Wrong-way crash that left 5 hurt on Hutchinson River Parkway prompts conversations of needed traffic improvements

Westchester County leaders are vowing to crack down on wrong-way drivers on the Hutchinson River Parkway. It's being sparked by a serious crash involving the former mayor of Rye Brook and a family of five.

Melanie Palmer

Dec 17, 2024, 5:28 PM

Updated 9 days ago

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Westchester County leaders are vowing to crack down on wrong-way drivers on the Hutchinson River Parkway. It's being sparked by a serious crash involving the former mayor of Rye Brook and a family of five.
"A lot of people are affected, I saw there was like six. It's scary," says Rye Brook resident Indira Mohan.
It happened shortly after midnight Monday near Lincoln Avenue in Rye Brook.
The driver that was going the wrong way is 75-year-old Joan Feinstein, according to officers with Westchester County Police.
She reportedly crashed into a Dodge Durango that was carrying a Connecticut family of five. In the back seat were the couple's three kids. They are ages 12, 17 and 25. All but one was hurt, they're expected to be OK.
However, Feinstein's injuries are serious.
"She has stabilized but is still in critical condition," says Westchester County Police Chief James Luciano.
Police say she is a Rye Brook resident. In fact, she served as mayor for the village back in 2008.
"Preliminary investigation has revealed that there was no alcohol involvement at this time," says Chief Luciano.
Investigators are trying to figure out why she was driving the wrong way.
Leaders at the county level say they will be working with the state to try and prevent future accidents like this one. They are encouraging the state to do a study on the area and make suggestions for improvements.
Monday coverage from Melanie Palmer
Meanwhile, the current mayor of Rye Brook says he is sending his thoughts and prayers to all of those who are recovering.
“Like many of you, I was shocked and saddened to hear this news. As details emerged, we learned that the driver of the wrong way vehicle was former Rye Brook Mayor Joan Feinstein, and that a family of five were in the other vehicle that was struck. All were taken to the Westchester Medical Center. We hear that the family of five all have non-life-threatening injuries, and that Joan remains in serious condition in intensive care. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those involved in this terrible accident and we are hoping for full recoveries," says Rye Brook Mayor Jason Klein.
Officials with the New York State Department of Transportation released the following statement:
"Safety is always a top priority for the New York State Department of Transportation and we are always willing to engage with our local partners about potential safety enhancements. As the incident along the Hutchinson River Parkway is the subject of a police investigation, we cannot comment further at this time."