Security Footage Reveals Pattern of Accidents Near School Zone
Seth Osborn’s ring cameras tell the story of Chestnut and Weldon Avenues – a Fresno intersection where screeching tires and crashing metal pierce the neighborhood silence. His footage captured a motorcyclist’s death, a teenager plowing into a garage, and countless near-misses at this single entry point to one of Fresno’s busiest streets.
5 Key Points
- Ring cameras documented multiple crashes, including fatal motorcycle accidents.
- A teen driver smashed into a neighbor’s garage at high speed.
- The intersection serves as sole access to Chestnut Avenue.
- The city pledged a new traffic signal after viewing crash footage.
- Installation is planned for 2025 after design completion.
From Quiet Street to Crash Site
“You hear it first,” Osborn says from his front porch, where he’s watched the intersection transform over 30 years. “The screech, the bang, then silence.” His cameras roll 24/7, capturing each new wreck at the spot where neighborhood traffic funnels onto Chestnut Avenue. Parents walking kids to Ericson Elementary, dodge-turning cars. Teenagers race through the crosswalks. Commuters gun their engines to beat oncoming traffic.
Nature Makes it Worse
Valley fog turns every left turn into a gamble—Osborn points to tire marks on the pavement, fresh from yesterday’s crash. “Stand here on a foggy morning,” he says. “Cars appear out of nowhere. You can’t see them coming until they’re right here.” His footage shows cars slamming brakes as phantom vehicles emerge from the gray wall. Rain sends cars sliding through turns. Sun glare blinds drivers at dawn and dusk.
A Daily Danger Zone
School bells ring, and crossing guards wave their flags, but the chaos continues. Osborn’s cameras caught a teen driver losing control last month, their car spinning across lanes before crushing his neighbor’s garage door. A motorcycle crash left one dead after a driver failed to yield. Each morning brings new skid marks, broken glass, and scared parents clutching their children’s hands tighter.
City Hall Takes Notice
Councilmember Tyler Maxwell watched Osborn’s footage. Last week, fresh paint brightened the crosswalks. Police cars now park near Ericson Elementary, and radar guns are aimed at speeders. Engineers finished plans for a traffic signal, but installation waits until 2025. “These aren’t just accidents,” Osborn says, reviewing his latest crash video. “These are neighbors, kids, families. We needed that light years ago.”
FAQ
Q: Do you qualify for a car accident lawsuit?
A: To see if you qualify, click here.
Q: What immediate changes did the city make to address safety concerns?
A: The city restriped crosswalks and increased police patrols targeting speeders.
Q: When will the new traffic signal be installed?
A: Installation is planned for 2025, with design work nearly complete.
Q: What makes this intersection particularly dangerous?
A: It’s the neighborhood’s only access point to Chestnut Avenue and sits near an elementary school.
Q: How long has the resident been documenting accidents?
A: Seth Osborn has lived there for over 30 years and recently used security cameras to record crashes.
Q: What types of accidents have occurred at the intersection?
A: Documented crashes include a fatal motorcycle accident and a teen driver hitting a residential garage.
Citation
Cooke, K. (2024, November 11). Councilman responds following story about dangerous intersection in Fresno. KMPH. https://kmph.com/news/local/neighbor-living-near-street-with-frequent-accidents-wants-to-see-changes-made
