September 30, 2015

Most Dangerous Intersections in the Bronx for Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities: East Fordham Road and Webster Avenue

Posted in Auto Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents

Last week we started a series describing some of the most dangerous intersections in the Bronx when it comes to pedestrian fatalities and car accidents. We covered the intersection of East 170^th and Grand Concourse where numerous pedestrian injuries and casualties are caused by wide roads and heavily traffic. This week the intersection of East Fordham Road at Webster Avenue, was identified by the Department of Transportation as the city’s most dangerous intersection in 2008, will be the focus of this article.

The one of the main problems with the intersection is 70 feet wide with no median, which makes it very difficult for pedestrians to cross the street within the signal. The crossing takes even longer for children and the elderly who move slowly. East Fordham road intersection is a shopping hub that brings in 80,000 pedestrians per day. The intersection is often grid-locked, causing pedestrians to dangerously weave between cars as they try to cross the road.

In September 2012, a 24-year-old man was crossing Webster Avenue when he was struck by a driver in the early hours of the morning. The driver then fled the scene.

Another issue that adds to the amount of pedestrian injuries and fatalities is sidewalk overcrowding. On top of the thousands of local residents who use the sidewalks, the intersection is a stop on 8 bus lines. The en mass unloading of the buses encourages pedestrians to walk in the street since there is no more space on the side walk.

Plans have been made to retime lights in the intersection so they are longer to give pedestrians more time to cross the street and timed walk/don’t walk signs will be installed. Medians will also be installed so pedestrians can cross the street in two trips instead of the long trek they currently take.

More improvements will be made in the area to increase pedestrian and driver safety as part of Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities. But until all of the projects are completed, this intersection remains dangerous to pedestrians and drivers alike.