Today (April 7th), around 9 a.m., as noted on PulsePoint, another automobile accident involving a pedestrian was listed. During the earlier morning hours, two other traffic accidents occurred. These incidents underscore the fact that most urban areas have not kept up with the increase in traffic and the need for better management of pedestrian safety.
A short tale from the past: West Hollywood had been a backwater area. The residential sections, both east and west, were very quiet. Many of the residents then worked in the film and TV trades, and often jobs took them out of town. The streets were often quite empty of cars. My boys and I could toss a football back and forth on the nearly silent roadway, stepping aside occasionally to let a single car pass by. Now, the morning and evening rushes often fill the block from Robertson to San Vicente. Today, crossing the street at the corner takes courage. I see at least three intersections which could use a four-way pedestrian crossing, like the one in Westwood, at UCLA. Times have changed.
Visitors have complained about the difficulty finding parking. Parking is not the problem — cars are the problem.
There are methods to redirect traffic, but many such are tripped up by arcane, ancient rules from the state and the county — and maybe by the feds as well — regarding much of Santa Monica Boulevard, also known as U.S. Route 66. And, of course, our woefully inadequate transit system. If it were any better, would more people use it??
If we do nothing locally, expect more pedestrian/car accidents.
Looking both ways before crossing may not be enough.
Carl Cronin
Based on Joseph Banks comments I fully agree with his comments. So I will add to his points. California recently scoured a penalty for jay walking, now it is totally legal for a pedestrian to cross anywhere, anytime even though it could cause a car accident and/or get them killed. I think the only thing that it will do is show how stupid some pedestrians can be, Darwinism in full practice.
If our transit system was any better, would anybody use it? No. The L.A. Transit system has been a joke since it was launched, and it continues to be a joke filled with vagrants and other issues that pose safety concerns. Some people are charged a fare as they board yet others are allowed to just waltz on by without paying. And let’s not even get into allowing the socially inept to bring their pit bulls and Rottweilers on public transportation. This is a common occurrence. Also, California has been notorious for being backwards with its traffic protocol, and its… Read more »
Hear, hear!