A hauntingly unsafe intersection

After more than eight years, a directional signal hasn’t been installed at “five points,” the intersection of Burbank and Victory boulevards. I’ve done everything I could possibly think of peacefully doing to have the sign installed.

The problem is that drivers eastbound on Victory Boulevard, turning right to the signal at Burbank Boulevard, are not yet aware of the “right lane must turn right” sign that is located on Burbank Boulevard as they are halfway into their left turn onto Burbank. At this point, anyone wishing to turn right on Victory Boulevard must either be in the right lane or else suddenly move from the left or center lane at a sharp angle, constituting an unsafe lane change and a potential accident.

A sign with an arrow pointing east on Burbank Boulevard with the wording “use right lane for right on Victory” is needed. This sign should be posted on the public pole at 1008 W. Burbank Blvd., at the area of the signal to provide ample safe distance for drivers (as much as 200 feet in advance of the signal) to choose the correct lane of travel. There is currently a large sign at that location that only indicates left (curve) turn for the three lanes. As a second choice, I would place a “right turn for Victory Blvd.” sign directly above the right-most portion of that sign.

A neighbor was involved in a non-injury accident in which a driver changed from the center lane into the right lane in front of her. She rear-ended that vehicle but due to a lack of witnesses, she was responsible. In order to avoid the accident on her driving and insurance records, she paid out-of-pocket for the excess of $2,000 total damage for the cars. Based on my observations I would estimate there are at least 50 such unsafe lane changes between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day.

I was assigned as a safety officer for the Burbank Police Dept. for three years prior to my retirement and safety is always a No. 1 issue with me. If the situation is not resolved during my lifetime I may just return in spirit to haunt City Hall, just like they do in the movies.

Lt. Talbert Kanigher
Burbank