Accidents continue to occur at highway intersection near Marion
Staff writer
The intersection of U.S.-56/77/K-150, northeast of Marion, has been the scene of numerous accidents during the past several weeks.
Most recently, there were two accidents at that intersection in the past five days.
At 4:19 p.m., Sept. 30, John T. Tooley, 54, of Independence, Mo., was westbound on K-150, driving a 2009 International truck. He had stopped at the stop sign and then proceeded across the intersection, westbound on U.S.-56, but did not see a 2005 International semi driven by Mark L. Doperalski, 52, of Wamego, who was northbound on U.S-56/77. The semi struck the side of the International truck.
Both drivers were injured with Doperalski being transported by Marion EMS to St. Luke Hospital, Marion, reported Marion County Sheriff Deputy Duane McCarty.
At 11 a.m. Sunday, Sandra K. Schmitt, 46, Hutchinson, was eastbound on U.S.-56 in a 2003 GMC Yukon, and had stopped at the intersection. She attempted to turn north on U.S.-56/77 and pulled out in front of a northbound 2003 Toyota Corolla, driven by Adrienne L. Struble, 19, Lawrence, causing the two vehicles to collide. Schmitt had stated in the accident report that she thought the intersection was a four-way stop.
Passengers in the Schmitt vehicle were Miranda Eugelken, 27, Leslie Hoffman, 44, and Amanda Smith, 28, all of Hutchinson. Michaela Taylor, 19, of Manhattan, was a passenger in the Toyota.
Struble and Taylor were injured and transported by Marion EMS to St. Luke Hospital, Marion.
The westbound lane on K-150 and eastbound lane on U.S.-56 have rumble strips to alert drivers of the intersection. Large stop signs also alert drivers of the two-way stop.
The intersection also has been the location of near misses.
Karen M. Fitzmaurice, 49, 208 Lincolnville, Lincolnville, was involved in a near-crash Sept. 19.
Fitzmaurice swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle that pulled out in front of her and drove into ditch and struck a sign. There were no injuries in that accident but more than $1,000 in damages.
So, what does Kansas Department of Transportation think about the crashes and what action are they considering?
According to Brian Gower, a traffic engineer at the Topeka office, crash analyses are conducted, particularly at intersections.
“If we recognize a pattern and if there is any type of counter measure we can implement to prevent crashes, then we’ll do it,” he said. However, it doesn’t automatically mean a four-way stop or roundabout will be planned anytime soon.
Currently there is a two-way stop at the intersection with east-west lanes or legs stopping.
There are devices set up — signs that warn drivers of a stop sign ahead, rumble strips, and stop signs with a warning that U.S.-77 does not stop.
“There are some drivers who seem to be making mistakes on crossing the highway,” Gower said, and he’s right.
The causes of most of the accidents as reported by Marion County Sheriff’s Department and Kansas Highway Patrol appear to be drivers who stop at the stop sign and then pull into oncoming traffic.
“There was a spike in accidents in 2004 and then it leveled off in 2005, 2006, and 2007,” Gower said, “and it appears there is a spike in 2008.”
From January 2004 through June 2008, there were 15 accidents with five in 2004, which was considered a “spike.”
How does this intersection compare with the intersection of U.S.-50/77 near Florence?
“The Florence location had been a chronic location for more than a decade. No matter what KDOT did in putting in devices, drivers didn’t make good decisions,” Gower said, primarily northbound drivers colliding with westbound drivers.
On an average, there were consistently 10-12 accidents per year.
“This intersection (near Marion) does not compare with the Florence intersection,” Gower said. There probably are few intersections in Kansas that compare.
He continued that the Florence intersection had a pattern of northbound colliding with westbound vehicles which was “mind-boggling.” Most of those accidents also involved large trucks.
“I’m not sure if drivers can see as well at the Marion intersection as they could at the Florence intersection,” Gower said. “Drivers should be able to make decisions with good sight distance.”
So, what about a four-way stop at the Marion intersection?
“A concern with a four-way stop is having high-speed traffic approaching the intersection which makes it difficult for drivers to stop. And then to stop a route that is free-flow is a little bit scary,” he said.
“The study is more than just throwing out some ideas. We have to look at both pros and cons.”
In the end, KDOT will analyze the information and decide if anything should change.