[ back ]
Ramp crashes are up despite warning signs
(by Mike Klimko - December 17, 2008)
Ramp crashes are up despite warning signs
By MIKE KLIMKO
The two eastbound exit ramps from the Route 422 freeway in Solon remained trouble spots for rear-end collisions over a recent six-month period, according to Solon police statistics.
City officials said they hoped that warning signs posted in May near the bottom of the ramps at Harper Road and at SOM Center Road (Route 91) would improve traffic safety.
The number of reported collisions cast doubt on the effectiveness of the signs, Assistant Police Chief Raymond Tittl said at last week's meeting of City Council's safety and public properties committee. More collisions were reported at the Harper Road and SOM Center roads ramps between May 17 and Nov. 17 than during the same period in 2007, he said.
The Ohio Department of Transportation authorized the use of the signs for another trial period of six months, city traffic engineer Kevin Westbrooks said.
Custom-made cautionary signs were posted on each ramp in May, reading, "High crash location, following too close," and depicting a rear-end collision.
The number of collisions during the first trial period more than doubled at Harper Road, from six in 2007 to 13 this year. Police recorded 10 collisions at Harper Road in 2006. The number through Nov. 17 at SOM Center Road stood at 14, one more than those reported during the same period in 2007 but fewer than the 21 recorded there in 2006.
"We had noticed, through our entering of accidents, a lot of rear-end crashes at the bottom of the ramps," Mr. Tittl said. "ODOT said the signs could be used for six months," he said.
"In my opinion, these signs have not caused a reduction in the number of crashes. However, there are other factors that can result in crashes: the volume of traffic and weather conditions," Mr. Tittle said. "There is no way to say 100 percent certain that the signs were no good. Kevin Westbrooks said ODOT would let us leave the signs up for another six months to May 17 and then reach a conclusion."
Police would not be able to determine whether the use of cellular telephones was a factor in the collisions, Mr. Tittl said in answer to a question from Councilman William I. Russo. Officers expect motorists to deny using telephones at the time of the crashes, he said. The warning signs might not be catching the eye of motorists as they exit the freeway, he said.
Police began tracking reported crashes on the ramps in 2006, Mr. Tittl said. There were 16 at Harper Road and 33 at SOM Center Road in 2006, 23 at Harper Road and 39 at SOM Center Road in 2007.
The common factor in nearly all of the reported crashes vehicles stopped at the bottom of the ramps for red traffic signal then creeping forward and being struck when they stopped again Mr. Tittl said.
[ back ]
