Increased Pedestrian Safety Needed on Las Positas

By Mary Anderson

Tragically, [earlier this month], I experienced what I hoped and prayed would never happen. My deepest fear came true. A young woman was struck and killed as she was attempting to cross Las Positas around 6:30 p.m. She was struck by a truck throwing her body over two hundred feet. With the aid of an EMT, we began chest compressions until the authorities arrived. I believe she did not suffer and was killed on impact. I knew it was most likely a futile attempt, but we did what we could. This tragic accident need not have occurred.

1. There are no crosswalks on Las Positas Rd, other than at Adams School.  A flashing crosswalk at Stanley and Las Positas has been needed for a very longtime.

2. Speeding on Las Positas is a common occurrence.  

3. Visibility of oncoming traffic is extremely difficult at Las Positas and Stanley. When making a left turn from Stanley onto Las Positas, you take a great risk as you can’t see over the hill as traffic approaches, especially if traffic is speeding.

I suggest three solutions for this inherent danger .

1. Place a stop light at Stanley and Las Positas .

2. Place a flashing crosswalk at Las Positas and Stanley.

3. Place a sidewalk from Stanley to State Street .

Any of these or a combination would drastically reduce the probability of loss of life which occurred.  I ask that you act quickly to reduce this danger to the citizens of Santa Barbara.

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