Case: Cantley v City of Pasadena

Vehicle versus Motorcycle Collision Involving Sight Distance Issues and Public Complaints

Location: Del Mar Boulevard at Madison Avenue
Pasadena, CA

Client: Bentley & Moore
Newport Beach, CA

Case Description

Vehicle versus Motorcycle Collision

Incident Overview:

This case involved a collision between a vehicle and a motorcycle at the intersection of Del Mar Boulevard and Madison Avenue in Pasadena, CA. The accident raised issues of restricted sight distance at the intersection, with concerns about the compliance of the sight distance with AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) Sight Distance Guidelines. The case also examined the history of public complaints related to the intersection, local parking regulations that may have obstructed views, and human factors contributing to the accident.

Services Provided:

Sight Distance Evaluation: EES analyzed the sight distance at the intersection in relation to AASHTO guidelines to determine whether the restricted visibility played a role in the collision.

 

AASHTO Guidelines Review: We conducted a detailed review of AASHTO sight distance standards and their application to the intersection in question.

 

Public Complaint Analysis: EES examined the history of public complaints regarding the intersection and evaluated whether previous concerns had been addressed by local authorities.

 

Parking Regulations Review: Our team assessed the impact of parking regulations on the sight distance at the intersection, particularly whether parked vehicles obstructed the view of drivers and motorcyclists.

 

Human Factors Analysis: EES conducted an evaluation of the human factors involved in the collision, including the decision-making process of both the vehicle driver and motorcyclist under the existing conditions.

Issues Addressed

Restricted Sight Distance

Evaluating Visibility at the Intersection The restricted sight distance at the intersection of Del Mar Boulevard and Madison Avenue was a critical issue in the case. EES conducted an in-depth analysis of the visibility from the perspective of both the vehicle and the motorcycle. We measured the available sight distance at the intersection and compared it with recommended standards to assess whether it was sufficient for safe decision-making by drivers.

 

AASHTO Sight Distance Guidelines

Reviewing Guidelines and Intersection Compliance EES reviewed the AASHTO Sight Distance Guidelines, which set standards for how far a driver needs to see in order to react safely. We evaluated whether the intersection’s design and current conditions met these guidelines. Additionally, we assessed the history of changes to AASHTO standards to understand how they applied to this case.

 

Public Complaints

Investigating the History of Complaints About the Intersection A history of public complaints about the safety of the intersection was a key element of the case. EES researched these complaints and examined whether the city had taken appropriate action to address concerns related to visibility and safety. Our analysis provided context on whether the city had been aware of the risks posed by restricted sight distance and if corrective measures were implemented.

 

Parking Regulations

Assessing the Impact of Parking on Visibility Parking regulations at the intersection may have contributed to restricted sight distance, particularly if parked vehicles obstructed the view of oncoming traffic. EES examined the local parking regulations to determine if they complied with safety standards and if the placement of parked cars near the intersection affected the visibility of drivers and motorcyclists.

 

Human Factors

Evaluating the Role of Human Decision-Making Human factors played a significant role in the case, as the actions of both the vehicle driver and motorcyclist under restricted visibility conditions needed to be assessed. EES conducted a human factors analysis to evaluate how the drivers may have perceived the conditions at the intersection and how these perceptions influenced their decisions, ultimately leading to the collision.

 


Client Benefits

Comprehensive Sight Distance Evaluation: EES’s thorough analysis of the sight distance at the intersection, including compliance with AASHTO standards, provided critical insights into whether visibility issues were a contributing factor to the collision.

Detailed Review of Public Complaints and Parking Regulations: Our investigation into the history of public complaints and parking regulations helped establish whether the city was aware of visibility concerns and if proper safety measures were in place.

Human Factors Analysis: EES’s evaluation of the decision-making process of the drivers under restricted visibility conditions provided valuable context for understanding the human element of the accident.

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