The combination of commercial and private passenger traffic is what makes the Sunrise Highway one of the most dangerous sections of road on Long Island.
The Sunrise Highway is a major component of New York State Route 27. It runs from Brooklyn to the Hamptons, where it transitions to the Mountauk Highway and loops around Montauk Point.
Learn the specifics of what makes this road high-risk, how you can mitigate it, and how a Long Island personal injury attorney can help if you are hurt in an accident.
Key Takeaways
- Route 27, which is mostly comprised of the Sunrise Highway, has one of the highest fatal accident counts on Long Island.
- In the five-year period from 2016 to 2020, there were 61 deaths reported on the highway, contributing 6.5% to the total death toll on Long Island roads.
- Traffic volume is high, at around 80,000 vehicles per day.
The Added Risk of Mixed Commercial and Private Traffic
The Sunrise Highway is the South Shore’s primary commercial trucking route. There’s a higher mix of trucks, large vans, buses, and other commercial vehicles compared to the State Parkways. This creates visibility risks in heavy traffic, but it also increases the risk of serious injuries in accidents where a large vehicle collides with a standard passenger car, SUV, or pickup truck.
Serious injuries are more likely when a passenger vehicle is struck by a commercial vehicle. The weight discrepancy increases the force of an impact, even at moderate speeds. A standard passenger car weighs between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds, while a commercial truck, fully loaded, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Commercial trucks also have rigid steel frames, which means they don’t crumple or absorb impact like passenger vehicles do.
Speed is a Recurring Factor in the Worst Crashes
Speed is always a major factor in highway accidents. The Sunrise Highway is no different in this regard.
In 2023, a driver from Lindenhurst pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges for a deadly 2023 collision, in which he was speeding under the influence of multiple substances and struck a family vehicle in Massapequa on the Sunrise Highway. The driver had reached speeds of up to 120 mph and is estimated to have struck the other vehicle while traveling at 95 mph. Four victims were killed in the crash, including a 60-year-old veteran, his two children, and his grandchild.
This tragic accident is a reminder that you can be following all of the traffic rules and still be a victim of another’s neglect and reckless actions. The speed limit on most parts of the Sunrise Highway is 55 mph, but not every driver adheres to the limit.
One older analysis published by Newsday in 2022 found that the Sunrise Highway was the second most deadly road on Long Island for the five-year period between 2016 and 2020.
In addition to speed as a leading contributor to accidents, wrong-way collisions have historically been problematic on parts of the highway. A New Year’s Day collision in 2026 was caused when an allegedly intoxicated driver struck another vehicle in the Massapequa section of the highway. This serious accident left drivers of both vehicles in critical condition.
The Biggest Risks Facing Drivers on the Sunrise Highway
The Sunrise Highway’s 100-mile length across Long Island means that risk factors are often localized.
- The highway travels directly through Freeport, NY, where there is a large commercial strip of retail shops and car dealerships. Extensive pedestrian traffic with long gaps between controlled crossings makes this a high-risk area. Drivers must be vigilant to avoid pedestrians while adhering to posted speed limits.
- The western end of the highway around Valley Stream and Lynbrook is highly risky for pedestrians. Driveway cuts, commercial traffic, and turning traffic all pose a risk to drivers.
- Suffolk County sections are historically the most dangerous, with a disproportionately high prevalence of wrong-way incidents. A 2017 investigation into the highway’s Suffolk County stretch found that there were 33 exits without “Wrong Way” or “Do Not Enter” signage. The state has since moved to comply with the DOT’s signage requirements, although the Sunrise Highway still has a reputation for poor or missing signage.
How to Reduce Risk When Driving on Long Island’s Route 27
- Slow down through commercial sections. Merging traffic, turning vehicles, and high pedestrian numbers all make these sections especially risky.
- Follow posted speed limits, and reduce your speed if the weather conditions are severe.
- Leave extra following distance to avoid rear-end collisions.
- Avoid distractions at all times. Don’t use your phone, eat, drink, or otherwise multitask while driving.
- Never drive impaired or get into a car with someone who is.
- If possible, avoid driving in the period between 2 AM and Dawn. This is when fatigue-related accidents are most likely to occur.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident on the Sunrise Highway?
If you have been injured in a car accident, or struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian or cyclist, the team at The Raimondo Law Firm is ready to help. Consultations are free, and we are available 24/7.
There are some essential steps you can take immediately after an accident:
- Make your vehicle safe if it is operational. Move it off the road and turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911 for emergency assistance.
- Take pictures of your car and any other vehicles involved, including their license plates.
- Get the names and contact numbers of any witnesses or people involved in the event.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. A complete check-up can reveal slow-onset symptoms or hidden injuries through X-ray and other types of medical imaging.
- Contact a Long Island accident attorney to protect your rights and assist with any necessary reports and injury claims. Do not talk to an insurance adjuster or admit fault to anyone on the scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Long Island Injury Lawyer Help if I Was a Pedestrian Struck by a Vehicle on The Sunrise Highway?
Yes, a personal injury lawyer can assist you when you have been struck by a car while walking alongside the Sunrise Highway or anywhere else on Long Island. Even if you share some proportion of blame, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver of the vehicle. The Raimondo Law Firm will evaluate your case to identify the negligent party or parties and assess the validity of an injury claim.
Is the Police Report the Final Word on the Cause of the Accident?
No, the Police Report is one piece of evidence, but it’s not the only item that will be reviewed in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The Raimondo Law Firm examines all the facts and engages expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction specialists, to prove fault and liability in motor vehicle accident cases.
Contact The Raimondo Law Firm for Your Free Case Evaluation Today
Experienced accident attorneys are ready to help when you are injured on the Sunrise Highway on Long Island. Reach out to us at (631) 471-1222 to begin your free consultation today.
