Six weeks; three car accidents; one New York intersection

There are sections in our commutes and intersections in our neighborhoods that we dislike. Some places are notoriously dangerous. Whether there is reduced visibility or poor lighting, unsafe road conditions are dangerous for everyone, and it is important for the Department of Transportation to fix those areas.

One ramp in New York fits that description exactly. In the past six weeks, there have been three car accidents, including one fatal accident.

Last week, the third accident took place when a Volkswagen came down the ramp too quickly, crashed into a concrete barrier and landed on top of a parked car. Although there were two people in the parked car, neither was injured. The driver and passenger in the moving car were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

The other car accident victims at the same location were not as lucky. In those two accidents, the vehicles crashed into a nearby building. One person was killed, and another man lost a section of his arm. After the second accident, scaffolding was put up surrounding the building.

Regardless, individuals who work in the buildings near the site of the accidents do not feel safe. In the most recent accident, the car broke through the concrete barrier and scaffolding, and it stopped short of being the third car to crash into the business in less than two months.

The Department of Transportation has taken preliminary steps to increase safety, but the number of accidents suggests they have not done enough. In a statement, the DOT said, “Safety is our first priority, and the city recently added signs to remind motorists of the bridge’s 30 mph speed limit, installed rumble strips and 20 mph advisory signs, and added yellow flashers to the curve warning signs that were already posted along the off-ramp.”

Members of the community said they would like to see more. People have suggested adding speed bumps and lights. The DOT will review the area to determine if there are more steps that could be taken to improve safety.

Source: NY1, “Driver Loses Control At Dangerous Site By Queensboro Bridge,” Angela Chen, 14 May 2011