A 2-year-old Rohnert Park girl was killed Wednesday evening and her mother seriously injured when they were crossing a street and were hit by a car. With workers at nearby businesses saying Synder Lane near Medical Center Drive is a bad intersection for pedestrians to cross — and they’ve been asking for help for years — this tragedy raises the question of what other intersections in our area are particularly dangerous for pedestrians to cross.
Know of one? Please let us know by leaving a comment below with the details.
Road.Warrior
Old Redwood Highway at Lark Center Drive in front of the Larkfield Shopping Center. Pedestrians definitely take their lives into their hands trying to cross here. It’s a four-lane street and too often I’ve seen a car stop in one lane for a pedestrian but cars zipping by in the other lanes. The CHP did a sting there a few years ago and ticketed many drivers who ignored a plainclothes officer trying to cross. It’s time for another one.
December 3rd, 2010 8:54 am
Joey
The problem most average citizens don’t seem to see is that there are a few types of drivers in CA. Those who have a valid license and know (most) of the rules.
And those who don’t, or, might know them but are impaired while driving.
Whenever you are crossing a road, assume that the drivers will not see you. Don’t walk near cars distracted (talking on cell ph etc) but pay attention like your life depends on it.
Many unlicensed drivers never had any training or testing. If they drove in their home country, it was poorly regulated, so they don’t understand things like traffic lights and can’t read the signs. Watch out for them. Assume they will run the red light- because they have no idea what it means.
Any large intercetion with multiple lanes is a danger spot. An unlicensed or impaired driver will be confused–which lane should they drive in, what do the traffic signals mean etc. Watch out for them.
If you just sat at an intersection or stop sign for 20 minutes during heavy traffic and watched how many people screw up–you’d see what I am talking about.
This is what I learned from enforcing traffic for 30 years.
December 3rd, 2010 9:05 am
Leslie
Stae Farm Dr. between Rohnert Park Expressway and Enterprise. There are two cross walks in between the the cross streets listed that are terrible. I work at State Farm and i witness almost daily people nearly missing being struck by a car, not only does the car almost strike the pedestrian but they are definately speeding. I am suprised with the amount of complaints our employees have put in to the Rohnert Park Police Dept. they havent set up a sting in this area. It is horrible.
December 3rd, 2010 9:10 am
goodguy
I agree with the above comment!!! Dangerous for peds and drivers as well. They ought to change that back to a two-lane street, or get out there and enforce the speed LIMIT!!!! People use it as an alternate to the freeway and drive like bats outa hell!!! They use the far right lanes to pass other cars going slower, or the speed limit. Speeding is the problem there!!! A flashing light when a ped is crossing is imperative!!!
December 3rd, 2010 9:16 am
goodguy
I guess I better say my comment was in re: to the ped crossing in front of the Larkfield shopping center. Sorry.
December 3rd, 2010 9:17 am
Sue
Rohnert Park’s Bodway Street where Starbucks
‘s driveway comes out of the Wolf Den shopping center is the worse. With SSU students parking on the residential streets and walking into campus, everyone coming across Bodway from Wolf Den center and runners, cyclist and people walking animals there is always someone trying to cross the street.
December 3rd, 2010 9:17 am
al
The one in the middle of downtown Forestville. Nobody likes to stop for peds, at anytime.
December 3rd, 2010 9:25 am
bradpipal
During massive rain downpours, Bi-Centential Overpass turnoff from Mendocino Ave. I was hydroplaned into by a 231/2 foot Ford Expedition that ripped my (R) Occipital skull muscles off. I now, have spine injuries that make me paralyzed in cold weather or when black clouds appear, or the wind blows….Stay out of the city drivers will paralyze you…Ask friend, blind, Mr. Ken Rossi, whle in his wheelchair……
December 3rd, 2010 9:26 am
Jessie
Rohnert Park – Snyder Lane, there are 2 more crosswalks in front of the high school that are poorly lit up and you cannot see people waiting to cross, and further along Snyder also between Southwest and E Cotati at Rosanne, horribly dark and no one slows down! It’s a 4 lane road and no stop sign? Get real!
December 3rd, 2010 9:30 am
DMac
Most of the ones I feel are dangerous all involve over/underpasses: getting from one side of 101 to the other on Steel Lane, College Ave or Airport Blvd are all horrifying. Heading east on Airport especially so, as the crosswalk goes through the onramp to 101 South and the drivers start picking up speed WAY before the crosswalk. VERY STUPID DESIGN.
December 3rd, 2010 9:30 am
rumamok
I agree with Al! I frequently use the crosswalk to access Bank of the West. People just don’t stop for Forestville pedestrians. I don’t get it! I can be halfway thru it and have some maniac nearly run me down. I have often wished the police would address the issue.
