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Car Accidents Have Become A Big Problem In The Five Points Area
Car accidents happen all the time in Raleigh, but some areas of the city have become exceptionally dangerous for drivers over the past several years. According to a report by CBS 17, residents in the Five Points neighborhood have become fearful and frustrated with the situation following hundreds of crashes in the area of the confusing intersection.
Speeding has become a big problem in the Five Points community, as drivers have crashed into buildings and utility poles and have rolled onto front lawns. Last year, one speeding driver crashed into an art studio. In 2019, two pedestrians were hit by an impaired driver who crashed into the front of a pizza restaurant. Residents say it’s common to see people driving at least 50-60 mph even though the speed limit in the area is 35 mph.
“We really like the area and the Five Points intersection really needs to be fixed,” one long-time resident said in a report by WTVD-TV. “It’s always been dangerous, but since COVID, there’s been an increase in high-speed traffic. Some of our neighbors used to walk their kids to the elementary school and had near misses with the children walking them in the morning.”
The troublesome intersection is made up of five roads – Glenwood Avenue, Fairview Road, Whitaker Mill Road, Glenn Avenue, and White Oak Road. The infamous crossing has become a problem, as many of the roads in the area lack stop lights. This allows drivers to pick up speed for miles before reaching the intersection.
Five Points Is A Crash Hotspot In Raleigh
According to crash data published by USNews, North Carolina had 1,755 traffic deaths in 2021, which is 5% more than what was recorded in 2020. Fatal crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists, and those that take place in work zones decreased, but there was an increase in traffic deaths related to speeding, distracted driving, and drivers/passengers not wearing seat belts.
Speeding has certainly been a problem in Raleigh and Five Points specifically. Traffic data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) published by CBS 17 shows that over the last four years, in the Five Points neighborhood there were:
- 248 crashes
- 74 people injured
- 1 fatality
- $1,267,691 worth of property damage
According to CBS 17, the city has set aside $325,000 to study potential improvements and additions to increase safety in Five Points. One possible solution is the addition of a roundabout on Glenwood Avenue, as most accidents that happen at the intersection are caused by drivers losing control where there is a sharp right or left turn.
Roundabouts help drivers slow down, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the overall flow of traffic. Since Glenwood Avenue is a state road, the NCDOT will have to give its stamp of approval before any changes are made.
Many of the crashes in the Five Points community are also caused by drivers speeding. To help crack down on speeders, police are increasing enforcement efforts. For instance, in mid-April, Raleigh police set up a speed trap on Gorman Street, which is one of the problem roadways in the Five Points area. The campaign resulted in 69 traffic stops, and the Raleigh Police Department ended up issuing 44 citations.
Crash Victims Have Legal Rights. A Car Accident Attorney Can Fight For Them.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Raleigh, it’s a good idea to know your legal rights and options. Dealing with an accident can be confusing and difficult, especially when you’re injured and trying to recover. If another driver caused your crash, you may have no idea what to do next. That’s why you need an experienced car accident attorney to help you find your way forward.
At Brent Adams & Associates, we can give you clear and direct answers to all your questions so that you can make an informed decision on what you want to do next. We’ve been fighting for crash victims in North Carolina since 1973 and understand what it takes to build a strong case that gets real results. To learn more about how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Raleigh car accident lawyer. Our offices are located in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Dunn, and Southern Pines, and we look forward to hearing from you.
