Around noon on Monday, a crash occurred in the 900 block of North Capitol Avenue, near 10th and North Illinois streets.
Seven individuals were transported to the hospital following an afternoon collision between an IndyGo bus and a car in downtown Indianapolis.
The collision occurred at noon on August 12th, in the 900 block of North Capitol Avenue, close to 10th and North Illinois streets. An IndyGo bus and a car were involved in the crash.
Six out of the nine individuals on the bus were taken to local hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Indianapolis Fire Department. The woman who was driving the car, on the other hand, was transported to a hospital in serious condition.
According to witnesses, both the car and the IndyGo bus were traveling south on Capitol Avenue when the car driver attempted to make a left turn across the bus lane without realizing that the bus was in proximity.
Inadequate safety measures at a notorious intersection have made it a high-risk area for accidents and collisions. The intersection, known for its hazardous conditions, poses a significant threat to both motorists and pedestrians alike. Despite numerous calls for improvements, the authorities have yet to take decisive action to address the ongoing safety concerns.
According to Doug Wright, the presence of a red line running both north and south on a one-way street can often mislead drivers.
According to Wright, the signage can sometimes be unclear, especially when it advises drivers to look both ways before turning. This can be confusing because you wouldn’t expect to look both ways on a one-way street. However, accidents like the one they witnessed can occur when drivers cross over a one-way street without realizing the need to be cautious. Wright shared this experience while visiting the Stutz with his wife and newborn, highlighting the potential dangers caused by confusing signage.
Raynor expressed concern about the prevalence of people constantly glued to their phones and not being mindful of their surroundings, particularly when it comes to traffic safety. He also pointed out that bus drivers tend to drive at high speeds in this area, raising questions about their level of attentiveness.
IndyGo has taken steps to address the concerns raised by individuals about the confusion experienced along the Red Line on Capitol Avenue. In order to enhance safety and awareness, the transit agency has installed signs along the route to alert motorists about approaching buses from the left. These signs serve as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution and check both directions before pulling out onto Capitol Avenue.
Since its launch in September 2019, the Red Line has brought about a change in traffic flow. Now, our buses are driving north and south along Capitol between Washington and 16th streets. Just like any other two-way intersection, we urge drivers to be vigilant, look in both directions, and thoroughly assess their surroundings before entering the street.
Motorists should ensure that the bus lane is clear before entering it to make a left turn while driving on the street.
Raynor is advocating for increased attention on the road, while the Wrights are calling for a revision of the bus routes along Capitol Avenue.
Lauren Wright expressed her preference for going with the flow of traffic rather than having to constantly manage multiple directions and distractions. She suggested that IndyGo or other sources could provide more consistent and helpful information to assist commuters.
