FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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“The Fatal Fifteen”
Circulate San Diego Calls for City to Fix 15 Deadliest Intersections
SAN DIEGO (Feb. 1, 2017) – Crossing the street is an everyday activity for most San Diegans, but too often it’s also one of the most dangerous things they’ll do all day.
Sixty percent of pedestrian crashes in San Diego occur at intersections, and among these, repeat crashes occur at the same intersections time and time again. A report released last year by the Office of the City Auditor found that, “Many intersections with the highest rates of crashes, injuries and fatalities have not been modernized to improve pedestrian safety and generally continue to experience crashes.”[1]
In response, Circulate San Diego and its coalition of partner organizations is launching “The Fatal Fifteen,” an initiative to urge the city to fund safe and affordable infrastructure at the 15 most dangerous intersections in the city.
Last year was the third year in a row to experience an increase in pedestrian deaths (often the most the most vulnerable on our streets). And, as many as 18 people have been seriously injured while walking through the Fatal Fifteen in the past 15 years, yet modern safety improvements have not been implemented.
When Mayor Faulconer announced his support for Vision Zero in 2015, he stated, “There is nothing more important than public safety which is why we’re working toward the goal of zero traffic deaths in the City of San Diego.”
More than one year into its commitment, the City has taken some steps to achieving the goal of Vision Zero, including the Mayor’s formation of a Vision Zero Task Force, creation of a One Year Strategic Plan, development of a safe street design on University Avenue, and subsequent successful grant applications for $5.5 million in infrastructure improvements. But much more work is needed.
“While the City has taken strides to adopt the goal of zero deaths, we have not seen tangible infrastructure improvements in areas with the highest crash rates to demonstrate this commitment. Meanwhile, death and injury on our streets continue to rise,” said Circulate San Diego’s Director of Advocacy Kathleen Ferrier.
A few simple safety improvements can make a huge difference in protecting everyone crossing “The Fatal Fifteen,” which are located throughout the City, in Downtown, City Heights, Hillcrest, Pacific Beach, the South Bay and more. Circulate San Diego and its partners are calling for a minimum of three steps to make these intersections “Vision Zero Safe”: Stripes. Signal. Sound.
- Stripes – Paint ladder or zebra stripes across the crosswalk for increased visibility
- Signal – Install a countdown signal
- Sound – Make sure the signal has audible prompts to let people know when it’s safe to cross
Circulate San Diego has also placed warning posters at each of “The Fatal Fifteen” intersections.
To learn more or urge the City to fix “The Fatal Fifteen,” visit www.circulatesd.org/fatal15sd.
|
|
Location of “The Fatal Fifteen” |
Council District |
Total Collisions 2001-2015 |
Total Seriously Injured 2001-2015 |
Total Killed 2001-2015 |
Total Seriously Injured + Killed 2001-2015 |
|
1 |
University Ave & Marlborough Ave |
9 |
16 |
18 |
0 |
18 |
|
2 |
University Ave & 52nd Street |
9 |
17 |
18 |
0 |
18 |
|
3 |
Mission Blvd & Garnet Ave |
2 |
16 |
17 |
0 |
17 |
|
4 |
University Ave & Park Blvd |
3 |
16 |
16 |
0 |
16 |
|
5 |
University Ave & Menlo Ave |
9 |
12 |
14 |
0 |
14 |
|
6 |
Sixth Ave & Broadway |
3 |
13 |
14 |
0 |
14 |
|
7 |
El Cajon Blvd & 36th Street |
3 |
12 |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
8 |
Paradise Valley Rd & Deep Dell Rd |
4 |
12 |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
9 |
University Ave & Fairmount Ave |
9 |
11 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
10 |
Fifth Ave & B Street |
3 |
12 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
11 |
Fourth Ave & B Street |
3 |
11 |
11 |
1 |
12 |
|
12 |
Euclid Ave & Naranja Street |
4 |
14 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
13 |
Palm Ave & 16th Street (SB) |
8 |
8 |
10 |
2 |
12 |
|
14 |
Coronado Ave & Thermal Ave (SB) |
8 |
9 |
11 |
1 |
12 |
|
15 |
Fifth Ave & Broadway |
3 |
12 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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[1] Office of City Auditor, Performance Audit of City’s Programs Responsible for Improving Pedestrian Safety, https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/17-006_performance_audit_ped_safety.pdf.
