Senator Phillips Delivers Funding For Hi-Tech L.E.D. Stop Signs

Senator Phillips Delivers Funding To Town Of Hempstead For Hi-Tech L.E.D. Stop Signs To Increase Student & Pedestrian Safety

Senator Elaine Phillips announced today at a news conference with Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin that she has secured $50,000 in state funding for hyper-visible stop signs.  The signs, which are illuminated with flashing L.E.D. lights, will be placed in targeted intersections and crosswalks throughout the town in an effort to increase safety for students and pedestrians.

“Protecting children and families around the state remains one of my top priorities. The request to assist with obtaining the signs was a ‘no brainer’ – and with school starting soon, the new signs will undoubtedly increase safety for students walking to and from school and general pedestrian traffic,” said Senator Phillips. 

At least twenty-five of the signs will be purchased, which are solar powered and do not need to be connected to the electric grid. Additionally, battery back-up power ensures continuous 24/7 operation of the flashing L.E.D.s during evening hours and cloudy days.

“Thank you Senator Phillips,” said Receiver of Taxes Clavin. “Because of your efforts, our children and families will be safer, and these L.E.D. stop signs might even save some lives. What’s more, as a result of the stop signs being acquired through a state grant, there will be no direct cost to local taxpayers.”

Don Clavin and Hempstead Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino approached Senator Phillips to request funding after witnessing the effectiveness of the signs in other parts of Long Island.

“These L.E.D. stop signs are a cost-effective safety tool that will pay dividends by protecting school children and all pedestrians,” said Hempstead Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino. “I want to thank Senator Phillips and Receiver of Taxes Clavin for making our communities safer.”

Studies have indicated that the L.E.D. stop signs increase traffic compliance by motorists. In particular, the devices boast a reduction in “blow-throughs”, which often occur when motorists fail to see a stop sign. The increased visibility of the flashing L.E.D. lights significantly reduces the chances that the new stop signs will not be noticed by drivers.

“Partnerships like this are what good government is all about,” said Senator Phillips. “This new school safety initiative goes hand in hand with legislation I am co-sponsoring authorizing the installation and use of stop-arm cameras on school buses to detect and record individuals illegally passing stopped school buses. Keeping kids safe while they travel to and from school is the bottom line.”

# # #