Politics & Government

Village Exploring Solution to Car Accidents at Joliet and Schoolhouse

Over the last few years there have been a number of accidents at the intersection of Joliet Highway and Schoolhouse Road, sometimes resulting in cars crashing into residents' back yards. The village is exploring $36,000 solution.

Residents at the intersection of Joliet Highway and Schoolhouse Road have come to expect the worst, sometimes including cars rambling through their fences and knocking down their swing sets.

Car accidents at that intersection have become fairly regular, and now the village is looking to increase safety for residents and drivers by exploring the purchase of an innovative high-friction surface.

Over the last five years, there have been 25 accidents at that intersection that were attributed to wet road conditions. On a day when village staff went to examine the area, it had just started raining.

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"My tires started spinning," village trustee Ray Tuminello said. "It can be hard to get up that incline."

Now, the village is looking at $36,850 purchase for a Safe-T-Grip product that has been proven to reduce traffic accidents in wet conditions. , but is being considered in committee.

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Safe-T-Grip is an epoxy resin applied to existing asphalt that increases friction on the tires. It's been used in Europe and various locations on the East and West coasts. It's been proven to be effective on sharp curves, approaching intersections and in other roadways.

The village would also have the option of paying a bit extra for a different colored pavement, such as red or blue to draw attention to the stop sign ahead.

Guard rails were also considered as a means to keep cars out of neighbors' back yards. But that wouldn't help motorists, trustee Annette Bowden pointed out.

"Guard rails will stop the car after the crash, but this will hopefully stop the crash from happening," she said.


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