To the Editor of Rockland Daily,

Today’s rollover crash on Cragmere Road, where a woman was severely injured after her vehicle crashed into the low brick wall before flipping over, should serve as yet another wake-up call.

For years, residents have been raising concerns about the wall along this stretch of road. This is not the first vehicle to strike it, and many of us consider it a bor b’rshus harabim — a dangerous hazard sitting alongside a public roadway. Time after time, accidents have occurred here, yet the wall remains. Rockland Daily reported on a similar rollover at this location over a year ago and later reported on the community's push to have the wall removed, citing repeated safety concerns at the site.

To the village’s credit, progress has finally begun in recent weeks. Trees along the roadway have been removed to make room for a safer, wider road. We also appreciate the sidewalks that have already been added and the planned crosswalk improvements near the nursing home. These are important steps that will undoubtedly improve safety.

However, one major piece of the project remains unfinished: the wall.

For the past two weeks, residents have been hearing that the wall would be removed, but delays and confusion have left it standing. Sadly, before that work could be completed, another vehicle ended up crashing into it.

Thankfully, today’s crash did not end in the ultimate tragedy. But this road has been involved in too many close calls and accidents over the years. Especially when the road is empty and drivers move at a faster pace, one unexpected swerve can quickly turn into a dangerous crash. We should not wait for another serious accident before taking action.

If the wall cannot be removed immediately, then the area should be properly protected until it is. The community has waited long enough.

— A Concerned Monsey Resident