How communities are seeking safer streets

What a great idea! It looks like a sculpture — and reminds me of Target:

Communities across the United States are attempting to address pedestrian safety by implementing changes designed to slow vehicle speeds and protect pedestrians. This concept, known as “traffic calming” is the use of narrower roads and pedestrian amenities to adjust the speeds at which drivers feel they are able to travel down a particular street. In St. Louis, the symbol of traffic calming has become the “Ingrassia Ball” – a giant concrete ball set on a concrete foundation that is placed at intersections or in areas not intended for vehicle use.

 

The term “Ingrassia Ball” is a St. Louis moniker, representing the involvement of Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia in getting the barriers installed. But the use of these spherical barriers is not limited to St. Louis. “These types of barriers and speed-reducers are popping up across the nation,” said Gary Burger, a personal injury attorney with the Burger Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri.  “As urban living becomes more popular, the issue of protecting pedestrians becomes critical. Creating situations that reduce speeds and create barriers between vehicles and individuals should be beneficial for all parties.”

 

Drivers can be held liable not only for injuries to individuals, but also for damage to property that results from negligent driving. However, it is very unlikely that a driver who strikes one of these Ingrassia Balls or other barriers could attempt to be reimbursed by the city for any damages done to their vehicle. “You would have to be able to show that the city was at fault,” says Buger.  Unless the city improperly mounted or placed a barrier, a driver’s failure to be aware of their surroundings, even if new, would not normally be the city’s fault, he said.

 

But take the case of a driver that hit one of these new Ingrassia Balls with enough force to knock it off its mounting base – had that Ingrassia Ball hit someone or something, the driver’s insurance would likely be the primary source of reimbursement for any damage or injuries.

 

What does this all mean? Traffic calming measures are likely here to stay, and attempts will continue to be made to slow traffic in dense area of population. Drivers will need to be that much more aware of their surroundings to avoid liability.