Dangerous Roads newsletter: Looking back at one of Long Island's deadliest months

On my drive home from a work assignment a year ago, I watched in helpless horror as the car in front of me drifted into the next lane, causing the worst crash I’ve ever witnessed.

It happened in an instant, and yet it seemed to unfold so slowly before me.

We were on Sunrise Highway in eastern Suffolk County, where the flow of traffic easily surpasses 60 mph. A car swayed into the left lane and hit the neighboring car, causing both vehicles to go spiraling.

One car ricocheted off the median and then crossed the road again before coming to a smoky stop on the grass shoulder. The other spun off the road.

Somehow, I avoided both cars.

By the time I pulled over, maybe a mile down the road, I called 911 then didn’t know what to do next. I thought about heading back on foot, but that didn’t seem smart. There already were cars speeding by again, as if normal activity paused only for a second for the crash to happen ... and then life for everyone else just continued.

It was strange to witness that, and then to carry on, as well.

That memory came to mind in April when I interviewed Nassau County Assistant District Attorney Katie Zizza, whose job focuses on prosecuting vehicular crimes such as drunken and drugged driving that result in fatal crashes.

She was one of my first interviews for my story about the devastating impact of one of Long Island’s worst months for fatal crashes. I wanted her observations about the unthinkable emotional impact these tragedies have on the people left behind.

It’s her job to meet the families of the victims immediately after the crashes when "they’re going through the most unimaginable grief." And it’s her responsibility to guide the grieving families through "a very confusing criminal justice system" while she seeks justice that she knows won’t ever be enough for them.

Here’s what she told me that I can’t shake: She’s been doing this job for 15 years and still can’t come to grips with how the victims are so often chosen by the randomness of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"I’ve met some of the most amazing people," she said, "and I can't wrap my head around why things like this happened to people like them."

I spoke with more than a dozen people impacted by fatal crashes that month, and it was strange when some of them thanked me for reaching out. It’s not something reporters usually hear.

But now it makes sense. These crashes robbed them of their family members with absolutely zero notice, and then they look around and see life carrying on for everyone else. What they were thankful for was the opportunity to go back in time, albeit for a brief moment, to remember the loved ones they will forever miss.

Readers speak up

Last week, I wrote about the concerns I have about my 16-year-old son crossing Sunrise Highway. This reader rightfully called me out after noticing that my kid wasn't wearing a helmet in the accompanying photo of him on his bike. He had outgrown it since last summer, but has since gotten a new one. Thanks for looking out for him!

Your son should be wearing a helmet. I was disappointed to see he wasn't since you write about dangerous roads. I teach driving classes for the State of New York and use a lot of Newsday's coverage in my classes. Head injury is a common cause of death in bicycle accidents. There should be a helmet law for all bike riders not only for children. Thanks for the great work you are doing. I mention the series in every class I have.

Julia Szabian, Center Moriches

What new laws would you like to see in place to protect pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers? Let us know at roads@newsday.com.

By Jim Baumbach

jim.baumbach@newsday.com

Jim Baumbach is an award-winning investigative reporter at Newsday, where he has worked since 1998. He spent two decades in the sports department, where he covered every professional team and league, including events such as the Super Bowl and World Series.