every year.  Those are usually the bikers getting scraped up off the road.  If you want to drink, take a cab.  If you want to ride, drink soda.  For everyone’s sake, please don’t mix the two.

7. RIDING AN UNFAMILIAR BIKE

If you bought a new bike in the off season, or are trying out a friend’s bike, take a little time to familiarize yourself with the handling before you get too carried away. Every bike is different, so even bikes of similar weight, size and style can handle differently.

8. AVOID RIDING TIRED

You need to have your full wits about you every second you are on your bike.  You may not be able to nap on your bike on the side of the road the way you can in a car, but if your eyelids are feeling heavy, consider stopping for a cup of coffee and a walk.T

9.  RIDING WITH A PASSENGER

Riding with a passenger can turn your beautiful-handling machine into a monster, especially if you’re not used to it. A passenger affects the balance, performance and handling of any bike.  Take it easy until you get used to the way your bike handles with a passenger on the back.  Also remember that every passenger is different; some will move and lean with you, while others will sit rigidly.  Which kind of passenger they are will also affect the handling of your bike.

10.  ANTICIPATION

Your most important defense against a collision is your anticipation. Try to anticipate trouble before it happens. Ride as if you’re invisible and expect cars to pull out in front of you, so that when they do you are mentally prepared and have adopted a good road position and speed to handle it.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

_______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Personal Injury and Malpractice Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY  14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

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Driving a car is a big responsibility at any time of the year, but in the winter your actions or failure to act could mean the difference between life and death for you and your passengers.  A big part of remaining safe on the roads in the winter time is ensuring that your vehicle is in proper working order.  Preventative maintenance  of key components can keep your vehicle running well through our long, cold winters.  Some of the systems requiring extra attention in the winter are as follows:

Antifreeze: This is very important for winter driving, as it keeps vital fluids in your car liquid, instead of frozen, during cold winter storms. Make sure your antifreeze is fresh, and that it is filled.

Exhaust System: During the winter months, windows are closed, the air is often re-circulated, and snow or ice can shroud your car. If your exhaust system is not working properly, this could result in excess noxious fumes circulating into your car’s interior. Exhaust fumes are poisonous, and, in large enough quantities, fatal. If you smell gas or exhaust fumes in the interior of your car, have your mechanic check for leaks.

Heater: Your car’s heater could save your life in the event you become stranded. If it’s not working properly, get it fixed —and fast.

Hazard Lights: Have you ever come across a disabled car on the side of the road with no lights on?  If you have, you know how unsafe this can be.  If your car becomes disabled and your hazard lights aren’t working, diminished sight distances in winter time could prevent other motorists from seeing your vehicle until it is too late to avoid a collision.

Have a friend stand outside your car and check all your lights.

Oil: Regular oil changes will ensure that your engine runs well at any time of year.  Check for evidence of leaks where you park your vehicle, and always check your oil level before any long tips.  Some vehicles require different weight oil in the winter time.  Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper weight and type of oil.

Brakes: Brakes are obviously important at any time of the year.  Your brakes are the one part of your car that quite literally stands between you and death. Your brakes should never be in bad shape, and should be checked every time you rotate your tires, about every 5000 miles.  Ant-lock Braking Systems get a real work out in snow and ice conditions, so immediately address any ABS warning lights on your dash.

Defroster: The simple fact is not all defrosters are created equal. Your defroster may work well, then again it may not Make sure your defrosting system is in its best possible shape and make allowances for its quirks.  Some vehicles require longer warm up times in order to defrost your windows to a point where you can safely drive your vehicle.  Make sure you give yourself that extra time on cold winter mornings.

Thermostat: You know that little gauge on your dashboard with the H and C and the little needle that goes between? Well, it’s really bad if it hits the H (or the “red zone” right before it), and it’s also bad if you can’t get your engine warm enough to run well. Part of this is related to your antifreeze/coolant, but another component is your thermostat, which helps regulate your engine temperature. Cars have been known to blow engines when their thermostats fail. Engines repairs or replacements are VERY expensive, so always pay attention to your temperature guage and have it checked by a mechanic if something seems awry.

