Sunday, May 04, 2008

Auburn’s most dangerous intersections, maybe

Driving across town the other day, I couldn’t help but remember how much traffic has greatly increased in the area over the last 10 years. Obviously, Lee County is an attractive place to call home because so many people continue to flock to our little oasis in Alabama. But traffic isn’t always a good thing, particularly when you’re as impatient as I. It can be dangerous too because the more people on the road means an increase in the number of people incapable at safely operating a vehicle.

Then I began to think (scary, huh?) ... what are the most dangerous intersections in the area? Tonight I’ll try to come up with Auburn’s five-most dangerous. Tomorrow, it’s Opelika’s turn.

Without further adieu and in no particular order, here are what I believe (with no statistical data other than driving experience) are the five-most dangerous intersections in Auburn:

* East University and Opelika Road: The mall and Flint’s crossing generate crowds to an extent, but these are major arteries coming together. The speed limit is 45 mph, so that doesn’t help. Bumper-to-bumper congestion can also create a low-mileage fender-bender or two if folks aren’t paying attention waiting for a green light, not that these minor dents will result in broken necks.

* Magnolia and South College: When you mix lots of cars and lots of people, you get a recipe for potential bad things. It’s a good thing electronic crosswalks are installed. But that doesn’t mean folks use their brains all of the time.

* South College and East University: Two main roads, once again. At 5 o’clock, it’s crowded and people want to get home.

* North College or Donahue and Shug Jordan: This may be a stretch, but North College and Donahue’s intersections on the loop road are pretty much the same—high speed. If there’s an accident, it’s got a good chance at being a bad one.

* Glenn and Gay: Speed limits aren’t high, but congestion can be in this area close to Auburn’s downtown. I wouldn’t think a Life Flight helicopter is in order for anything at this intersection, but it might help keep a few body shops in business.

I’m sure there are others, but these came off the top of my head. What do you think, and what can be done to remedy the problem?