Posted on February 23, 2007 by Regan Zambri & Long

DC Pedestrian Safety: New Efforts to Balance Safety and Traffic Flow

As recently reported in the Washington Post, area transportation officials are targeting specific locations throughout the city that are particularly dangerous for pedestrians.   Identification of the trouble spots is the first step in their study of ways to manage traffic flow with pedestrian safety. 

Based on accident statistics from 1998-2004, following are the ten most dangerous intersections in Washington, DC:

  • Benning Road and Minnesota Avenue, NE - 19 accidents
  • Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW - 16 accidents
  • Bladensburg Road and New York Avenue, NE - 14 accidents
  • North Carolina Street and New York Avenue, NE - 14 accidents
  • Alabama Avenue and Stanton Road, SE - 14 accidents
  • 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW - 12 accidents
  • 18th Street and Columbia Road, NW - 11 accidents
  • East Capitol Street and Benning Road, NE - 11 accidents
  • 17th Street and K Street NW - 10 accidents
  • Mississippi Avenue and Wheeler Road, SE - 10 accidents
According to George Branyan, coordinator of pedestrian programs for the D.C. Department of Transportation, a master plan is being developed to address pedestrian safety.  Some measures  already put in place include signage changes, pedestrian marking changes, signal timing sequence adjustments,  upgrade of traffic signals, and installation of higher-intensity light  bulbs.  Other considerations are illuminated crosswalks, narrowing intersections by adding curb extensions to sidewalks, road dieting (narrowing streets to reduce speeds), and traffic-calming devices (speed humps).  Along with the safety measures, transportation experts maintain that keeping traffic flowing is still an important consideration.  Planners and traffic engineers can only do so much to increase pedestrian safety.  In the end, as Mr. Branyon stated, "It's up to the drivers.  We just have to get them to obey the law."

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