Battery: Without a functioning battery, you are going nowhere. Batteries last varying lengths; the more expensive ones last longer. When a battery is installed, the date of installation should be indicated on the top of the label. If it’s not, be sure to put it on yourself when you install a new battery. Nothing is worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere during a torrential rain or freezing snowstorm with a dead battery — that means no heater or lights, either. Find out today when your battery was installed. If it’s getting close to the end of its life, think about replacing it.

Tires: If you live in upstate New York or the northern Tier of Pennsylvania, you may want to consider snow tires for your vehicle.  They offer enhanced handling and traction over even the best all season tires, and can mean the difference between staying on the road or ending up in a ditch or even the oncoming lane of traffic.  Regular monitoring of your tire pressure is also important, as even the best snow tire won’t provide you with optimum performance if it is not properly inflated.

Ignition System: Does your car start right up? Or does it take forever to turn over? If it’s the latter, find out why before cold mornings add even more stress to your ignition system.

Wiper System: Summer sun beating down on wiper blades often destroys them before the first rain of fall hits the ground. They harden, split, and generally don’t clear water off like they should. Wipers, and the cleaning windshield fluid that goes along with them, are easy for anyone to replace. And they’re available at many places other than auto supply stores. Consider replacing your summer blades with winter wipers; they are designed to provide maximum performance in snow and ice conditions when conventional blades can become clogged with ice and fail to clear your windshield.  Anyone who drives in the Northeast knows that you will need a healthy supply of washer fluid to keep your windshield clear, so make sure you have a supply on hand and that your washer fluid reservoir is full before any lengthy trips.  Also, make sure the jets that deliver your wiper fluid are clear—  they can become clogged with hardened water or dirt.

Winter Storm Bag: Every motorist should have a bag in his or her trunk that contains potentially life-saving gear. Most of this can be obtained from around the house without spending a dime — such as a blanket for each family member, matches or lighters and towels, and some nonperishable foods, such as granola bars.  Some bottled water, extra socks, and gloves are useful as well.  You’ll need a flashlight with extra batteries in case you’re on a dark road and need to change a tire at night. Some models allow you to use your cigarette lighter to get a tremendous amount of light — but you can’t take it with you if you need to walk somewhere — so keep the traditional kind on hand as well.

If you’re reliant upon medication to live, such as insulin, make sure you have at least three days’ supply with you. Many people every winter become stranded overnight in the snow, so hedge your bets by keeping some extra in your winter kit.

A small sack of sand not only helps keep the back of your car heavier and adhered to the road, but can provide traction when spilled on slick surfaces as well. A folding camping shovel doesn’t take up much space, but you’ll be glad to have it if stuck in mud or snow.

Of course, common sense dictates that everyone should be carrying jumper cables, all year long.  Pre-packaged emergency kits are available for purchase at many auto parts stores.

Follow these tips to ensure you get to your destination, and please drive safely!

Thanks for reading,

Adam M. Gee, Esq.

NY and PA Personal Injury and Malpractice Attorney
Ziff, Weiermiller, Hayden & Mustico, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

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A frightening national outbreak of salmonella poisoning may have struck in the Twin Tiers.

A case of salmonella in Steuben County could be linked to the national outbreak caused by contaminated peanut butter. WETM recently reported (see story below) that the health department is investigating to confirm if the area case was caused by tainted products from the Peanut Corporation of America’s plant in Blakely, Ga.

National news sources report that the number of deaths caused by this outbreak has risen to seven. WETM reports 19 cases in New York alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent outbreak update, there have been 501 reported cases in 43 states.

Protect yourself

Check the FDA online database for a list of recalled products. The PCA plant processed peanuts for use in hundreds of products, including pet food.

