Digging into 32nd Street crash data
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - We're digging into just how many crashes there have been on 32nd Street in Yuma that led the city to lower the speed limit.
The city reported 159 crashes from 2021 to last year on 32nd street between Arizona Avenue and Avenue 3E.
“Four of them have been fatal and several more have had serious injuries," said City of Yuma Director of Engineering David Wostenberg.
The city shared crash data with us from that area over the past five years.
2022 saw the most crashes at 48. The lowest was 20 crashes in 2023.
"Over those five years, there were a reduction in crashes over the most recent three years. However, that was due to enhanced enforcement by Yuma Police, and they also recommended a reduced speed limit for that area," said Wostenberg.
When I asked the city director of engineering why the changes now, they said they've seen an increase in vehicles on the road since 2020 with about 13.7% of truck traffic now.
"Over the past several years from 2020, there's been an average increase in the volume of traffic by 10% a year, so we are now at 30,000 vehicles per day on that segment, and, it's continuing to grow," said Wostenberg.
That’s why the city is dropping the speed limit from 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour on a stretch of 32nd street starting next week. They say the changes will help improve traffic flow and reduce crashes.
“The reduction of speed will improve the safety for all road users, not just the motorists, but also our vulnerable road users, the bicyclists, and the pedestrians," said Wostenberg.
And some locals agree.
"I like the idea. I don't like giving up my speed, but I do like the idea for safety because it does get a little hairy down there, and if you miss the light, you're really trying to get it. Yeah, 35 would be a good place to go," said local Marde Randall.
They say the city will continue to study the road if any futher imrpovements need to be made to help with road safety.
"The city traffic engineering will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the speed reduction. And about 60 to 90 days, I'll look at it to see how well the enhanced enforcement work- how well the speed reduction has been working," said Wostenberg.
They remind those on the road drive the speed limit, stay alert, and don’t drive distracted.
"Distracted for one second can mean the difference between a crash and a non crash," said Wostenberg.
Public works will install the new speed limit signs next Monday morning.
