Prioritizing Cars Over People: How a College Town Intersection Became More Dangerous

A redesign of an intersection in Orange, California, a walkable college town, highlights a concerning trend: prioritizing car speed over pedestrian safety. What was once a safe four-way stop was replaced with a traffic signal, supposedly to 'improve traffic flow and reduce conflict.' However, the upgrade slowed pedestrians, added inconvenience, and only saved drivers mere seconds while significantly increasing the risk of accidents due to drivers running red lights. This $600,000 'improvement' showcases a flawed prioritization of vehicle efficiency over pedestrian safety and comfort, reflecting a common misalignment of values in US street design.