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The East Falls Community Council’s Traffic Committee announces its 2nd selection for its new feature, “Accident of the Month.” This dandy of an accident occurred around 2:30am on Saturday, October the 15th in very close proximity to the writer’s home. It was witnessed by a neighbor out for a walk. The vehicle, a 2001 Mazda Millennia traveling eastbound on Queen Lane at McMichael St., went out of control and struck a utility pole. The car flipped onto its roof and skidded in the direction of the 3rd house from the corner. It slammed into a telephone pole, shearing it off at its base.
Some accounts of the series of events say that the unidentified operator allegedly fled scene, and that there were no other vehicles or persons involved. Other accounts say the driver remained at the scene. Official police accounts maintain that the Accident Investigation Division was following up to determine what violations, if any, would be charged to the driver. I saw another vehicle parked by the reservoir lawn with its occupant being interviewed by the police. The overturned car was empty but there was a group of people present, very vocal and very angry at each other. The gist of the conversation gave the impression that the car had been loaned to someone else and the owner was not involved. Through sources other than the 39th district, I learned that the accident did not go through the Accident Investigation Unit. It was not followed through! This alone raises serious questions about this accident in particular and about accident reporting and investigation in general. It is worthy to note that the car was traveling eastbound on the side of Queen Lane where the Philadelphia Water Dept. (PWD) has installed storm water retention basins. These are the very same basins that have been described as traffic calming “bump-outs.” Traffic calming efforts remain an elusive dream for this community and we wonder when our leaders are going to step in and offer some real solutions instead of PR or BS. Folks, please send your photos and accounts of accidents here in the community to
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