Chester, NY — March 5, 2025, Two people were killed and one was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 2:00 A.M. on Route 17.
An investigation is underway into a car accident that left two people injured during the early-morning hours of March 5th. According to official reports, an accident occurred on the westbound lanes of Route 17 near exit 126 when a Nissan operated by Sydnie Haines was travelling the wrong way on westbound Route 17 where it collided head-on with a Honda Odyssey operated by Mordichy Zafir.
When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that both Haines and Zafir had sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased, while a teenage passenger of the Odyssey was seriously injured and transported to the hospital. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including the status of the passenger’s injuries as-well-as what caused the Nissan to drive in the wrong Direction, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a crash like this happens, the first priority should be ensuring that the families of those involved get the answers they need. A wrong-way collision is one of the most dangerous types of crashes, but understanding why it happened is not always as simple as it seems. To fully grasp what led to this tragic event, three critical questions must be addressed.
First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Wrong-way crashes are often assumed to be the result of driver impairment or distraction, but assumptions are not the same as evidence. Investigators need to examine all possible factors, including whether the roadway was clearly marked, whether signage was visible, and whether any witnesses or surveillance footage can provide additional insight into how the Nissan ended up traveling in the wrong direction. If these elements aren’t considered, crucial details could be overlooked.
Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect played a role? While human error is frequently cited in wrong-way crashes, mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, power steering issues, or electronic system failures—can also cause a driver to lose control or become disoriented. Additionally, if the vehicle’s headlights or dashboard indicators were not functioning properly, the driver may not have realized they were going the wrong way. Unfortunately, defect-related issues are often ignored in crash investigations unless someone specifically pushes for a forensic vehicle inspection. If the Nissan is not properly examined, any potential mechanical failures may never come to light.
Third, has all available electronic data related to the crash been collected? Both vehicles may contain event data recorders (EDRs) that could reveal critical details, such as speed, braking, and steering inputs before impact. Additionally, surveillance cameras, traffic cameras, and even GPS or cell phone data could provide insight into how and when the Nissan ended up traveling the wrong way. If investigators don’t act quickly to secure this information, it may be lost, making it harder to determine the true cause of the crash.
At the end of the day, crashes like this don’t just affect those directly involved—they leave families searching for answers. Determining why the Nissan was traveling in the wrong direction is essential, not just for closure, but also for preventing similar incidents in the future. A thorough investigation is the only way to ensure that no stone is left unturned and that those impacted by this tragedy receive the clarity they deserve.
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