Increase in Pedestrian Accidents Leads to Close Look at Motorist Actions

Since 2011, three pedestrians in West Hollywood have been killed in crosswalks after being struck by a motor vehicle. Authorities allege that the automobile driver was at fault in all three fatalities. During that same time period, there were 84 car-pedestrian accidents in the city. As a result, the city council is reviewing competing proposals—one for speeding up rush-hour traffic and one for slowing it down—to enhance safety for pedestrians.

Those in favor of speeding up traffic argue that slower traffic patterns lead more drivers to take their eyes off the road, looking at their cell phones or other devices. One resident expressed concerns that heavy traffic patterns lead to boredom and frustration, so drivers mistakenly believe they can look at their devices. He argued that West Hollywood should reduce the number of stop signs and traffic lights, so that traffic moved more fluidly. He also pointed out that slowing down traffic generally only leads to frustration and impatience in drivers.

Those in favor of more stop signs and traffic lights contend that slowing traffic will give drivers and pedestrians more time to react. Opponents say that many drivers, already frustrated by the slow movement of traffic on main thoroughfares, detour onto side roads and accelerate through neighborhoods.

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