Sharraxaadda
At the intersection of Ager Rd and Hamilton Street (right in front of the KFC) there is a "pocket" for cars making the right turn from Hamilton to Ager. Most drivers treat as an invitation to accelerate into the turn, ignoring the fact that pedestrians crossing Ager Road (many either going to or coming from the West Hyattsville Metro Station) have the right of way.
While there is a YIELD sign advising motorists making the right to yield to traffic on Ager Road. there should be a sign advising motorists to yield to pedestrians attempting to cross Ager Road.
The exisence of this dedicated "right tun pocket" is a big part of the problem. If it did not exist I am sure motorists would exercise more caution in yielding to pedestrians.
4 Faalladas
Jim Groves (Martida)
Mark Graham (Martida)
The problem is that "dedicated right turn pocket". The intersection is already controlled by a traffic signal (light). However the existence of the "pocket" seems to encourage drivers going west on Hamilton to accelerate as they turn right to go north on Ager.
This is despite the fact that the Ager Road crosswalk is clearly marked and includes the "right turn pocket" .
I would be hapy to see a "YIELD to Pedestrians" sign on Hamilton before the intersection, though I am under no illusion that this would completely "fix" the problem.
Thanks for your interest.
Jim Groves (Martida)
Ah, right, I see. Using google maps "street view" you can get a good picture of what is happening. There is a raised crosswalk (well, in brick anyway) but no sign for yield, stop or anything else. Hopefully the link below will work. I guess a sign could not hurt saying "Yield for pedestrians". I think Hamilton is a State road, not city of Hyattsville. Maybe contact Patrick Ryan from DPW to see if he has any pull?
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=20781&aq=&sll=39.298833,-76.587833&sspn=0.030819,0.048151&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Hyattsville,+Maryland+20781&ll=38.955788,-76.965795&spn=0.007742,0.012038&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=38.955772,-76.965754&panoid=uZ0Mg3R9wIpDPQCxIZFNlQ&cbp=12,258.39,,0,27.78
La xidhay Mark G (Martida)
No words but the sign is large and appears to have had some good effect