New Traffic Signal Turned On At Site Of 2009 Fatal Hit-And-Run In Westlake District
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A new traffic signal was turned on at the site of a hit-and-run crash that killed a baby on Super Bowl Sunday four years ago in the Westlake district of Los Angeles.
Councilman Ed Reyes, who represents the Westlake neighborhood, celebrated the signal at the intersection of Bonnie Brae Street and Olympic Boulevard on Monday with the Los Angeles Police Department and parents and children from Camino Nuevo Charter School.
On Feb. 1, 2009, a mother was pushing her 11-month-old and 5-year-old daughters in a stroller across the intersection's marked crosswalk when they were struck by a drunk driver.
The mother and 5-year-old girl were injured, but the baby died.
Reyes petitioned the Los Angeles Department of Transportation for a new traffic signal to improve public safety.
The community also joined together to force changes at the intersection, which had 54 traffic collisions at or near it since 2000.
"These lights demonstrate that...with your help, we can save lives," said Reyes.
CBS2's Louisa Hodge said the new signal includes audible pedestrian signals for the visually impaired, continental crosswalks and an advanced limit line.
"Instead of having the vehicle stop at the crosswalk, now they have to stop five feet in front of the crosswalk," said transportation engineer, Mehrdad Moshksar.