December 3rd, 2010 9:43 am
Vickie Scott
I have nearly lost my life at the corners of Morgan and College and all along B Street, 4th Street and 2nd Street. I have filed complaints with Mayor Gorin and the Santa Rosa Police Department. As a regular pedestrian, I have found that no crosswalk in Santa Rosa can be considered safe for any resident at any time because of the pervasive recklessness of Santa Rosa drivers.
December 3rd, 2010 9:46 am
Rob
Read Joey’s comment, it is right on target. Although pedestrians have the right-of-way in California (different from the state I come from), I will still be dead if I assume that the driver will yield to me. I NEVER assume the oncoming car sees me and will stop for me. Also, because it is dark early at this time of year, as a driver I find it extremely important to take extra precautions to be diligent.
December 3rd, 2010 9:53 am
Roni
I agree with Road.Warrior. I watched two cars that had been in an accident move into the turn lane to get out of traffic. One of the cars had not moved completely into the turn lane and was hit (driver didn’t even stop) just before the Sheriff arrived.
I would never let my son walk across the street there, I would drive him over. He was 16 at the time. I would love to see a flashing crosswalk there and another sting!
December 3rd, 2010 9:59 am
Victoria
Amen on Old Redwood Hwy in Larkfield. I’ve had several close calls there, once standing in the middle turn lane for what seemed like an eternity while cars whizzed by me in both directions! My husband is urging me to DRIVE the 1 minute it would take to get to the market there.
December 3rd, 2010 10:01 am
Jim
Rohnert Park’s Bodway & Maurice intersection with Wolf Den shopping center exit.
When exiting Wolf Den at Bodway – Blind curve for motorists from the South. NO CROSSWALKS – Student bus stop… Bad at all hours, but a nightmare at 3pm…
December 3rd, 2010 10:18 am
SonomaLass
I live in Rohnert Park, right behind S park where this latest sad event happened. There are quite a few poorly marked crosswalks in RP; some of them, like the one across Snyder at Medical Center Drive, are just two thin white lines — no striping, signs or lights. I feel that those are dangerous, because it makes pedestrians think that they can cross there safely, but they can’t. I like the crosswalks in Santa Rosa and Petaluma that have signs and lights that are activated when pedestrians want to cross; as a driver, I find those much easier to see and react to, especially in poor visibility conditions.
December 3rd, 2010 10:23 am
Angela
D Street and Sonoma Avenue…. me, too, Ive had sseveral close calls and witnessed nearly-miss car accidents. The drivers were going too fast, busy chatting on the phones, and wouldn’t stop for pedestrains, especially senior citizens. It is 4-lane street (Sonoma Avenue). One driver almost ran me over, and lucky the cop was there, pulled over the driver and gave the driver a ticket. I HATE that crossing, sigh…
December 3rd, 2010 10:33 am
Brenda
The intersection in Downtown Santa Rosa at 3rd Street and D Street is very dangerous. I lived in the last house before the corner for eleven years and have lost count of how many times I have called 911 for intersection car accidents. My son was NEVER allowed to cross that street alone. That corner is ridiculously dangerous for pedestrians and drivers alike.
December 3rd, 2010 10:34 am
MC RIDER
Pedestrians should be in a well lit area or carry a bright flashlight, I do that would catch any drivers eye ,make that law lives will be saved .
December 3rd, 2010 11:00 am
David
The crosswalk across Petaluma Blvd North in front of Sonomarin Landscape Materials by the Petaluma Factory Outlets. It would really benefit from one of those light systems to alert drivers that there is someone crossing the road.
December 3rd, 2010 11:04 am
b3
I totally aggree with everything I read. And what I’m about to say does not in any way lessin what has happened to this mother and daughter nor do I believe they were at fault. I just want say that my experience with padestians has been some what different than most of you, When I’m occasionally down town and come to an intersecition the pedestrians don’t look or stop and wait they just keep walking right into the street into the cross walk like they own the street. Kids and grown ups alike. the problem goes both ways here. It seems that the intersections mentioned above all need extra attention. The police need to be more aware when they are patroling. This blog cango on forever about all of our complains. My complaints? peope stepping off the curb before looking and waiting, cars not signaling thier intention or not stopping when they should and those who are in a big hurry to get from one place to the next, crowding thier way and cutting you off risking everyone’s life. People need to just be courtious and cautious of oone another…Oh yea like that could ever happen, right?
December 3rd, 2010 11:13 am
MARIA
Summerfield, in Santa Rosa the crosswalk going to Howarth Park.
December 3rd, 2010 11:16 am
lee
I cant believe that this horriable event is not happening all over Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. I hate driving around here. You have to sit at your green light for at least 10 red light runners to go thru. They dont stop they just drive right on thru. Specially at the Colby off ramp on 101 south. I have been flipped off from a red light runner like I was the one at fault. Please people there is nothing worth running reds or not looking. This precious little soul is no longer with us. Please slow down.
