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Two Young Sisters Struck On Main Street In Smithtown; Businesses Want Changes

SMITHTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Two young sisters crossing a Long Island street were injured after being struck by a SUV.

The accident occurred at 5:30 p.m. Thursday on Main Street in Smithtown -- a stretch of roadway that has been the site of several recent pedestrian accidents.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall: This Isn't The First Incident On Main Street

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Main Street Smithtown
Main Street - Smithtown, NY - May 6, 2011 (credit: Sophia Hall / WCBS 880)

Mabel Burgos 13, and her 9-year-old sister, Melody were hit by a 2010 Lexus SUV, police said.

They were taken to a hospital where police say Melody was listed in guarded condition and Mabel was held overnight for observation.

Police say the driver of the SUV, 66-year-old Maria Kolahifer of Fort Salonga, was not injured. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Area business owners are worried about how dangerous the road is.

"You never really see people pulled over for speed. Something definitely has to be done. Right now, it's a four-lane highway. There was talk about making it a two-lane highway, which I think would help," John Vigliante, who owns the Branch Funeral Home, said. "Part of the problem, the parking on Main Street is very narrow. So, if they did switch it to a two-lane road instead of a four-lane road, it would definitely be a lot more beneficial. It would slow up the traffic."

Changes were made recently, such as decreasing the speed limit and widening the crosswalks.

Vigliante says he worries every time he goes out to get lunch.

Earlier this year, a military veteran and father of two was killed near the same intersection. In 2009, an 11-year-old girl was killed crossing Main Street.

Park rangers have also recently been serving as traffic cops in Smithtown, which is a source of local controversy.

What should be done on that roadway to minimize pedestrian accidents? Leave a comment below…

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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