SACRAMENTO, California — A dangerous intersection in Natomas is finally expected to see changes after three pedestrians were hurt over the past three months, officials said.
It comes after the deaths of two grandfathers prompted a Sacramento city councilwoman to make some changes.
Councilmember Lisa Kaplan said the priority is the safety of families who are out walking or biking in our streets. She's asking everyone to slow down, be mindful and care more about the safety of one another.
David Mackowiak said he witnessed the moments that followed a grandfather getting hit and killed by a Sacramento RT shuttle bus about a week ago.
The crash happened right behind his home near Banfield and Club Center Drive.
"I was by the church and I see the brake lights on the bus and that was it. So I ran up there and obviously, the gentleman was caught under the bus, unfortunately," Mackowiak said.
Councilmember Kaplan, who represents this area, said there have been three incidents involving pedestrians in the past three months.
In June, a bicyclist died after he was hit by a car, and recently a beloved teacher, who works at Heron School nearby, was hit and seriously injured.
Kaplan is taking action after holding a community meeting Monday night.
"One of the solutions is a kind of a quick build of striping. On those four corners, they are going to re-stripe it, but do the latter striping and make it brighter," Kaplan said.
Secondly, the Public Works Department is going to put out a data-collecting device. It will look at how many cars are going through and at what speed they're driving, but Kaplan said everyone has a part to play in the ongoing efforts.
"I call it the four E's: engineering, education, enforcement and engagement. Engineering, our team has gone out there to look at the safety...," Kaplan said.
It also includes engaging community members to be educated and to be ambassadors on slowing down and not driving while distracted.
Neighbors in Natomas said they're all for any changes that will save lives.
"Obviously, if the loss of life is prevented or anybody getting hurt, absolutely, anything that can improve that situation," Mackowiak said.
Councilwoman Kaplan said that while the State of Emergency is not on the agenda, community members can still express concerns during public comment.
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