Muncie citizens concerned after stop-light removal to reduce crashes, does the opposite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLeSI_vNA4

MUNCIE -- The decision to remove a traffic light at an intersection in Muncie was done with the intention to reduce the number of crashes but has done the opposite.

In January 2018, the Indiana Department of Transportation removed the traffic signal at the intersectionof East Jackson Street and South Ohio Avenue in Muncie after the city asked INDOT to look at the traffic volume and remove it.

Between the time the traffic light was removed on Jan. 30, 2018 and April 4, 2019, there were 18 crashes at the intersection, according to data obtainedby Delaware County Emergency Communications Center.

Of the 18 crashes, three accidents were labeled as an accident with entrapment, meaning a person was stuck in a car and unable to get themselves out.

Three of the 18 crashes were labeled as an accident with rollover, meaning a vehicle had rolled over at least once.

On March 13, 2019, an accident at the intersection resulted in a serious bodily injury.

Five of the 18 crashes were labeled as property damage accidents, meaning no one was injured in the crash.

One accident was labeled as an accident hit-skip, meaning one of the vehicles involved in the crash left the scene.

Five of the crashes resulted in bodily injuries.

In 2017, the City of Muncie approached INDOT and asked them to remove the traffic signal at the intersection, citing a decrease in traffic and complaints from citizens.

“It was interesting because the city came to us,” Mallory Duncan, director of media relations for INDOT said. “Usually we have to go to the city and say ‘hey there’s no real need for a traffic light here and it’s becoming dangerous,’ but the city came to us and wanted to know what we can do.”

After the city came to INDOT to remove the light, INDOT conducted a traffic study and reviewed the number of crashes over the last two years.

During their study, INDOT says they found a decrease in trafficvolumes at all times of the day and only five crashes were reported between 2014-2016.

Of the five crashes, four of them were “rear-ending” crashes, which Duncan says is common for intersections with stoplights.

In a press release and bulletinposted by INDOT in January 2018, INDOT told citizens they were removing the light due to a significant decrease in traffic volumes and traffic would be controlled by stop signs. INDOT also found the traffic volume did not meet the standardfor a traffic light.

David Ash was one of the drivers involved in one of the three rollover accidents at the intersection since INDOT removed the light.

Ash says he was travelling south on South Ohio Avenue, stopped at the stop sign, then proceeded through the intersection when he was struck by another vehicle. He says his car rolled two-and-a-half times before coming to a stop.

“My only thought was ‘I need to get out of here before it catches on fire,’” Ash said. “I got out on my own. The only thing I could see was broken glass and deployed airbags – all of them.”

While he escaped serious injury, Ash said the other driver involved in the crash, who was younger, was really shaken up and taken to the hospital.

A sign in the parking lot for the now closed Scoobies Lounge on the corner of the intersection is something Ash said may have been part of the reason for his crash. He thinks it blocks part of the view for those traveling south on South Ohio Avenue.

“One of the byproducts of the whole thing is even today, when I hear a loud sound, I know what they’re talking about when they talk about flashbacks,” Ash said. “Because when that happens, when I hear a loud sound, I’m back in that car again, in my seatbelt, upside down. Just like that.”

Before INDOT decides on something like removing a traffic signal, they say they hold public hearings and meetings. They also inform citizens of the changes on their social media accounts.

Once the traffic light comes out, Duncan said it is on the city and police departments to patrol the area as they see fit.

Citizens who have an issue or concerns about any roadway controlled by INDOT, including the intersection of East Jackson Street and South Ohio Avenue, can report them to INDOT online or call 855-INDOT4U (463-6848.)