Many food labels include a consumer hotline number - you can call that number to see if a product has been affected by the recall.

What happens next

Salmonella is a common bacterium. The usual cause for it to reach harmful levels is improper food handling. A congressional inquiry may lead to changes in food safety laws. News agencies are reporting that the PCA plant had already been cited for violations.

The good news

Despite this newly reported case in Steuben County, the CDC reports that the salmonella outbreak is in decline.

Thanks for reading,

Jim
_______________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
Personal Injury & Malpractice Attorney
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866  Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll-free 1-800-943-3529
mailto: jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com

Update: Investigation into Local Salmonella Case

Reported by: Camille Williams, WETM-TV, 1/26/09

In a few days, the New York State Health Department says they might know if a local salmonella case is linked to tainted peanut butter.

Many peanut butter products have been recalled due to salmonella contamination.

There are 19 reported cases of salmonella in New York State, one of them in Steuben County.

On Monday night, the person’s condition was unknown.

Officials are not releasing a name, age or any information that could identify the individual.

However, they’re asking those who’ve been affected to save their peanut butter products.

“We ask that they save any portion of the suspected peanut butter or whatever product it is and send it to the Wadsworth lab for testing.” says a New York State spokesperson

The Wadsworth lab is in Albany.

Officials say more than 500 people have been sickened by the nationwide salmonella outbreak.

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The drive north along Route 14 between Millport and Montour Falls follows the bottom of a beautiful valley. It’s near the new Catharine Valley Trail, after all. Area drivers, however, don’t seem inclined to take in the scenery on a leisurely manner.
A recent story by WETM-TV (below) followed up on a Jan. 15 head-on crash on Route 14. Five people were injured in the car accident. The story reports that residents along the speed zone where the limit drops from 55 to 40 mph said that they felt drivers ignore the speed limit. Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Yessman had objective proof – he said that radar run in the speed zone confirms that drivers tend to be going too fast.

Though officials say the cause of the crash wasn’t speed related, such a harrowing occurrence makes you think about road safety on Route 14.  It’s a twisty drive that can be slippery in rain or snow. Impatient drivers may take the chance of passing, even though there are few spots along the route that allow enough visibility to do it safely. If drivers ignore the posted speed limits, that’s just adding another – completely unnecessary – risk.

The residents mentioned in the story say that they hope that moving the speed limit signs, adding flashing signs, and/or adding warning “children at play” signs may help ensure that Route 14 leading into Montour Falls is a safer stretch of road. Let’s hope that something wakes drivers up to the dangers of driving too fast on Route 14.

Thanks for reading, Jim
_________________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
Car Accident & Malpractice Attorney
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866  Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll Free 1-800-943-3529
mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com

Schuyler County Road Concerns

Reported by Meagan Kolkmann
Email: meagankolkmann@wetmtv.com
Last Update: 1/17 8:03 pm

MONTOUR FALLS - Neighbors that live on a stretch of State Route 14 in Montour are very concerned that people in the area drive too fast. They say this is happening where the speed limit changes from 55 mph 40mph.
Mike Colunio lives along the speed zone and says drivers are constantly ignoring the posted traffic signs.

“Just last week I was checking the mail and I barely made it back across the road because someone was speeding this way.”

The Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Yessman says they run radar in the area and people in the speed zone tend to go too fast.

Just last week a head-on crash in the speed zone sent 5 people to the hospital.

The cause of that crash is still unknown, although, officials say it wasn’t speed related.

Colunio saw the crash and says he disagrees.

He says he’s been complaining to the town for years and their efforts to stop speeders aren’t helping either.

Some neighbors say although the posted roadway warning help, the speed limit signs may need to be moved so drivers can see them coming around the curve.

Another thing Colunio says he’s considering to help make the neighbor more safe is asking the town for is flashing signs and signs that warn children are at play.

When we asked town leaders about the road they told us they haven’t received any complaints from neighbors.

The New York State Department of Transportation says nobody’s filed complaints with them either.

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