When East Main Becomes a Crash Magnet

A Troubled Stretch

Alright, here we go. East Main Street in Columbus, Ohio, has been feeling like a crash magnet, and David Ornstein knows all about it. He’s had his office there for over 20 years. This place? It’s seen some changes. Ornstein, who’s on the east main street special improvement district board, has witnessed it all.

Crash Problems Persist

Yet, the crashes just keep coming. A year ago, a driver turned Ornstein’s office into a drive-thru, taking out one of his building’s pillars. Talk about an unwelcome guest! The driver’s ambulance ride didn’t cover the pillar repair costs. Ornstein, being in insurance himself, had to shell out for the fix because, guess what? The crash report vanished into thin air.

The Culprit Intersection

The spot causing all the ruckus? The unclear turning lane at East Main Street and South Hampton Road. It’s a crash party there. Ornstein’s seen cars flipped and fences mowed down like it’s a demolition derby. One car even made it behind a women’s clinic. “Really?,” you might ask. Yeah, really.

Future Improvements

Meanwhile, there are plans afoot. One of the big three bus rapid transit lines is set to breeze through this very spot. Ornstein’s got his fingers crossed, hoping this will lead to a safer solution.

A Glimmer of Hope

“If they put in a right turn-only signal or block the intersection, maybe the crash count will drop,” Ornstein suggests. Plus, folks might stop playing leapfrog with traffic. There’s always that one driver trying to zoom past, only to get stuck at the next light with the rest of us.

What’s Next?

So, what’s next for East Main Street? Let’s hope these developments steer it in a better direction. Ornstein’s ready for the change, and honestly, who wouldn’t be?

And while you wait for that bus line to cut through, keep an eye on those turning lanes, folks. You don’t want your insurance agent to be the guy who’s paying out of pocket.

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Source: Bus Rapid Transit Lines, Intersection Safety.