On March 2, tragedy struck a metro family after a collision involving a Ford Fusion and a RideKC bus claimed the life of their loved one. According to police reports, the motor vehicle was struck by the bus while driving through the intersection of 25th and Charlotte streets.
Attorney Steve Sanders, who is representing the victim’s family, said the crash was a preventable tragedy.
“It should have never happened,” stated Sanders to FOX 4 News Kansas City. “And what we are concerned about is that it will probably happen again if the city does not change the way it is doing things.”
In October of last year, the city made plans to remove the traffic signals at the intersection. By March, the intersection included a stop sign for all southbound traffic to stop at Charlotte Street and yield to the drivers on 25th Street.
After the fatal collision at 25th and Charlotte, once again the city changed the intersection by permanently removing the covered light poles and added another stop sign. Now, both lanes of traffic must stop.
Regional traffic engineers adhere to federal standards established by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, looking at various factors such as the number of accidents at the intersection, foot traffic in the area, and distance from a school building. These evaluations can take weeks and include hours of on-site research.
However, Sanders worries more analysis must be conducted by the city to avoid fatal crashes from occurring.
“It seems rather obvious, although I do not know for certain, the city did not do that sort of planning and analysis at this intersection when they changed it,” said Sanders.
If you have been in a car accident in Kansas City, or would like more information, contact Sanders.Law today.