The tragic death of Joshua Perry at a Sandy intersection has raised significant concerns regarding safety measures. The incident occurred on January 15, 2023, when Perry, aged 40, was struck by an alleged drunk driver. This event has prompted city officials to reconsider long-term solutions to enhance safety at the location.
Calls for Safety Improvements
In response to the community’s demand for action, Sandy City Council is focused on evaluating the intersection at 11000 S. 1000 East. The public works department plans to restart a traffic study to determine the feasibility of installing either a roundabout or a traffic signal. Residents have expressed their concerns passionately, illustrating the urgent need for improvements.
Community Response
- Josh Karr, a nearby resident, initiated a petition that garnered nearly 800 signatures within a week.
- Community members emphasized their safety concerns during public meetings.
Ryan Kump, the public works director, acknowledged the strong public demand for enhanced safety measures and the importance of traffic signals at the intersection.
Ongoing Investigation and Memorial
Following Perry’s death, flowers and a baseball cap were placed at the intersection as a memorial. The police are continuing their investigation into the crash involving 55-year-old Zoe Blankenstein, who was reported to be under the influence of alcohol.
Frequent Accidents
This intersection has seen multiple incidents, with last week’s crash marking the tenth accident reported over three years. Many of these accidents involved stop-sign violations or driver inattentiveness.
Future Planning and Immediate Actions
Mayor Monica Zoltanski visited the site, expressing her condolences and commitment to assessing various safety options. Kump aims to conduct the traffic study within the next couple of months, considering data from the recent crash.
Funding and Long-term Solutions
The city previously secured funding for a roundabout project slated for 2030. Depending on the study’s outcomes, they may seek to expedite these funds or explore alternative financing for a different solution.
- Potential immediate solutions include overhead flashers and LED stop signs, planned for the next month.
- The completion of the thorough traffic evaluation is expected to guide long-term decisions for the intersection’s safety.
With a renewed focus on community input, Sandy officials are determined to enhance safety measures in the wake of this devastating incident. The commitment to finding effective long-term solutions has become a priority for both city leaders and residents alike.
