Driver vs. pole at California/Edmunds/Erskine

Thanks to the texter who sent the photo: Part of the signal system will need repairs after this crash on the southwest side of the California/Edmunds/Erskine intersection. No Seattle Fire callout so far, so apparently no injuries of note.

14 Replies to "Driver vs. pole at California/Edmunds/Erskine"

  • WSNeighbor May 4, 2021 (9:13 am)

    Came upon this just after it happened on my way to the bus.  No apparent injuries and some pedestrians were with the driver who seemed to be confused but not hurt.  SPD was arriving on scene.  Signals seemed to be off and two other cars almost hit one of the SPD cars and another car that had a green light so use caution in that intersection!  Also, the pedestrian “walk” signals across the intersection seemed to be affected as well.

  • Tap May 4, 2021 (9:30 am)

  • vincent May 4, 2021 (9:43 am)

    We need presumed liability in traffic laws, this should be a reckless driving citation, not a whoopsie.If you were swerving to avoid a child you can explain it to a judge.

  • Al May 4, 2021 (9:58 am)

    Any time I’ve ever waited in that pedestrian island, I’ve thought “huh, it feels like I’m standing in the middle of the street, is this safe?” This is why.

    Maybe some bollards would help.

    • Michael May 4, 2021 (1:18 pm)

      Same!  I always use that pole as a “shield”, doesn’t look like it would have done much good! 

    • BJG May 4, 2021 (5:47 pm)

      We used to send student safety patrols from Jefferson School to stand on that island three times a day with a flag. It was busy then.  We didn’t lose a child. The difference I see are the drivers now, always in a hurry and acting like they have the right of way no matter what. They scare me. 

  • Junction Dweller May 4, 2021 (10:04 am)

    It’s pure luck that no one was standing there.  That little island with the signal is a death trap for pedestrians.  Especially with cars coming down the hill and turning left.  Even though it’s a weird 5 way intersection, the city should remove the island and put the signal on the corner like normal; for safety reasons, if nothing else.

    • Jort May 4, 2021 (2:25 pm)

      Realistically the city should close SW Edmunds between 42nd and California entirely to vehicles. This stretch is used almost exclusively by people trying to avoid having to stop at the Junction stoplight. It is a shortcut, and people tend to speed through shortcuts. If people don’t like sitting in traffic and waiting for lights, they should stop driving and walk or take the bus. Shortcuts = reduced safety.

      • s May 4, 2021 (3:50 pm)

        Jort, that’s crazy talk. Totally inaccurate.

      • Westside May 4, 2021 (4:34 pm)

        Or just put a light at 42nd and Edmunds. 

  • Rick May 4, 2021 (12:36 pm)

    Make it an all bicycle intersection. And scooters. And motorized skateboards. Problem solved!

  • Don Brubeck May 4, 2021 (1:37 pm)

    Race car driver in the pole position?

  • Joe Z May 4, 2021 (2:25 pm)

    SDOT has done a nice job removing slip lanes — hopefully they get rid of this one soon. 

  • Al King May 4, 2021 (6:17 pm)

    S. What did you expect from Jort???

Sorry, comment time is over.