Second Crash at Rochester Intersection Shows Need for Interim Safety Measures
The intersection where both crashes occurred. (Image taken during the 2023 Crash Analysis Studio.)
Public officials across the country are grappling with repeated crashes at dangerous intersections, often feeling powerless to address the problem. Constituents grow increasingly frustrated, demanding safer streets, and it’s heartbreaking to witness people being put in danger while simply trying to live their lives.
A recent incident at South Goodman Street and Park Avenue in Rochester, New York, highlights the urgency of action. A woman and her dog were struck while walking in a crosswalk. While they escaped serious harm, this follows a tragic crash at the same intersection where Edgar Santa Cruz and his dog Rosie were killed just over two years ago.
The death of Edgar Santa Cruz led neighbors to organize a Crash Analysis Studio to dig into the factors that make the intersection of South Goodman Street and Park Avenue so dangerous. The session uncovered several big issues: wide lanes that invite speeding, bad lighting that makes it hard for drivers to see, and an intersection design that doesn’t do enough to keep pedestrians safe.
It’s a recipe for disaster: high-speed traffic racing through an area where people are just trying to walk their dogs or cross the street safely. The result? Tragedy, time and time again. Fixing these issues means changing how the streets are designed.
Since the Crash Analysis Studio, Rochester residents and officials have made progress toward that goal. The city is in the process of rebuilding the intersection, with the new design planned to include high-visibility crosswalks. City officials have also updated design standards to include similar safety enhancements in future projects. In addition, the county has instituted a Community Traffic Safety Team to identify dangerous design factors before crashes occur.
These are all great and important steps. However, they're not immediate responses. These longer-term responses must be paired with immediate action that protects people in the interim.
The Studio report suggested simple, low-cost and quick changes like using temporary markings to narrow lanes, lowering speed limits, and using reflective materials to make crosswalks more visible. These steps are easy to implement and can make streets safer right away, addressing the urgent need that this latest crash clearly shows.
The Strong Towns Crash Analysis Studio is a hands-on way for communities to dig into the reasons why crashes happen and what can be done to stop them. It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about figuring out what design flaws make a place unsafe and coming up with real solutions that work.
It’s time to stop waiting for the next crash to spur action. If you’re ready, you can launch your own Crash Analysis Studio. Strong Towns has prepared all the resources you need to get going. We’ll coach you on the next steps — virtually or in person — if you need help getting started.
