The Connection Between Road Design and Glendale Car Accident Rates

The City of Glendale embarked on some ambitious plans for renovating dangerous intersections and pedestrian areas in the downtown areas. Some of these plans include placing median islands in pedestrian accident hot spots and improving visibility in trouble areas. Wider crosswalk stripes (known as “zebra crosswalks”) and removing uncontrolled turn pockets are some of the planned improvements.

How do road designs affect car accidents? Brand Law Group is here to help clients get the compensation they deserve after serious personal injury accidents, but we also want to help you avoid serious accidents before they happen.

Bad Roads Mean Bad Accidents

All the identified accident locations in Glendale have some common elements. They’re in high-traffic areas along Brand Blvd., Colorado St., and the on- and off-ramps to the Ventura Freeway. The roadways are wide and lack median islands to slow traffic or provide pedestrian protection.

Studies by agencies like the Federal Highway Administration have shown that improved road design can reduce accidents by up to 50%. What’s important for cities like Glendale is to examine the issues in their particular area and address those problems.

Intersection Issues

The FHWA estimates that more than half of all serious injuries and fatalities happen at or near intersections. Intersections are dangerous because so many road hazards come together where roads cross.

• Poor lane markings. The amount of traffic through intersections means that crosswalks, lane lines, and signals are more likely to be faded from use.

• Turn pockets and turn lanes. Drivers find themselves in the wrong lane and cut across to get into the left or right turn lanes, cutting off other drivers.

• Inadequate curb extensions. Pedestrians move out into the street waiting for lights to change, putting them into traffic.

• Insufficient lighting. This can range from mistimed signals, causing drivers to run lights, lack of time to cross for pedestrians, and poor lights at night, making pedestrians, cyclists, and poorly-lit vehicles hard to spot.

Uncharted Islands

Pedestrians often run across wide streets mid-block. This is legal in California, but that doesn’t make it safe. Pedestrians are hard to spot standing in the middle of the road until it’s too late. Drivers are also encouraged to make illegal U-turns in the middle of wide roads, which leads to disaster if they misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic.

Median islands correct both these problems, by providing pedestrians with a place to wait safely until traffic clears in the other direction and preventing overanxious drivers from whipping a U-turn in a traffic lane.

Protect Yourself When Driving or Walking

Road design is a good way to prevent accidents and improve driver and pedestrian safety, but it can only go so far. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by defensive driving and walking. Never assume the other drivers are paying attention when you’re out on the street.

• Never drive while drunk, distracted, or when using other substances. Put down your phone.

• Use extra caution when driving at night or in inclement weather.

• Keep your car in good condition. Have your brakes checked regularly and be sure your tire pressure is correct for your vehicle.

• When you’re walking, wear reflective clothing or carry a light. Don’t wear headphones if you can avoid it. Never assume drivers can see you.

The city is doing its job to fix the road issues that cause accidents. Brand Law Group is here to help you if you’re involved in an accident that you couldn’t avoid. Contact us today to discuss your case.