This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

On the Town: Doing Our Part to Keep Car Speed in Check

“Speed Kills” is not only about drug abuse -- it’s about driving.  

Often motorists are not aware how fast they are going.  An effective deterrent is the “Speed Awareness Trailer,” which controls the problem without tying up a police officer’s time.

Recently, my colleagues and I on the Town Board acquired a new state-of-the-art mobile speed monitor, or “Speed Awareness Trailer,” at no cost to the municipality.  The new unit is more advanced than the prior one, which was vandalized five years ago.  A $29,800 state grant will cover the $21,000 cost of the speed monitor trailer, plus eight new modern security cameras.


The unit will be set up in selected locations on town roads.   Motion-sensitive cameras cause a vehicle’s acceleration to flash in super-bright red-light numerals when the speed limit is exceeded.  The approach-only radar rejects the speeds of motorists who can’t see the display and ensures that the oncoming drivers only observe their own speeds.

The trailer features a see-through design enabling drivers to spot pedestrians behind it.  It also features up to 90 pre-programmed messages, such as, “Fasten your seat belt” or cautions about road conditions.


With a carbon-fiber screen, the device is vandal-proof, bulletproof and graffiti-proof.  Once in position, the trailer will have its tongue removed, so would-be thieves can’t hook it up and haul it away.  And it will be under the watchful eye of one of the new security cameras.  

Operated by batteries with a 12-month life span, the cameras are infrared with motion sensors, perfect for catching graffiti vandals unawares in the dead of night.

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


The Speed Awareness Trailer is there to help you keep your driving speed in check.  There’s no red-light camera and no downside.  With funds coming from the state, this is a win-win situation for the town, public and police.  The mobile speed monitor trailer has the capacity to be placed at problematic road sites throughout the Town of Hempstead, easing fears of accelerated driving, particularly near schools and parks. It interacts with the driver who sees his or her increasing speed and has a chance to slow down without worry of police penalty.

Be cool while cruising on the hot summer roads and keep safe.

Anthony J. Santino is the Hempstead Senior Town Councilman representing Councilmatic District Four.  Those in need of his assistance or service may contact him directly at 516-812-3200 or via e-mail at asantino@tohmail.org.

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?