Post Jaahnavi's death: Seattle Gets First Protected Traffic Intersection in US
Kurnool: The traffic intersection of Thomas and Dexter Avenue North, where Jaahnavi Kandula from Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh died in an accident in Seattle city of the United States, is now slated to become the city's first protected intersection.
Construction work began on Tuesday marking a significant step towards prioritising pedestrian safety at the intersection.
This traffic location gained notoriety when 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula from Adoni in the district died after being hit by a speeding Seattle Police Patrol vehicle on the night of January 23 this year.
The project, under the purview of the Seattle Department of Transportation, has been designed to enhance safety for non-motorized traffic in the corridor, particularly pedestrians and cyclists.
Protected intersections, a feature of the Thomas Street Project, include Islands within the intersection to serve as protective barriers for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the street.
The project also involves the installation of traffic signals to bolster safety for those walking and biking through the intersection. Moreover, the greenway on Thomas Street will be seamlessly connected to the Dexter Avenue North bike lanes.
According to an investigation report, the Seattle Police Officer who was involved in the accident was travelling at an alarming speed of 74 miles per hour in a 24-mph zone just before the collision.
Despite having emergency lights activated, the officer did not have the siren continuously on but instead “chirped” it at the intersection.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has engaged an external firm to review the case. As of now, no charges have been filed against the police officer.
Furthermore, in light of the ongoing investigation, Northeastern University where Jaahnavi was pursuing her Master’s has decided to award her degree posthumously.
