NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) — Residents of Germantown assert that the city must enhance pedestrian safety following an incident.
A cherished local resident was struck and tragically died due to a collision with a truck on Sunday evening.
According to police, 77-year-old Dorothy “Dot” Dobbins was crossing Third Avenue with her dog at approximately 7:30 PM on Sunday evening when she was struck by a truck. The driver involved has been identified as 24-year-old up-and-coming country artist Conner Smith.
On Wednesday evening, locals convened at the crosswalk where Dobbins passed away to raise awareness about pedestrian safety concerns, an issue affecting not only Germantown but all of Nashville as well.
We’re helping folks move safely due to the fact that, frankly, this crossing remains risky despite the recent signage,” said Germantown local Kim Unertl to WSMV. “This issue keeps coming up throughout Nashville in various districts around town. It’s clear we require a much broader strategy for enhancing both pedestrian and cyclist security.
Unertl mentions that the crosswalk poses a recognized problem for those living in Germantown.
I’ve lost track of how many close calls I’ve had here,” she stated. “I imagine that most folks who frequently stroll around here could share similar stories about this particular crossing. It seems as though people aren’t paying heed. They’re not keeping their speed down either. They behave as if it were a thoroughfare cutting through the community when, in reality, it isn’t.
Since Dobbins’ passing, the city has updated the 3rd Avenue crosswalk with several modifications. These include cutting down a tree that posed a risk of obscuring pedestrian crossing signs and enhancing the signage in the center of the street. The Nashville Department of Transportation informed WSMV that they are also considering additional measures.
developing a strategy to install additional elevated crosswalks
to the area, but we haven’t determined when that project will begin.
However, Unertl maintains that the city needs to take additional steps in various aspects.
I’m glad they’ve put up some signs,” Unertl stated. “And I appreciate them resolving certain tree problems, however, if you go just one block in either direction, those issues still persist.
As stated by Walk Bike Nashville,
28 people were killed
While strolling or cycling in Nashville previously. That’s why they unveiled a one-of-a-kind
“State of Our Streets”
Report outlining particular and urgent steps the municipality can implement to enhance pedestrian safety in Nashville.
Below are guidelines for watching WSMV4 live across different platforms.
Specifically, Germantown is frequently praised as one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in Nashville. According to Joe Nuzzo, who serves as the president of the Historic Germantown Neighborhood Association, he selected this neighborhood seven years back when relocating from New York due to its high walkability.
Germantown felt like the nearest approximation of New York City for me,” Nuzzo said to WSMV. “It has walkable streets, eateries, and stores.
He mentions that ever since he moved here, the neighborhood has expanded dramatically, yet this growth has brought about difficulties in ensuring pedestrian safety.
We’re seeing a significant number of visitors staying at Airbnbs and hotels flooding our area, which makes getting around quite convenient,” Nuzzo stated. “However, the narrow roads aren’t equipped to handle this level of traffic. So, residents must stay vigilant when using the streets. It’s important to always expect vehicle movement instead of assuming safety.
Nuzzo expresses his hope that raising awareness about this matter will encourage individuals to decrease their speed and be more attentive in locations such as Germantown, where there is significant pedestrian activity.
Sadly, the passing of Dot Dobbins shed light on this issue,” he stated. “I’m hoping that after the media and law enforcement move on, and it’s just residents using the crosswalks, cyclists riding their bikes, or tourists visiting, everyone will start noticing the signs and make sure to slow down and stop when needed.
Leave a Reply