Fatal Memorial park crash

[David]

I took these on my lunch break today after noticing new damage on one of the barrier walls at memorial park. It was from a fatal crash that happened Sunday night. 

http://jacksonville.com/news/2009-02-02/story/driver_in_riverside_fatal_crash_identified





From what I remember, there's plenty of well lit signs indicating a sharp curve up ahead

The driver must've been going at a good clip before hitting the wall. Sad stuff.

[jbm32206]

This isn't the first, nor sadly, the last accident with serious or fatal consequences for this spot. It's a bad curve...but with lousy and careless people behind the wheel...and you have those kind of results.

[Ocklawaha]

One more reason to nix any plan to put streetcars on this part of Riverside Avenue!


Streetcar - 1
Auto - 0

Further, the deadly steel and concrete corner post at this location should now be rebuilt to modern collision standards. Foam Core break-away post design, and light PVC fence pannels on each side would match the original, but not be lethal in a car hits wall collision.


OCKLAWAHA

[BridgeTroll]

Stephens was westbound on Riverside Avenue about 2:20 a.m. when he failed to make a sharp curve in the 1600 block and plowed into the concrete wall. He was not wearing a seat belt.

[jbm32206]

I have no sympathy for those who drive recklessly...at least this one didn't kill or injure anyone but themselves.

[Ocklawaha]

JBM Do we know if he was DUI? Sick? On Medication? Stroke? Muscle Cramp? Any details? Unless he has just killed someone, or is guilty of rape or some other horrible crime, I do feel sorry for him and his family. Could also be a case of going home late, tired as hell, empty road, speed increases due to flashing yellows and not a soul in sight, curve appears too fast to avoid. We've probably all done that one.

Got stopped in Sanford once when I was supervisor of deliverys at the USPS. Had to get up in the wee hours of the morning, and the roads were empty. On my way in to work I had to cruise through the same neighborhood every day for several miles. I was a zombie. Don't know how fast I was going, and didn't even notice the police car I blew past. Once he saw my ID and got the story, he was very kind and warned me about driver hypnosis. Something I have tried to take to heart ever since.

My biggest push here would be see if the City could replace that corner post and 20 feet or so of the wall and duplicate it with a foam filled break-away safe barrier. Once broken apart the shrubs and dirt behind the wall should bring a car or truck to a more gentle stop.


OCKLAWAHA

[Shwaz]

My biggest push here would be see if the City could replace that corner post and 20 feet or so of the wall and duplicate it with a foam filled break-away safe barrier. Once broken apart the shrubs and dirt behind the wall should bring a car or truck to a more gentle stop.

Great idea. I wonder though if the city would argue that if this situation were to happen during the day though - people visiting the park would then be in danger.?

[Charles Hunter]

Being in an historic district, I imagine they need to replace the wall as much "in kind" as possible.

[jbm32206]

JBM Do we know if he was DUI? Sick? On Medication? Stroke? Muscle Cramp? Any details? Unless he has just killed someone, or is guilty of rape or some other horrible crime, I do feel sorry for him and his family. Could also be a case of going home late, tired as hell, empty road, speed increases due to flashing yellows and not a soul in sight, curve appears too fast to avoid. We've probably all done that one.

It's a shame that someone lost their life, however, unless there's been the findings of circumstances beyond their control, then no....I do not feel sympathy for those who are driving too damn fast. If this person had been going the limit, or even close to it, then it's not likely they would've been killed. Yes, we've all gone above the speed limit, and we take the risks along with it....not to mention risking the lives of those around you.