Dangerous incidents at Union Avenue intersections in East Williamsburg prompts residents to demand safer streets
Many express hope that city officials will take the necessary steps to enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians in East Williamsburg.
A popular intersection is raising serious safety concerns for residents as traffic accidents continue in the area.
People are speaking out, citing a pattern of dangerous incidents at different intersections on Union Avenue.
A resident in the area expressed frustration
"The problem with the accidents is the drivers. They don't want to follow the rules of the road," they said.
Union Avenue, which runs in multiple directions, has become a hotspot for accidents.
Police say on Sept. 1, a biker was killed in a collision with a car at the intersection of Lynch Street and Union Avenue, injuring another person in the process.
They say just a few days later, on Sept. 4, an SUV struck a moped rider at Lormier Street and Union Avenue, leaving him in critical condition.
Despite these alarming incidents, some community members believe that speeding may not be the main issue anymore.
"There used to be a lot of speeding, but ever since they put the light in, it’s been helpful, you know, it’s slowing things down a little bit," a local resident added.
So, what could be causing two serious accidents just blocks apart within a matter of days?
Alexa Sledge, director of communications at Transportation Alternatives and a former resident of the area, says rethinking the design of the roads is a crucial first step toward improving safety.
"Making the road narrower so that cars drive more slowly is really effective," Sledge said. "Implementing safe, dedicated areas for pedestrians, like raised crosswalks or shorter crosswalks, helps reduce the time pedestrians spend in the street."
The Department of Transportation has been looking into the situation.
It told News 12 that it secured authorization from the state Legislature that will allow it to quadruple its red-light camera program to cover 600 intersections, once signed by the governor.
For now, community members are left to navigate these intersections with caution.
Many express hope that city officials will take the necessary steps to enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians in East Williamsburg.
