Wantagh Woman Named "Champion of Safer Streets"

Wantagh resident Sandi Vega was honored by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign at the organization's 2011 annual benefit in early November for her tireless efforts to improve the safety of New York's roadways in the wake of enduring a personal tragedy.

Vega along with State Sen. Charles J. Fuschillo, R-Merrick, and the AARP were chosen as Tri-State Transportation Campaign's 2011 "Champions for Safer Streets for their work helping to get New York's Complete Streets Law . Vega, whose 14-year old daughter Brittany was while crossing Sunrise Highway in Wantagh last year, helped advocate for passage of the Complete Streets Law, which was sponsored by Fuschillo in the State Senate.

Vega, with , gathered more than 4,000 signatures in support of the “Complete Streets” measure, which requires all state, county, and local transportation agencies to consider complete streets design principles on all projects that receive both federal and state funding. Some of the safety features of a complete streets policy include crosswalk signals, sidewalks, bicycle lanes and pedestrian islands.

"I am glad that I am doing something that will make a difference," said Vega. "I was taken by surprise by the honor."