Wantagh's Sandi Vega "Thrilled" With Passage of Road Safety Legislation

Wantagh resident Sandi Vega’s quest to have safer roads following her daughter Brittany’s tragic pedestrian when she was struck by a Toyota Camry while crossing Sunrise Highway, took a huge step forward this week with the state legislature’s passage of a “Complete Streets” legislation.

Vega, with gathered more than 4,000 signatures in support of the “Complete Streets” measure, which is now awaiting a signature from Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Once signed into the law the measure will require all state, county, and local transportation agencies to consider complete streets design principles on all projects that receive both federal and state funding.

"I'm thrilled," said Vega of the legislation's passage. “It’s great to know that this tragedy is helping pull through something positive... It's bitter sweet."

Some of the safety features of a complete streets policy include crosswalk signals, sidewalks, bicycle lanes and pedestrian islands.

“This legislation will help make our roads safer for everyone,” said State Sen. Fuschillo, R-Merrick. “Complete streets design principles have been proven to reduce fatalities and injuries.”

Vega, whose daughter Brittany was two weeks into her freshman year at at the time of last September's tragic death, worked tirelessly to gather signatures and work with the Tri-State Transportation Campaign the last few months despite being in the midst of a pregnancy. She is expecting her new baby in early July.

“There will be a lot less deaths of pedestrians on the road because of this being passed,” said Vega ,who has also about adopting their own complete streets measure. “Saving even one family from the heartache and lifelong pain that comes with losing a loved one, which my family feels every day, will make this law well worth it.”