Long Island’s first snowfall of the season turned treacherous on local roads, leaving behind a trail of wrecked vehicles, icy highways, and heartbreaking loss of life.
According to Suffolk County Police, approximately 200 crashes were reported during Sunday’s winter storm, a grim reminder of how quickly Long Island winter car crashes can escalate when visibility drops and roadways freeze.
Two Fatal Crashes Reported in Nassau County
In Massapequa, a 20-year-old driver lost control of his BMW around 3 a.m. Sunday, striking a tree along Merrick Road. Police confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Just an hour later, New York State Police responded to a separate fatal crash near Exit 13 on the Southern State Parkway. Officials arrested 35-year-old Deodat Ramotar for driving while intoxicated after his Hyundai Sonata veered off the road. Two passengers were hospitalized, and one died at the scene.
Authorities noted that snowy and slippery road conditions contributed to both accidents.
Source: News 12 Long Island
200 Accidents in a Single Winter Day
Across Suffolk County, first responders faced a surge in collisions as icy conditions worsened. Police logged nearly 200 separate crashes, from spinouts to multi-vehicle pileups, on major routes including the Long Island Expressway, Sunrise Highway, and Merrick Road.
Bethpage resident Cindy Solliday described the scene as “terrifying.”
“The cars go sliding all over,” she said. “You don’t realize how fast you’re going until you lose control.”
In Hicksville, Adrian Perkovic, age 10, said even short drives felt unsafe:
“It was really bumpy. Our dad was driving really slow.”
Officials Warn: Drive Cautiously This Winter
Nassau and Suffolk County police are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially during early-season snowfalls when plows and salt trucks can’t keep up with freezing precipitation.
The New York State Department of Transportation reminds drivers that stopping distances increase dramatically on icy pavement, even at low speeds.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also warns that most winter crashes occur during the first few snowfalls, when motorists are unprepared for slick conditions.
Winter Driving Safety Tips:
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Reduce speed and increase following distance
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Avoid cruise control on snow or ice
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Check tire pressure and wiper fluid before driving
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Keep an emergency kit and blanket in the car
To track weather-related crash data in New York, visit the NYC Open Data Motor Vehicle Collisions Portal or the Federal Highway Administration’s Winter Safety Program for nationwide statistics.
Legal Perspective: When Weather Isn’t the Only Factor
Although snow and ice are clear hazards, driver negligence, such as speeding, distraction, or driving under the influence, often determines legal responsibility after a crash. Fatalities like those in Massapequa and on the Southern State Parkway may lead to wrongful-death investigations or civil liability claims when negligence is proven.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that aggressive driving behaviors increase by over 30% during adverse weather, making vigilance essential, both for safety and legal accountability.
At William Schwitzer & Associates, we advocate for victims and families affected by weather-related car accidents throughout New York. Our legal team investigates every factor, from roadway maintenance to driver conduct, to ensure accountability and fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Long Island winter car crash, contact our office at (212) 683-3800 for a confidential consultation.
Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different.
Images used are conceptual illustrations and do not depict actual events or clients.
The best option is to call our offices for specialized help. Call (212) 683-3800 to contact William Schwitzer & Associates for legal assistance.
