Study Finds Summer Street is Safe

In the wake of two serious accidents on Summer Street, between Sheridan and Randall, the Old Colony Planning Council conducted a study that determined there were no underlying road conditions or traffic patterns that could have contributed.

The two accidents in question--one that killed 71-year-old George E. Power and his dog on Labor Day and another last year where the driver struck a tree and a utility poll and was pulled out of the burning vehicle by neighbors--were "unique situations in recent memory because of excessive speed," said Police Chief Allen Krajcik in a report to the Board of Selectmen.

The study showed an average speed of 31.5 miles per hour in the 30 mile per hour zone and 85 percent drive 37 miles per hour. Most drivers that travel over 40 miles per hour do so later at night, according to Krajcik, who said that the two recent accidents were the only ones on that stretch of road in the last five years. 

"Most drivers drive to the road conditions," he said. "People drive to what they feel is a prudent speed." 

The area was, however, deemed unsuitable for walking due a lack of sidewalks or wide shoulders, so about 50 students who live on streets off of Summer, will now be picked up by buses even though they live within a mile and a half of school, according to Superintendent Mike Green. 

Buses will be running both ways, so students will be able to stay on their own streets as they are picked up and dropped off, he said.