Thanks to William for the photo of a crash scene on the east side of California/Findlay, blocking Findlay. No SFD dispatch so apparently no injuries. No other info about the circumstances but we’re publishing this in case you see the knocked-over hydrant and wonder what happened.
What’s with the decapitated hydrant, but no water? I would expect a geyser!
We’ve explained that one before, but I can’t find the story – as explained by various online references, there’s what’s called a “dry barrel” hydrant:
https://www.irwinsafety.com/blog/the-difference-between-wet-barrel-and-dry-barrel-hydrants-explained
Ever since they put in the barrier preventing people from turning left onto Findlay from California, there has been more accidents. Wasted money on something that did not approve traffic but made it worse.
You can still turn left onto Findlay. The barrier only prevents you from passing any cars to do so, thus making it safer for pedestrians.
The center island installed on the S side of California there has made the left turn from NB California to WB Findlay a lot trickier. You can enter the intersection and try to be in what remains of the turn pocket but there’s not enough distance remaining to maneuver over over and fully out of the through lane NB. I am unhappy with how they installed the island so close and didn’t sculpt it for at least a single car to have space to wait for the WB turn. A larger vehicle would be even worse off. If you’re trying to turn from that W leg of Findlay onto California, the fact that the signal lights are shrouded and thus aren’t visible to you is also a bit annoying. Leaving off the shrouds would help you know what signals others are seeing at the intersection.
I watch this issues daily out our window. It’s a dangerous setup.
A barrier on the left doesn’t make someone veer off to the right into a fire hydrant.
You’re right! What I can tell you is a Prius had damage on the passenger front corner. It turned onto Findlay from either NB or SB California. The car on the sidewalk had damage on the front, where it it the hydrant and not far off from the building. It also had a ton of damage in the rear. It was facing NB on California. Had to have been both were going NB, something caused the hydrant car to quickly stop, the Prius swerved and/or braked, and rear ended the car, pushing it into the hyrdrant. No other angles make sense. I know the car that hit the hydrant was pointing toward Findlay EB, so somebody may have jet across the street. Because as said in my original post, this intersection is dangerous and encourages stupid frogger decisions.
I had turned left and parked on Findlay, planning to catch a C bus. This was at about 11:00 a.m. As I neared the intersection, I saw the police car with lights on. After parking my car, I saw the car that hit the hydrant, and at least one officer was present. There seemed to be quite a bit of damage to the back end of the “aggressor” car — as if it had been pushed into the hydrant. Is there any other explanation for how this occurred?
This scared the crap out of me! We live in the corner unit, and I was on a call at the time. I heard the crash and felt the ‘bang’ of the hydrant being hit. I thought the car had hit the lower part of the unit. I’m glad nobody was seriously injured. For what it’s worth, this intersection is dangerous. Stupid really! Every day I watch pedestrians get confused by the single crosswalk. I also constantly see people constantly think the light automatically changes for them to walk. What’s more, who mixes lights and stops signs. Just put lights all four ways, or a 4 way stop. West Seattle is the only place I’ve really seen these. The one at California and Genessee causes near accidents all the time too. While we’re on it. Rob Saka should lead the charge to put flashing lights on the crosswalk by Talarico’s.
I agree. I really question if SDOT traffic signage & pavement markings conform to DOT standards. I see a lot of re-engineered lanes that don’t line up properly (e.g. SW Admiral & 47th AV SW). I’m surprised some lane assist devices can handle these.
Sorry, comment time is over.
| 12 COMMENTS