Jackson’s Most Dangerous Intersections
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According to the Jackson Police Department, over the past two years, they have seen a slight increase in the number of car crashes in the city, but have seen a drop in injury crashes. Officials believe it is in due in part to the Crash Reduction Enforcement programs geared to zero-in on dangerous roadways and intersections. In 2011, Jackson had about 638 injury crashes compared to 580 in 2010. The department saw a slight increase in overall wrecks. North Highland and the U.S. Highway 45 Bypass are heavily traveled roads by Jacksonians and for those who live in surrounding areas. Officials have some tips for drivers. “Don’t assume you have a green light that it’s okay to pullout in the intersections. When you have the green light, make sure the cross traffic is going to stop,” said Lt. Ron Adams, JPD’s Traffic Safety Coordinator. Intersections along the Highway 45 Bypass and North Parkway, Old Hickory Boulevard, Carriage House Drive and Oil Well Road had the most crashes in 2011. The intersection of North Parkway and Highway 45 Bypass had 73 crashes. Old Hickory Boulevard and the 45 Bypass had about 67. Carriage House Drive and North Highland had 58 accidents, while the section of Carriage House Drive that intersects the Bypass had just 52. Oil Well Road, another busy intersection along Highway 45 Bypass had 45 accidents. Reports showed most wrecks in Jackson happen in the middle of the day between 1 and 2 p.m., a huge lunch rush. JPD leaders said it makes sure it has the bulk of its officers working during peak periods. Lt. Ron Adams said the Crash Reduction Enforcement unit has targeted these intersections hoping to reduce the numbers. “We’re assigning people to work in those areas on a regular basis. They are looking for dangerous violations, speeding, following too close, not wearing a safety belt, and child restraint violations,” said Adams.
