Install flashing warning light at Estrella De Mar Road and Poinsettia Lane intersection

The Issue

I am deeply concerned about the safety of our community, especially regarding the intersection of Estrella De Mar Road, and Poinsettia Lane. Recently, I experienced a near-miss accident when a car ran a red light at this intersection—a chilling reminder of how unsafe this area has become.

The intersection has become a hotspot for similar close calls, as reported by many residents of the La Costa Greens community. Frequent red-light running and excessive vehicle speeds have turned this crossing into a dangerous zone for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Every day, our loved ones are at risk, and we cannot ignore this hazard any longer.

Traffic safety is a fundamental right, and it should be a priority for our town's authorities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of all vehicle collisions occur at intersections, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures. The installation of a flashing warning light or similar enhanced visibility measures would serve as a critical deterrent to reckless drivers and increase the overall safety for everyone using this junction.

Immediate action needs to be taken to ensure our community's safety. We urge local officials, city planners, and traffic engineers to consider this proposal seriously. A simple solution like a flashing warning light can prevent accidents and save lives, fostering peace and security in our neighborhood.

Please sign this petition to show your support and prompt the responsible authorities to address this pressing issue. Together, we can make our community a safer place for everyone.

Ian BrigdenPetition Starter

Media inquiries

54

Let’s get to 100 signatures!

Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Issue

Ian BrigdenPetition Starter

Media inquiries

Support now

54

Let’s get to 100 signatures!

Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Decision Makers

Carlsbad Public Works — Traffic & Mobility Division

Responded

“I would like to follow up with you regarding your request for flashing warning lights at the Poinsettia Ln and Estrella De Mar Rd intersection. The city’s approach is to provide consistent warnings for drivers approaching signalized intersections. To achieve that, advance “Signal Ahead” signage and pavement markings are provided on major approaches of all traffic signals within the city. Supplemental warning devices, like flashing warning lights, may be installed where additional emphasis or warning is deemed necessary, for example, locations with a collision history, limited visibility, or other conditions that may affect drivers’ ability to see an upcoming traffic signal. By implementing these devices where they are most needed, we could effectively manage drivers’ expectation, enhance safety, and utilize city resources efficiently. With this approach in mind, staff have performed an evaluation to determine if additional advance warning is needed for the traffic signal at Poinsettia and Estrella De Mar and here are our fundings. The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices has guidelines on the appropriate sight distance needed for traffic approaching a traffic signal to have a continuous view of at least two traffic signal indications (red, yellow or green balls). Staff have performed the analysis in accordance with this specific guideline and found that the traffic signal indications at this location are well visible to drivers on Poinsettia Ln in both approaches; the available sight distances meet and exceed the requirements. According to city records, there were no reported collisions or red-light violation citations at this intersection in the past 5 years. For the above reasons, staff do not support the installation of flashing warning light at the intersection of Poinsettia Ln and Estrella De Mar. We understand your concern and that you have witnessed drivers running red lights at this intersection. We reviewed the timing settings for this traffic signal and made some slight timing adjustments to include a longer duration of “all-red” time at this location. What it does is that it adds a “gap” between traffic movements, a short all-red duration for cars to clear the intersection before green light shows up for the next movement. It is an improvement to enhance safety. Staff will continue to monitor traffic conditions at this location. Thank you again for contacting the city. Please let me know if you have any questions. Public Works Traffic & Mobility Division [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email update we received regarding this petition.]”

Carlsbad Public Works — Traffic & Mobility Division

Responded