New Hyde Park has installed “no left turn” signs at every north-south intersection along Jericho Turnpike in the village in response to a fatal crash in earlier in May.
There are a total of 21 signs that have been put up and Mayor Christopher Devane says more safety measures may be implemented on the state road in the future.
Because Jericho is not a village road, additional stop lights or cameras need to go through the state.
“We’re still looking at other things that may come about,” Devane said during Thursday’s board of trustees meeting. “There are some things we can possibly make work.”
Dante Lennon of Freeport, 22, is charged with killing three backseat passengers in a 2010 Lincoln Town Car leaving The Inn in New Hyde Park following a Sweet 16 celebration at the venue prior to the crash.
Marlene Lu and Ho Hua of Queens and Tu Nguyen from North Carolina were the mother, aunt and cousin of the party’s host, respectively. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Devane added that although the village is doing everything it can to ensure safety on the roads it cannot prepare for everything or assume every driver will abide by the signs.
“I’ve watched the recording and one thing you can never plan for is illegal criminal activity,” Devane said. “That car was speeding that night and there’s an allegation the driver was intoxicated. I ask everybody to keep that in mind and that we will do anything to keep our residents, drivers and Jericho Turnpike safe.”
According to court documents, Lennon acknowledged he had consumed alcoholic beverages before driving. His preliminary blood alcohol content of .88% was higher than the legal limit of .08%, according to the documents.
