OaktownPigeons

A few weeks ago there was a very serious car accident on Jackson Street at 15th Street.

Someone sped down the block at a very high speed (from the bystanders' description, it sounded to be about 80-90 mph). He lost control of the car and hit the blue car, sending it from a parked spot on the curb to a position *100%* onto the curb. The car behind it was also significantly smashed in.

All three cars were totaled. By some unusual miracle, no one as injured in this accident. The driver fled the scene.

Seeing speeding cars down our block is not unusual at all, however. All too often we see people using Jackson street as a quick corridor to get to 14th street, rather than as the residential block which is actually is. There are literally hundreds of people who live on this street. This block is also close to several senior centers, and an SRO residency where a lot of people are outside.

Because parking is scarce, there are a lot of pedestrians, and frequently there is a need to be in the street to move cars, etc.

We really need to address the fact that people drive too quickly on this block. There are many times when I can't even start crossing the street without having to yield to a car who does not appear to be slowing down in enough time for me to cross.

If you want first-hand evidence, sit a traffic monitor at 15th & Jackson during morning and evening commute hours, or on a Saturday morning.

I propose that two stiff speed bumps be placed on Jackson street. One at 15th street and another one at 17th street, next to the Lakehurst.

What say you, good city of Oakland?