The weekday rush near the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station turned into a scene of chaos Thursday morning when a crossing guard was critically injured after a pickup truck struck him as he cleared snow near the busy intersection. Emergency crews shut down lanes and redirected traffic while first responders worked the scene, and neighbors said the spot is one that already demands extra caution during peak commute times.
Police said the guard was shoveling snow at about 8 a.m. when a pickup hit him at the corner of Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway near the Merrick LIRR station. The driver stayed on scene and was taken away in handcuffs, and officers were directing traffic as they investigated, as reported by CBS News New York. "It could be a very unsafe area. Every time I come, you have to be cautious crossing the street," resident Michael Shaprio told CBS. Neighbors said the victim is a familiar face at the corner, regularly helping families navigate the crossing during the morning and afternoon rush.
Busy Crossing Near Merrick Station
The crash happened where Sunrise Highway meets Merrick Avenue, right by the Merrick LIRR station’s parking areas and commuter entrances. The station is officially located on Sunrise Highway between Hewlett Avenue and Merrick Avenue, which turns the corner into a high-traffic funnel for both drivers and pedestrians on weekdays. The station’s location is detailed on Merrick station.
Pedestrian Safety On Long Island
Data from the state’s Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee show pedestrian injuries and fatalities across Nassau and Suffolk counties rose roughly 10% between 2022 and 2024, with 58 pedestrians killed in 2024. The statistic has fueled long-standing worries about major roadways such as Sunrise Highway and has led to targeted safety campaigns by state and local agencies.
Investigation Continues
Nassau County police remained at the intersection as investigators collected evidence and interviewed witnesses, while emergency crews worked to reopen traffic lanes. Authorities have not released the crossing guard’s name or the driver’s identity, and no formal charges were announced Thursday. Local residents said the crash was a stark reminder of the daily risks crossing guards face while trying to keep people safe at hectic commuter intersections.
