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'Dangerous' intersection has low crash count
(by Mike Klimko - December 03, 2008)
'Dangerous' intersection has low crash count
By MIKE KLIMKO
Motorists have been remarkable in their ability to negotiate what is considered one of the most dangerous intersections, according to police department statistics.
The intersection of Bainbridge and SOM Center (Route 91) roads remains a trouble spot, according to city officials, and could be realigned at some point to reduce the risk of collisions and improve the flow of traffic.
A potential reworking of the intersection is a priority, Ward 6 Councilman Edward H. Kraus said. Collisions are inevitable there, he said.
The area covered by the intersection near the new central fire station is a fairly wide expanse with poor sight lines that can put approaching vehicles in the path of each other, Fire Chief William J. Shaw said.
Police have recorded 18 collisions at the intersection through October of this year, Assistant Police Chief Raymond Tittl said. The city has averaged a total of 700 collisions annually, he said.
According to statistics, nine of the accidents at the intersection this year have involved rear-end crashes on SOM Center Road, Mr. Tittl said, and police cited those at fault for failure to maintain an assured clear distance. One motorist who wound up stopping within the intersection backed into a vehicle in an effort to the clear the way, he said. No injuries were reported in the collisions on SOM Center Road.
Police cited a total of six motorists involved in crashes on Bainbridge Road with failure to maintain an assured clear distance, he said. Another three were cited, including one for running a red light, one for an improper lane change and one for an improper turn, he said. Police recorded three claimed injuries and one visible injury on Bainbridge Road.
Traffic is a problem for all communities, Mr. Shaw said. Solon is not unique in the confrontation with morning and evening rush-hour traffic, he said, which can delay the response time in emergencies.
"Does it happen? Yes," Mr. Shaw said of traffic blocking fire units at Station No. 2. "Is it an inconvenience, and we're momentarily delayed? Yes, it occurs sporadically," he said.
"The motorists are pretty good, when they see us, in making adjustments and letting us out. The best thing motorists can do is just to be more aware of their surroundings and where they are," Mr. Shaw said.
"People want us to get out on the road. A small percentage of the time in the morning and in the afternoon it is a problem. We have to work around the problem. We do have options."
The best alternative is to call in units from the other fire stations on Harper Road and at Pettibone Road, Mr. Shaw said. Being able to rely on the other stations is an advantage, he said. "We have the redundancy factor working for us. We realize that there was a need to rely on them and that there would be a delay. One second is a delay."
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