The corner of Wisconsin and M Streets was recently investigated as a high-crash intersection by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) in their study “High Crash Intersection Visits.” 195 crashes were reported in the 3.5 year analysis period of the document. These incidents caused 36 injuries, two of which were “disabling”. Twelve pedestrians and nine cyclists were involved in the crashes, which is the second-highest combined number of the intersections observed in the study. The report discussed causal factors and possible next steps, including evaluating the potential for widened curbs, longer crosswalk signals, and relocation of the nearby Metrobus stop.
According to the report, 35,000 vehicles use the intersection at M and Wisconsin daily. Almost half of the 195 crashes at site were sideswipes. The report described the crashes as mostly “low severity.” There were no fatalities, but two disabling injuries observed. Crashes frequently involved taxis or jaywalking pedestrians.
The report listed several issues that likely contribute to the high crash volume at this intersection. Pedestrians at Wisconsin and M have only sixteen seconds to cross the intersection, and the study observed that many were still walking after the period ended. Especially on weekends, there is little room on the sidewalk for the large crowds of pedestrians to wait. Another problem participants discussed was bad driver behavior, such as the running of red lights or blocking the box.
In the coming months, the DDOT plans to evaluate solutions to these issues. Increasing the walking period at the crosswalk and relocating the bus stop are set to be considered this January. The department is also planning to investigate widening curbs at the intersection and adding more crossings at other intersections in the neighborhood to disperse pedestrian traffic at other locations and lighten congestion.
The ANC and BID have also requested a red light camera at the intersection to curb bad driver behavior. While the Metro Police Department has shown they would be willing to install the camera, the report claims that “sight lines and access” make implementation challenging.
This approach to curbing traffic crashes is part of DDOT and the District’s Vision Zero initiative. The District “seeks to eliminate traffic-based fatalities and serious-injuries” within the next ten years.