December 3rd, 2010 11:19 am
Rohnert Park Mom
Southwest Blvd. in front of the (former) Mountain Shadows Middle School at Almond. It’s AWFUL day or night. We’ve been honked at and flipped off for wanting to cross the street AT THE CROSSWALK. I was very nervous when I had kids at that school. As pedestrians, we avoid that intersection like the plague.
December 3rd, 2010 11:20 am
holiday
The larkfield crosswalk is terrible. I was trapped in the middle turn lane for at least 5 terrifying minutes with my 4 month old baby in a huge stroller no less, it’s not like I wasn’t noticible in the middle of a lovely day. The cars were speeding right by me. I couldn’t beleive it. I have not used that crosswalk since and my daughter is now 7. I am amazed some sort of safety signal has not been installed in all these years.
December 3rd, 2010 11:20 am
Pamela
Country Club between Expressway and Southwest Rohnert Park there are crosswalks leading to and from the Copeland Creek walking/bike trail. Near missess and speeding are the norm. Lit blinking crosswalk would alert drivers of pedistrians.
December 3rd, 2010 11:26 am
Rodrigo
At the intersection of Stony Point Rd and Lazzini Ave there is crosswalk that takes cars FOREVER to stop. I remember crossing the crosswalk and, in order for a car to avoid hitting a car in front of them, the car jumped on the sidewalk and alomost me. It is sad that someone has to get seriously injured or die for something to be done about dangerous intersection….
December 3rd, 2010 11:34 am
Gamma
I agree with Angela – Sonoma Ave at D st. I was hit there 2 years ago on the first night of the Wednesday Night Market and was lucky to walk away with only badly pulled muscles. I’ve had drivers blow by me numerous times after I’d already entered the crosswalk – one sped through only to slam on his brakes for a squirrel about a hundred feet later…the cops even disregard this one!
December 3rd, 2010 11:39 am
Kelly
Fountaingrove Parkway and Round Barn at the stop light. I travel up Fountaingrove from Old Red and turn left when the green arrow light permits me to do so but so many cars come flying down Fountaingrove towards Old Red don’t see the red light in time to stop. When I make my turn I make sure those cars coming down actually stop – even if I have the right of way. At least once a month someone goes through the light and almost hits me going 45 mph. Or, I’m not the lead car turning and I am almost a witness to them getting popped. Very dangerous.
December 3rd, 2010 11:45 am
Pedestrian
In Ukiah, corner of Oak and Standley, near the post office.
December 3rd, 2010 11:54 am
Jennifer
Ukiah, perkins and state!!!
December 3rd, 2010 2:16 pm
Jen
Southern Santa Rosa Avenue has some poorly lit crosswalks and also the crosswalk near the south side of Santa Rosa Target store. After 5:00pm it is hard to see pedestrians in dark clothing. A cross walk near Strawberry School in Santa Rosa has well painted lines, bright light blinking alerts and a voice announcement that the lights are activated. This should be required atleast for all cross walks near schools and parks
December 3rd, 2010 3:33 pm
Mary Vivenzi
Just to let everyone know my daughter holding a candlelight vigil for 2 year old Calli Murray on Sunday, December 5 between 7:30pm – 9:00pm the facebook link to the event is
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171526882868152&index=1
Whether you knew Calli Murray or not Please join us honoring Calli’s memory while sending a message to the city of Rohnert Park that we as citizens will not allow them to turn the other cheek and do nothing in the wake of this tragedy.
December 3rd, 2010 4:21 pm
Concerned RP Citizen
Valid comments regarding the varied skill levels of drivers and the different mindsets of pedestrians when it comes to being concientious and responsible. We should hold our local police responsible for addressing high risk situations but I want to know where our local city council is on this issue. We expect the city council to act in the best interest of the community but “revenue generating” and more “ground breaking” issues that hit the spotlight seem to push the fundamental but important issues down the priority list. Suggest spending as much time on creating a safe community as is spent on casinos and other more “sexy/flashy” projects. Seems like installing flashing lights in a crosswalk that is used frequently by children is a simple solution to a tragic problem. This set-up is effective in areas of Petaluma and Santa Rosa. RP Citizens, put pressure on our city council to focus on this critical issue.
