Death at Roscoe and Corbin : More Safeguards Could Reduce the Deadly Toll at Hazardous Crossing

Nationally, there has been a dramatic decline in the number of drunk-driving fatalities, but that kind of news offers small consolation to Iris Paull of Chatsworth. Her 19-year-old daughter, Barbara, and a friend of the same age, Stephanie Tourikian, were killed three months ago at the intersection of Corbin Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard in Northridge. A suspected drunk driver, traveling about 80 m.p.h., struck Barbara’s car broadside.

Iris Paull is an example of what must be remembered when it comes to prosecuting, convicting and sentencing drunk motorists. And other aspects of the case involving her daughter shed light on other serious problems. One is the intersection where the tragedy occurred.

The Roscoe and Corbin intersection was also the site of a December, 1993, accident in which a woman was killed. As was the case in the Paull/Tourikian incident, the offending driver ran a red light at the intersection. In January of 1992, a Canoga Park woman was killed when another driver there ran a red light. In December, 1991, a driver at the same intersection was killed when he too ran a red light and crashed.

Veteran traffic officers with the Los Angeles Police Department have referred to this intersection as the most dangerous in the Devonshire Division, but city traffic engineers have also said that there is little they can do to make it safer. That’s not good enough. A simple process of trial-and-error would be a preferable response, such as adding more street lights and staggering them so that most motorists are unable to gather more speed. Setting up rows of bumps that drivers must pass over as they approach the intersection, such as those that encourage drivers to remain in their lanes on the highways, is another idea. That might alert a drowsy or distracted driver.

Also, the family members and friends who are left to deal with the loss of loved ones should be able to call on the coordinated resources of the Los Angeles branch of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

MADD offered regular group counseling sessions at its offices and maintains files of many cases. Unfortunately, MADD’s headquarters, located in Van Nuys, was virtually destroyed in the Northridge quake. That forced a three-month hiatus on support group meetings. To make matters worse, its quake-damaged offices were then looted. Valuable equipment was lost, as well as several items that had been donated for the auction/fund-raiser that normally serves as MADD’s primary source of funds.

Those interested in assisting MADD can call (818) 986-6233 or (310) 641-5017. It needs volunteers, office equipment and a new office. People like Iris Paull greatly benefit from the range of services that MADD is usually able to offer. Perhaps you can help MADD.