Berkeley’s Dangerous Intersection Gets Improvements
Improvements are being made to an intersection deemed as one of the most dangerous in Berkeley. This intersection has been particularly dangerous in regards to bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents because the streets are extra-wide.
Location of the Ongoing Work
The area being reworked is located at The Alameda and Hopkins Street, where trains ran through in the 1950s. Because of the breadth of the streets, drivers neglected to slow down much and this endangered the lives of those on foot resulting in pedestrian accidents. From 2005 to 2010, five walkers and one bicyclist were struck crossing the intersection. Changes were made last fall in an attempt to slow cars and improve the walking distance required by pedestrians to cross. By installing concrete islands, vehicles attempting to turn right now encounter a sharper turn, requiring drivers to slow down. The goal is to reduce the occurrence of bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.
New Improvements to the Intersection
The city plans to add additional concrete islands to help guide bicycle riders closer to the curb when nearing the intersection. The corner concrete islands can also serve as a spot where pedestrians can safely wait for the light to change. While warning strips were placed so pedestrians would know where to walk, it proved ineffective. One of the current problems is that drivers do not want to wait behind other drivers to make a right turn and take to the lane reserved for bicyclists. One vehicle even jumped the curb where pedestrians wait, and the vehicle left a tire mark as evidence.
Second Phase of the Project
The second phase in correcting this dangerous intersection includes repaving and restriping, narrowing the openings between the islands and making the transition into the bike lane more gradual. This phase is scheduled for July and August. Because of this work, the aim of the city is to make it simpler and safer for pedestrians to use the area. Planners are hopeful to see a reduction in pedestrian accidents in this location.
Incidence of Accidents at Intersections
According to statistics provided by the Federal Highway Administration, more than 50 percent of all injuries and fatalities occur at intersections. Many of them occur when drivers pass through a yellow light and are making a turn. Left-hand turns are particularly hazardous because the view may be obstructed, the driver may be speeding to hurry through the intersection and may misjudge the speed at which an approaching vehicle is traveling. Under California Vehicle Code 21801, a driver making a turn must yield to vehicles coming from the opposite direction that may constitute a hazard. The driver is also obligated to continue yielding until the way is clear. Failure to do so can lead to an accident.
Reasons Why Intersection Accidents Happen
There are many reasons intersection accidents happen. The most common are:
- Unsafe speed: Driving at an unsafe speed when approaching an intersection causes many accidents. Drivers may speed up to cross the intersection before the light changes or misjudge the speed of an approaching vehicle.
- Poor intersection layout: Some intersections lack clearly marked lanes and have poor visibility.
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers might not visualize changes in traffic signals, stop signs or vehicles that are already in the intersection.
- Impaired driving: Drunk or drugged driving can lead to inappropriate decisions, delayed reflexes or failure to obey traffic signals. All can lead to intersection accidents.
Berkeley Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Berkeley car accident lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, pedestrian accident or bicycle accident because of a careless or negligent driver, please call (510) 631-0200 at my local number or (800) 404-5400 long distance. My advice is friendly and doesn’t cost you a penny.
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