The Valley Breeze published an article this week, highlighting one couple’s plea for a four-way stop at Route 146 and the intersection of Styles Hill Road. According to the article, Gerry and Wendy Champagne walk down Route 146 about three times a week, crossing the street to catch a bus in front of the Travelers Motor Lodge. Each time they feel extremely vulnerable and feel they are risking their lives.
What Causes this Pedestrian Accident?
After they press the button at the intersection, indicating they wish to cross the four lanes of traffic, the signal tells them to cross. However, drivers traveling on Sayles Hill Road also have a green light and do not stop. Drivers who turn left onto Route 146, may accelerate as they turn, directly into the path of pedestrians. The Champagnes say they have almost been struck by vehicles several times. And so they are asking the DOT to consider a four-way, all-vehicle stop at the intersection, for the safety of pedestrians who need to cross the intersection.
According to the Valley Breeze, there have been a number of serious injuries and fatal accidents at the location over the years. In November 2015, a Massachusetts man tragically died when his vehicle went over the guardrail and into a utility pole on the Route 146 exit ramp onto Sayles Hill Road. In the last several years, town officials have lobbied for a redesign of the busy intersection but the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) so far has not committed. Charles St. Martin, a representative for the RIDOT said four-way stops at intersections are rare, noting that they can cause traffic congestion at even relatively quiet intersections. The Sayles Hill Road Intersection.
Make Sure You’re Protected
Rhode Island pedestrian accident lawyers at Dana and Dana monitor safety and accident news in the area. They have successfully represented multiple victims of Rhode Island pedestrian accidents over the years. To learn more about your rights in a personal injury or pedestrian accident claim, contact them at (401) 217-3449. All Rhode Island personal injury consultations are free and there are never any fees unless we recover money for you.
