Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg is acutely aware of local auto versus pedestrian accidents. This is Part 2 of 2 discussing the most dangerous intersections for pedestrian accidents in Woodland Hills. As you might guess, most of these accidents occur at only a few select intersections in Woodland Hills as detailed in Part 1. This Article discusses the dangerous intersections in Woodland Hills that may not be so obvious. With the increased foot traffic generated from the new Westfield Village and the increased number of apartment buildings, we expect that there will be a corresponding increase in auto v. pedestrian accidents. So again, be careful!
According to a recent LA Times study, there is a disproportionate number of accidents clustered in high-density areas near downtown such as in the Korea-Town area. But, it is precisely that reason you may not be on the lookout either as a pedestrian or a driver in Woodland Hills. Taking out the two most dangerous intersections, there is some logic as to where the other pedestrian accidents occur.
Owensmouth Ave. and Burbank Blvd. is near Warner Center Park, high density apartments and commuters rushing to get on the 101 Freeway on ramps. Every afternoon there are kids playing soccer nearby, residents walking their dogs and traffic backed up for a full block.
Victory Blvd. and Canoga Ave. is a major intersection for shoppers. In alternate corners of the intersection are major shopping malls with attendant restaurants, coffee shops and a giant health club. In addition, it is not uncommon to see pedestrians on their way to the Topanga Plaza or the new Costco.
Canoga Ave. and Erwin Street. is somewhat of a mystery to me. There is mostly a combination of apartments and businesses. If I had to speculate why this intersection was so dangerous, I would guess that drivers do not really expect there to be much pedestrian traffic and Erwin Street is a popular “back route” to the various freeway onramps. Drivers tend to speed here and perhaps pedestrians do not think there is much danger.
Owensmouth Ave. and Victory Blvd. is now a “shopping-hub” location next to Costco and near restaurants and busy Victory Blvd. In addition, there are several office buildings nearby where the workers are rushing to lunch. I have personally witnessed many of these workers “jay-walking” across Owensmouth Ave. to save time.
Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Victory Blvd. is no big surprise given the tremendous amount of traffic volume. Even though this intersection is well-regulated, the commute from one shopping area to the next by foot is not something right and left-turning drivers tolerate that well.
Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg believes the big problem with most of these dangerous pedestrian intersections is the combination of pedestrian volume and drivers in a hurry. Many pedestrian accidents can be avoided by drivers slowing down and pedestrians paying close attention to the traffic controls.
