Drivers Continue To Ignore Road Rules At Queens Intersection
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It's months now since NY1 told viewers about and showed the reckless driving at one dangerous intersection in Queens. The city department of transportation promised action and took some. So why are things there still so bad? NY1's Ruschell Boone filed the following report.They drive past the stop signs and street markings as if they're not even there. NY1 watched for hours as cars just rolled through the intersection of 72nd Avenue and Vleigh Place. One motorist even tried to intimidate an elderly pedestrian crossing the street.
People also continue to speed at the intersection but the near-misses were fewer than what NY1 saw a few months ago.
NY1 highlighted the same problem in December and the city has worked to improve the intersection since then. So why aren't people stopping?
There have only been a few minor accidents at the intersection over the years but residents say it is still dangerous.
"I go to Queens College. I'm a student here," said one resident. "It's only been two days and I've already had three or four [near-misses] so it's scary."
Residents have been calling for a traffic light but a Department of Transportation study after NY1's December story concluded the intersection didn't meet the federal requirements for one. Instead, it added a painted curb extension and more signs. The DOT said the changes have improved visibility at the intersection but residents are not impressed.
"I think it was a waste of time and money because people are blowing the stop sign like it's not even there," said one.
Hopefully. a police crackdown will put the brakes on that. After showing the NYPD video of the problem, a spokesperson said the local precinct is aware of the issue and drivers can expect to see more enforcement.