Earlier this month, a 53-year-old pedestrian was walking back home from Camille’s Market on Gallatin Pike when she was struck by a passing car. According to WKRN-TV News2, car and pedestrian accidents are frequent in this area. Residents believe more crosswalks, bike lanes and better lighting could help make East Nashville more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
THE CITY MUST DO MORE TO PROTECT PEDESTRIANS
Last year was a particularly deadly year for Tennessee pedestrians and bicyclists, especially in Nashville. According to Nashville Public Radio, 120 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed by cars. Since these numbers became made available, the city has made some changes to help improve pedestrian safety, including:
- Pedestrian scramble crosswalk on Broadway between Second and Fifth avenues
- Added fencing to expand pedestrian zones on Lower Broadway
- Project for the installation of a sidewalk at Harding Place
Additionally, the city has made improvements to major intersections, including:
- Estes Road at Abbot Martin Road, Harding Place and Hobbs Road
- Battery Lane at Granny White Pike
- Bell Road at Mt. View Road
These intersection improvements include signal replacements, new sidewalks, installation of pedestrian signals, new curb ramps and crosswalks. However, considering the number of bicycle and pedestrian accidents are still high in Nashville, it seems the city could do more.
Other larger cities, such as Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Portland, Austin and now Seattle have adopted Vision Zero, which is an initiative that aims to reduce the number of traffic deaths to zero. Vision Zero is a data-driven approach to reducing the number of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in particular by improving the infrastructure, spreading awareness through safety campaigns and increasing enforcement. Perhaps Nashville should get on board with Vision Zero to make the streets safer.
The Law Office of Stanley A. Davis is a Nashville personal injury law firm that fights for those injured in pedestrian accidents.
“Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left, Turn your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:26-27
Source: https://www.wkrn.com/news/womans-roadway-death-in-east-nashville-stresses-need-for-crosswalks/