Some residents in west Columbus are pushing for lower speed limits along on Hilliard-Rome Road.
This follows a hit-and-run crash last month which left a juvenile in critical condition.
According to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, two intersections on Hilliard-Rome Road ranked among the top 10 most dangerous intersections in central Ohio between 2014 and 2019: Hilliard-Rome and Renner roads, and Hilliard-Rome and Roberts roads.
In May, the Dept. of Public Service through the Vision Zero Columbus initiative, implemented a Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic signal pilot program, aimed at reducing crashes on Hilliard-Rome Road. In addition to drivers being permitted to turn left on the signal’s green arrow, they may proceed on the signal’s flashing yellow after they yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
This is the first use of this type of traffic signal on Columbus streets. Preliminary data from the city shows that injury crashes have decreased since then.
Sharon Rastetter of the Far West Side Area Commission said that community members don't believe it is enough.
"It's horrifying. It's absolutely horrifying. And it's not uncommon to just, you know, drive by one of these intersections, and see, you know, a million pieces of leftover car parts that were part of the crash," Rastetter said.
Rastetter also said she wants to see the speed limit reduced and more police presence on the road.
