Dear Editor,
I am responding to the vigil announcement from David Metzler and the related flyer.
He mentions the recent fatality on National, then goes on to state that “there have been multiple fatalities here dating back at least 18 years.”
Commemorating people who die while on the roadway, intersections, or sidewalks is a moral obligation that we share.
Referring to the most recent accident, The CCPD initial investigation and witness statements appear to show that the person killed had walked into the roadway, not at a crosswalk, into the path of a car travelling within the speed limit. It was a tragic case, an accident. No one knows what the walker was thinking when he stepped out into lanes of traffic. What inadequacy in street design would have stopped the walker from stepping into the street?
I take issue with Mr. Metzler saying that there have been multiple fatalities here, referencing National. He clearly blames roadway design as the cause. A simple search would have informed him that there have been 3 deaths on National in the last 20 years. Three is three too many, but by using the word “multiple” and linking it to his proposed march on City Hall it becomes a political statement instead of a vigil. He wants to march on City Hall to demand changes. He blames the city.
The fatality that killed a teacher in 2006 was caused by a couple arguing in a car and driving erratically. The City’s traffic mitigation and policies are not implicated in this horrible case. Other than building an impenetrable obstacle on all curbs, nothing would have stopped the car veering off the road.
The third death in 2005 involved an older woman walking her dog across the street. There were no witnesses, and the driver fled, but the circumstances and investigation indicate that the unfortunate woman was most likely not walking in a crosswalk and the driver was speeding. Without supporting evidence why is it assumed that the city street design was at fault? The speed limit is clearly posted. Could a traffic design have changed the outcome, it is unknown.
I haven’t talked to all of them, but I sincerely believe that all candidates for City Council strongly support pedestrian and bike safety.
Using this recent death and organizing this march on town hall, weeks before an election is clearly a political act. Why did they choose a time when the City Council was in session, if not to argue that only some candidates care? The action is painting other candidates in a similar fashion on the national stage. Culver City is better than this.
Where is the evidence for ineffective street design?
Even assuming that the driving, walking, biking, and signage conditions on National need improving, why haven’t the previous city councils with their majorities including Meghan Sahli-Wells, Alex Fisch, Daniel Lee, and Thomas Small addressed the problem?
We mourn for the unfortunate victims. Do not co-opt their lives to make political points.
Jamie Wallace
