Hi, Everyone.
This past week a pedestrian was struck by a car at an intersection I use almost every day. The intersection has an auditable street crossing signal but also contains an extra turning lane without a turning signal. The cars trying to turn must decide when to turn during a regular green light. The problem area is when a turning car rushes to turn in front of on-coming traffic without checking for pedestrians. I have checked with the Department of Transportation in my city about having a turn signal installed without success. The cost of installing the turn signal is the reason I was given as to why one cannot be installed. If a turn signal was available it would give crossing pedestrians a visual alert when cars are turning. The turn signal could act as help to a visually impaired pedestrian because the visually impaired pedestrian could be taught to cross at the beginning of a crossing signal announcement avoiding turning cars.

My question is does anyone else face this type of problem or other issues concerning safety when crossing busy intersections?

Tell us about your situation!

That's pretty scary that someone was hit at a place you use frequently. I am sorry the DOT isn't being very helpful. That is surprising.

In CA, pedestrians always have the right of way as soon as they enter a crosswalk. I think more of that would be good.

Hi, Jilly.
I know, hearing the story made me stop and rethink about all the safety tips for crossing a busy intersection I learned while taking an orientation/mobility course.
Needless to say I plan on writing an article on safety tips for crossing intersections.
The lady is out of the hospital but suffered a broken leg and lots of bruises and sore muscles.

The statement pedestrians have the right of way was a topic highly discussed during my training program. We were taught several methods for crossing intersections but were told it's better to let cars go first instead of hoping they will obey the law and let a pedestrian have the right of way.

Thanks for your comments.

That article sounds like a good one to write.

Hi, Jilly.
Thanks, the intersection safety article was a good review for me.
Just yesterday I was walking with a friend at the same intersection and two cars decided to turn in front of us even though we were more than halfway across the street. The cars just could not wait for us to cross so we had to stop and allow them to turn.

I have also heard the city is still trying to change the intersection into a turn about intersection which would make it more difficult for disabled pedestrians to cross. Looks like a battle is forming.
Thanks for your interest in this forum.
Sincerely,

Dean, I was recently on vacation in Florida and there were clearly identified crosswalks for pedestrians and signs stating that motorists must stop but very few obeyed the law. I was in the middle of the street in a crosswalk and a guy in a truck just spoke to me instead of stopping. I kind of spoke back in a very unladylike manner hoping he would get angry and stop but he just smiled and kept going. I'll watch for your article!

Hi, Jenny.
Thanks for your post.
I definitly understand how you felt.
I sometimes wish I had a paint gun at the end of my cane that would spray a big paint spot on the vehicle that passes closely in front of me when crossing a street. That's just a thought. I would never deliberately damage someone's autommobile but it somethimes makes me feel better to think about it.

Right now the city is trying to change the intersection to an unmarked intersection or a turn about intersection. The intersection would be similar to a circle intersection making it very difficult for pedestrians. A group is fighting the idea.
Again, thanks for posting.
Have a great day!

Oh jeez, a roundabout? How do pedestrians negotiate those?

Hi, Jilly.
Good question.
the city has placed four way stop intersections around all schools and parks. I don't mind a four way stop intersection.

Personally, I have not encountered a turn about intersection. I plan to go to a meeting concerning the plans of changing the intersection. Hopefully, I can get some questions answered.
thanks for your post and question.

And LOL, i like the paint gun fantasy idea with your cane!

Hi, Jilly.
Thanks. I use it as a way of dealing with the frustration of cars rushing to pass in front of me.

I have experienced a car running over one of my canes. The car rushed to make a right hand turn just as I began to cross. When I placed my cane in front of me the car bumper caught it and broke in half. Scary experience.

Take care.

Wow. i hope that was an indelible experience for that driver. I bet he was mortified.

Hi, Jilly.
You would think so.
But the car didn't stop - they just kept going.
Now you see why I have the paint gun fantasy! LOL!
Thanks.