The Most Dangerous Intersections In San Francisco; Particularly For Pedestrians
In 2007 The City and County of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency published a report based on a study reflecting data assessed during 2006-2007 that comprehensively outlined the most dangerous intersections in the City. The SFMTA report concluded that accidents occurring at or near intersections account for nearly two-thirds of the collisions that resulted in injuries in San Francisco during the 2006-2007 time period. The following SF intersections were identified to be most problematic according to the SFMTA:
1. Oak Street & Octavia (21 reported injury accidents over a two year period)
2. Gough Street & Market (17 injury accidents)
3. 19th Avenue & Sloat (15 injury accidents)
4. 13th & South Van Ness Ave. (13 injury accidents)
5. 6th & Market (13 injury accidents)
6. Octavia & Market (13 injury accidents)
7. 19th Ave. & Junipero Serra (13 injury accidents)
8. Bayshore Blvd. & Silver Avenue (13 injury accidents)
9. 10th Street & Fell St. / Polk St. (11 injury accidents)
10. 13th St. & Mission (10 injury accidents)
11. 6th St. & Howard (10 injury accidents)
In 2007, there were a total of 3,021 injury collisions in San Francisco according to the SFMTA report. Although pedestrian related accidents accounted for only one out four collisions in San Francisco, pedestrians comprised a staggering 57% of the fatalities during that time. There are various factors involved accounting for the significant danger to pedestrians at intersections. For instance, many times traffic signals do not provide an adequate amount of time to safely cross the street. Additionally, violations of pedestrian right-of-way, driving at an unsafe speed, improper turning, and running red lights account for the vast majority of accidents at an intersection.
There are several reasons why specific intersections are far more dangerous than others. An intersection may be constructed or designed inadequately, or lack stop or yield signs altogether.
It is important to know if you are injured at an unsafe intersection you may have to file a government claim against the City, proper public or government entity to seek compensation. In San Francisco there is a strict deadline that a government claim must be filed within six months from the day of your accident or your case against the City may be forever barred. Some small exceptions are carved out, including people with such severe injury that they are essentially incapacitated for a period of time. It is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney immediately if you have been injured in an accident, particularly if it occurred at an intersection in the San Francisco Bay Area.
By Jennifer Nicoletto, Esq.