Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 1, 2017
Work Begins on Safety Improvements at Intersection of Bell and Mt. View Roads
After city leaders identified the intersection of Bell Road and Mt. View Road in Antioch as being a dangerous area that was the site of many auto accidents and pedestrian accidents, work began Tuesday to make it safer for both drivers and pedestrians.
Per a report by WKRN.com, improvements include a new left-hand turn lane on Mt. View Road and a modification to the median on Bell Road that will now accommodate a left turn.
In addition, the roadway will be safer for pedestrians due to the additions of things like pedestrian and traffic signals, as well as pedestrian ramps and new sidewalks and crosswalks.
A teen told reporters that he has nearly been hit by vehicles while walking from the bus stop to his job that’s nearby, and that drivers are often texting or talking on the phone while their vehicles are in motion.
A city councilwoman also told reporters that the intersection is one of the most congested in the community and that it includes people who use wheelchairs and mobile carts due to the presence of retail stores in the area.
The project will take four weeks to complete and is part of an intersection improvement plan that includes 12 other intersections in the city.
How Can You Safely Utilize Pedestrian Accommodations?
Many roadways in Nashville are already equipped or becoming equipped with pedestrian accommodations such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and crossing signals. Nearly 5,000 pedestrians were killed when they were struck by vehicles in 2014, and another 65,000 were seriously injured.
More and more cities throughout the country are adding pedestrian safety features to reduce these numbers and make it safer for pedestrians to get from place to place. However, these features aren’t effective if they aren’t utilized properly.
To safely use pedestrian features in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee, follow these tips:
Ramps are designed for wheelchair users to easily enter and exit sidewalks, but they’re also designed to help pedestrians, too. The gradual and gentle slope reduces the risk of slipping, tripping, and falling—which can be extremely dangerous when it happens near vehicles and moving traffic.
As soon as you approach an intersection, check to see if there’s a button to indicate that you’re crossing the street. If there is one, press it and wait for the signal to appear, giving you the right of way to cross. Never jaywalk or cross an intersection when you don’t have a walk signal, even if it doesn’t look like any vehicles are in the roadway.
Many pedestrian accidents occur outside of crosswalks. While it may be inconvenient to walk a few hundred feet to reach the nearest crosswalk, doing so will not only help you avoid getting a citation, but it will also significantly reduce your chances of being struck by a vehicle.
In addition to utilizing these safety features, you should also exercise more caution when walking in the rain, at night, or after winter weather when roads may be slick and icy. Never attempt to cross intersections if there are only a few seconds left on the walk signal as you approach the crosswalk, and always look both ways when crossing even when you have the right of way. Many pedestrians are injured and killed in crosswalks by drivers who run red lights.
If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. To find out how our legal team can assist you and fight for your rights for things like medical bills and lost wages, contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form. We know Tennessee laws, and we know how to build claims that protect the rights of innocent victims like you.
