Traffic light, safety improvements planned at site of deadly driver's ed crash in Warwick

WARWICK, N.Y. (WABC) -- Plans are underway to install a traffic light and safety improvements at the intersection where two high school students were killed when a tractor-trailer collided with a packed teen driver training vehicle.

The students were taking a driving lesson July 14 when police say their Chevy Malibu sedan approached a flashing red light at Blooms Corner Road and County Road.

The driver of the tractor trailer says the car initially stopped, but then pulled into the intersection and into his path.

Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus announced Friday that after discussions with an independent traffic safety engineering firm and the County's Department of Public Works, it was decided that a traffic light with associated improvements will be designed and constructed to improve safety at the intersection of County Routes 1, 1A, 41 and Blooms Corners Road in Warwick.

"I was notified on the afternoon of the tragic accident at the intersection in Warwick that there had been a history of complaints about the intersection before I took office in January of 2014," Neuhaus said. "I immediately asked our Department of Public Works and Maser Consulting to investigate. They came back to us today with their initial reports. One study result that concerns me is that more than half of the drivers on that road are speeding. We all need to be more responsible on the roads for our safety and the safety of others. When it comes to the safety of those who travel Orange County roadways, we always want to be proactive."

The County anticipates bidding and construction of the project to begin in the first half of 2016.

Antonio Baglivo and Paul VanDoran, both 16-years old were killed in the accident. Four other people were injured.

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