December 3rd, 2010 5:37 pm
Rohnert park kid
I am a student at the middle school in Rohnert park, and i have to cross snyder day after day. Generally after school i feel safer because there is a large group of us, but when i am alone, i am always scared and hesitant to cross knowing that all the cars are speeding and are generally not paying attention. Also, since there is alot of young highschool and colege drivers, i know i have to be 10x more alert. the cross walks all along snyder are poorly marked, and in the morning when it is foggy and dark, drivers sometimes cannot even see the lines. I wish RP would make them those lighted crosswalks like the ones in petaluma that way they light up and are very visable to drivers when pedestrians need to cross. I know im just a kid, but i think rohnert park should modify the crosswalks which are not at a stoplight or stop sign like the one on snyder and medical drive, and the ones on country club that connect the two creek paths. many many kids cross at those crosswalks, and they need to be more obvious to drivers. After the tragety by s park, i think rohnert park really needs to do somthing to ensure pedestrian safty and lower the chances of another pedestrian incedent. hopefully somone will read this and take this into consideration.
December 3rd, 2010 7:47 pm
Jawbreaker IV
The intersection of Range & Guerneville in Santa Rosa.
Westbound Guerneville , when the left turn arrow turns red,there are ALWAYS 3-4 retards who keep blowing through it.
Mainly in the afternoon.
SRPD needs to put an end to this.
It would be like shooting fish in a barrel.
December 3rd, 2010 8:43 pm
Joe Parker
I HAVEN’T WALKED ON OR RODE ON TO MANY CROSSWALKS IN ROHNERT PARK OR COTATI THAT WEREN’T DANGEROUS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ALL CROSSWALK HAVE AMBER FLASHERS IN THE ROAD ACTIVATED WHEN YOU PUSH THE BUTTON TO CROSS.
THIS TYPE OF AMBER FLASHERS EMBEDDED IN THE CROSSWALK HAVE SHOWN TO BE MUCH SAFER FOR PEDESTRIANS
SFEMS RET
December 3rd, 2010 9:32 pm
maurbles
Country Club Dr between RP expressway and southwest blvd. The speed limit is 25 but it seems like no one pays attention.
December 3rd, 2010 10:10 pm
Local Redneck
The proble is TOO many democrats in one area, self centered yuppies, unfortunately more centered on their cell phones and Beamers than caring about anyone anywhere, real shame we’ve degenerated to this.
December 3rd, 2010 10:41 pm
billie
Crosswalks gong across Third St. at Santa Rosa Ave. I was crossing with the light on the west side of Santa Rosa Ave and struck by a girl turning left and managed to stay on my feet or I would have been UNDER her car! And on the east side, a toy monster truck screeched to a stop within 10″ of my face while making a left turn off Santa Rosa Ave. This intersection is the ONLY crosstown street south of College Ave and definitely needs designated turn arrows! I know I am not the only one who has had these experiences at this intersection while walking and I have seen numerous car vs car accidents there.
December 4th, 2010 10:13 am
Lacey
So, let me get this straight. The problem is unlicensed drivers (ie illegals) and Democrat yuppies. Thanks to these two for all your brilliant insights.
I’ve almost been run over a few times, always by some licensed driver in a truck. I see soccer moms in mini vans on phones and running red lights. Great models for the kids in the can.
People don’t seem to understand that red means stop. And it’s a county-wide problem.
December 4th, 2010 3:41 pm
Kathy
I agree with the comments regarding Larkfield in front of Molsberrys shopping center. Drivers come through our area way over the speed limit, I personally would like to see the speed limit on city streets lowered to 25 mph- if you need to drive faster get on the freeway. We need to protect our children!
December 4th, 2010 7:59 pm
Mike
Bodway & Maurice at the Wolf Den Plaza in Rohnert Park. RP Public Works – please do something before a fatality occurs.
December 4th, 2010 10:21 pm
JRS
When is red not red? Answer: When you don’t feel like stopping.
I think all police agencies in Sonoma County need to aggressively stop every car for the slightest reason, not necessarily to ticket but to put the fear back in all Sonoma Co drivers that this crap has to stop now. Driver’s, all drivers are way too lax and inattentive as a general rule. It’s time for police to have a new mandate to stop drivers for any infraction just to throw some cold water on these hot drivers. If they aren’t pulling cars over every minute of their shift, they’re not doing their job.
December 5th, 2010 3:28 pm
Beth
I would love to see flashing lights at crosswalks near all schools and parks. At a minimum, those areas should be well lit at all times, especially now that it is dark at 5pm and people are likely to be out walking. There are so many great paths to walk in Rohnert Park, unfortunately many times they intersect with busy roads. I’d love to see drivers be more attentive, but I won’t count on it. At least give us walkers a fighting chance by lighting the way! Thanks.
December 12th, 2010 10:42 pm
Beth
My husband and I were driving through Pennsylvania a few years back and I remember seeing signs plastered all over the highway warning motorists of “aggressive drivers”. These signs were everywhere! But we didn’t see any aggressive drivers. People were very polite drivers by California standards. Maybe a few signs like that would help us!?
December 12th, 2010 10:54 pm