Newton Mayor Responds To Pedestrian Involved Crashes

NEWTON, MA — So far this year there have been five pedestrian-involved crashes. The most recent crash was Monday, when a Chevy Colorado struck a woman and a dog while they crossed Lexington Street in a signalized crosswalk. Both happened near schools, and it's kicking up concern around the city.

In response, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said the city is working to analyze and figure out next steps to ensure people are safe, especially around schools.

Parents in the Memorial-Spaulding community have been concerned about safety given the volume and speed of traffic along Brookline Street and Hartman Road. That led to a new bus pullout in front of the school in 2016.

Last year there were a total of 34 pedestrian involved crashes, or almost three a month. So far this year there have been five reported pedestrian involved crashes, according to police data. On Jan. 9, someone reported a crash involving a pedestrian near the corner of Cherry and Webster streets. Then on Jan. 11 someone reported a crash involving a pedestrian near 23 Boylston St. On Jan. 13 there was a crash reported at Beacon and Union streets. On Jan. 23, one was reported at Brookline Street and Hartman Road. And on Jan. 27 there was the crash on Lexington Street.

Fuller said the city is reviewing neighborhood data, but in the meantime the city installed temporary electronic flashing boards which flash drivers’ speed, the 20-mile per hour school zone speed limit, and reminders for drivers to go slowly- while recording their speed data.

"We added a rectangular rapid flash beacon last August at Waltham and Derby Streets by the Franklin Elementary School; curb bump-outs and median islands will be installed this summer. At Allen and Beethoven Avenues near the Zervas Elementary School, we are beginning to design curb-cut bump-outs, new crosswalks to create shorter crossing routes, and a 'raised table' intersection," she said in a statement.

Pedestrian-involved crashes has fluctuated in the past five years, going from 39 in 2015 up to 59 the next year and down to a low of 33 in 2018, according to city data.

Each year the city analyzes the data and creates a priority list to focus on the spots most in need of safety, complete streets, and traffic-calming measures. The list of hot spots that the city should address through various traffic-calming measures should be completed in the next few weeks, according to the mayor.

This comes, she noted, as police will begin to enforce the state's new distracted driving law. Sunday, Feb. 23, police will begin enforcement of the state’s new distracted driving law. The new law bans any use of a hand-held device while driving - or even sitting at a red light or stop sign.

"We are constantly and continuously working to make Newton safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers," the mayor said.

Previously:

• Dog Killed, Woman Injured When Hit By Car In Newton
• School Crossing Guard Hit By SUV In Newton

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).