Rollover crash update: Delridge open again

ORIGINAL REPORT: The “heavy rescue” call to 6900 Delridge (map) is a two-car crash, including a rollover, and it’s blocking the road both ways – photos in a moment. Thanks to T. Bradley for the photos above, and this info:

From what I could observe the overturned car was heading southbound on Delridge when it hit the silver Honda Civic that appeared to be parked on the west side of Delridge. Upon striking the rear driver’s side of the Civic, the gold Ford Taurus rolled over onto its roof. The Taurus appeared to be occupied by a women and 2 to 3 small children. No one was trapped and all were able to extricate themselves prior to the arrival of the first fire department units. There appeared to be minor injuries. Currently Delridge Way is blocked in both directions.

We will go check in a bit to see if the road has reopened yet. 4:09 PM UPDATE: It’s cleared, and open.

Delridge resident November 22, 2008 (9:37 pm)

When is the city of Seattle going to do something about the speed limit on Delridge Way SW? These accidents would not be nearly as devastating, if the speed limit was lowered to 25mph and enforced by police. Over the past year, there have been several accidents on Delridge such as this. As a resident of the Delridge area, I know that people often drive in excess of 45-50 mph, despite a 35mph speed limit. Everyday I witness people passing on the right hand shoulder as well as the center turn lane. Delridge Way is not a safe street to walk or drive on. With the addition of Chief Sealth High School, there is far more foot traffic than ever before. It is only a matter of time before we witness a fatality due to negligent and wreckless driving on Delridge.

andrew November 23, 2008 (7:12 am)

What is the deal with people running into parked cars around here? I have never seen it happen so often in any other place! At first, I thought it was inexperienced driving, yet, I am seeing more and more people talking on their phone, despite the new law. I hope this person and her kids are OK.

Rob November 23, 2008 (8:51 am)

I am also tired of people talking on their phone and obviously ignoring the law. Everytime I witness it in a car behind or in front of me, I either honk and flash my lights or slow down to nearly braking.

Delridge has virtually no speed enforcement, however the city has placed a giant flashing speed radar sign on Fauntleroy. The ridiculous part of the whole mess is that mayor Nichols had the speed reduced to 30 on Admiral and the Admiral hill, even though it has a fraction of the density that Delridge has.

mike November 23, 2008 (11:05 am)

Wow this takes some skill the woman deserves an award for worst driver. It takes some serious talent to roll a car over when not on a race track.

All, changing the speed limit would not have affected this!! People who are so rushed that they would do this are not going to heed a new ridiculously slow speed limit.

Andrew I agree, Is this really normal in other cities?

west seattleite November 23, 2008 (5:36 pm)

The number of accidents involving a parked car on Delridge is completely rediculous! I am glad that the driver and passengers were unharmed, but I still have to wonder how many accidents it will take before the community responds to this problem? Why would people care to slow down or put the phone down when there are no consequences for their actions? Both of my neighbors had their parked cars hit on Delridge within the last 10 months. One of the incidents involved a drunk driver. The cops decided to let the guy go because nobody actually witnessed him driving the car. What is up with that? I wish the police would spend less time looking for expired tabs and focus on the areas and infractions that are actually unsafe.

Mike – I would have to disagree with you. The speed limit should be reduced in front of the school zones and parks. Although most people will not abide by a reduced speed limit, it will increase the cost of the traffic infraction. If only the police would enforce such a thing…