Safety Plan Ordered for Site of Fatal Accident

The Los Angeles City Council instructed the Department of Transportation on Wednesday to quickly come up with a plan to add safety measures at a Highland Park intersection where a young boy was killed Oct. 17.

The council unanimously passed a motion by Councilman Richard Alatorre asking transportation officials to consider adding traffic barriers, zebra-striped crosswalks and flashing lights near the spot of the fatal accident along Figueroa Street. The motion, which called for a plan to be developed within two weeks, also requests that the Police Department consider increasing traffic enforcement along the busy corridor.

Two weeks ago, a car speeding down the road swerved to avoid another vehicle, jumped a curb and plowed into a group of children eating ice cream cones on the corner. Matthew Ruiz, 6, died moments later in his mother’s arms. Four other children were injured.

In the wake of the accident, transportation officials said they would immediately add a left-turn lane and more yellow school signs near the intersection.

The council also approved a motion Wednesday directing transportation officials to suggest changes in the current criteria governing the installation of traffic signals.