The Danger of Vision Triangles
Bayside Village Hall explains what a vision triangle is, and just how dangerous they can be.
The STOP sign is not visible at all from mid-block (left) and barely visible on immediate approach (right).
Federal Highway Administration
Photos (2)
Photos
What is a Vision Triangle and how dangerous are they?
One of the most dangerous and easily solved property maintenance issues is keeping vision triangles clear and free of any obstructions.
Vision triangles are simply sight lines at intersections or along curves in a road that should be kept free of any obstructions so motorists can see oncoming traffic, bicyclists or pedestrians. Village code requires residents to ensure that fences, hedges, bushes or other plants on their property don’t impede traffic visibility at these locations. This problem is of particular concern during the summer as plants and bushes can grow quickly and block vision triangles in a short amount of time. Vision triangles are frequently an issue for residents with corner lots.
Notice the difference?
Remember, if you can’t see an oncoming car or pedestrian, they can’t see you either.
Village crews proactively looks for intersections and areas where vision triangles may be a problem and works with residents to address these issues. To help make sure Village streets are safe, residents are reminded to inspect their properties to see if there are any potential hazards that need to be removed.
In addition, residents can report vision triangle problems with the Report a Concern feature on the main page of the village website, or by calling Village Hall at 414-351-8811. It only takes a little time to check on your property and it could help prevent an accident.
For more information...
The image to the left is from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Safety Administration. It illustrates vision triangle hazards that Village residents should be looking for and how vision triangles should be maintained. For more information on this topic and related topics, please visit the FHWA website here.
David Tatarowicz
12:39 pm on Saturday, September 10, 2011
Shorewood is terrible in enforcing vision triangles where alleys and sidewalks meet. On the north entrance to the alley between Kensington and Lake Bluff on Ardmore, a motorist exiting the alley literally has to pull past the bushes to see if anyone is on the sidewalk -- I have noticed this on numerous other alley and sidewalk intersections as well. I think it is something the Pedestrian Committee should look into as part of their mandate to keep pedestrians and small kids on bikes safe.