Rees to Walker, Benjamin, Daoust (SUV Accident)

From: Mark Rees
To:
Councillor, Michael Walker
Stephen Benjamin
P. Daoust

Subject: Oriole Parkway & Oxton Avenue Pedestrian Safety

Dear Gentlemen:

I would like to bring to your attention an accident that occurred yesterday at the intersection of Oriole Parkway and Oxton Avenue between an 18 wheeled truck and an SUV.

Of particular interest is where the SUV came to rest following the accident - on the sidewalk in the exact spot a pedestrian would have be standing had they been waiting for (as we know) the non existent "pedestrian gap" (see attached accident).

One could only image what would have happened had a pedestrian been standing at the corner.

In talking with both drivers it was the opinion of the truck driver that this accident would not have occurred had the SUV been brought to a halt by a stop sign and therefore would not have tried to turn inside the arc of the truck's turn.

The police report will of course confirm the official cause of the accident. Regardless though, I believe this accident is a direct result of :

1. An intersection which is very challenging for a great many drivers (i.e. proven by the many drivers who stop at the corner's invisible "stop" sign)

2. The "freeway" nature of this corner and corridor (i.e. a "got to keep going at all costs" driver attitude or else I'll "let go" on the horn!)

3. The absence of a stop sign, or even a yield sign, to contradict the "freeway" attitude on the part of many drivers (which I and others believe has made the corner even more lethal to pedestrians).

Can we blame the drivers entirely? Clearly, no.

The 20/30km speed limit signs are minuscule in size (both directions on Oxton), obscured by trees and at the mid point (not each end) of Oxton Avenue.

So how are drivers to know the Oxton speed limit as they enter the avenue (the island speed limit sign at the western approach to Oxton is poorly located)?

As a pedestrian and a driver on Oxton, each day I seem to find something new that suggests to me that the City needs to send someone down to Oxton road now to see for themselves what is most definitely wrong on Oxton Avenue (see attached speed limit sign images).

The signatures on the neighbourhood petition (copies to follow soon) attest to the fact that action clearly needs to be taken to address the concerns of pedestrians at this corner.

The lack of effective, visible residential neighbourhood traffic signs needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Although Michael Walker has requested several Oxton traffic studies (which we appreciate) we need to ensure that positive action is the outcome of these studies.

What is stopping us moving on the issues raised?

Please let me know.

Sincerely,

Mark Rees

(Michael Walker is our local Councilman)