How we can prevent bus stop deaths

Barriers, more distance from road could help protect in crashes like Monday’s

Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

An artist’s rendering shows a bus shelter enclosed by barriers. It is one of several measures being considered by the Regional Transportation Commission to increase safety.

By Joe Schoenmann

Wed, Jul 9, 2008 (2 a.m.)

Steve Marcus

Lines show the path of a pickup truck driven by Steven Murray, 44, that jumped a curb and struck two people at a bus stop on Boulder Highway, killing one and critically injuring the other.

Driver arrested in bus stop crash that kills one, injures another (7-7-2008)
Valley has seen share of similar crashes (3-15-2005)
Crash at bus stop kills 4 (3-14-2005)
Boy, 4, killed at bus stop (3-4-2004)

By 10 a.m. Monday, the broken skeleton of the bus stop had been carted away. And there was nothing left to indicate a woman had been fatally struck there five hours earlier, when the driver of a large pickup truck lost control and plowed into her.

“Hey, is there still going to be a bus stop here?” a security guard from the nearby motel said.

Metro Detective William Redfairn nodded that, yeah, it’ll be back.

What Redfairn, a veteran traffic accident investigator, didn’t say was that he figures there’s little that can be done to prevent another vehicle from mowing down the replacement or any of the county’s 2,016 other bus shelters.

“I don’t think anybody has the answer,” he told the Sun.

Efforts to find a solution continue nonetheless. The Regional Transportation Commission is studying ideas, including the possibility of installing bollards — concrete posts — around some bus shelters or locating bus stops behind utility poles. In addition, state Sen. John Lee, D-North Las Vegas, who pushed a related measure through the Legislature in 2007, plans to push a new bill next year that he believes will make bus stops safer.

It’s an increasingly important goal, Lee said, as rising gas prices continue to turn more commuters into bus riders.

From January to May of this year, 700,000 more riders took the bus in Clark County than in 2007. And in 2007, 1.1 million more took the bus than in 2006.

Meanwhile, the latest statistics from the Nevada Transportation Department show that in 2006, 7,461 crashes involved vehicles hitting stationary, off-road objects. That was 12.2 percent of all crashes that year. It was also nearly double the 3,743 crashes of the same kind just three years earlier.

Of the 2003 accidents, only 25 reportedly involved bus shelters. Similar numbers for 2006 were not available. But if the same percentage of crashes involving bus stops in 2003 held for 2006, the number in 2006 would have been about 50.

Deaths from those accidents are rare. But they almost always make headlines.

• In March 2005, Veronica Schmidt plowed her Ford Explorer SUV into a bus stop at Smoke Ranch and Rock Springs roads. Killed were Raquel and Angelica Jimenez, 16 and 14, along with Samantha Allen, 36, and Reginald Williams, 16. Schmidt was placed under eight months of house arrest, but was sentenced to 180 days in jail in December 2007 because she failed to complete 60 hours of community service and pay $5,000 in court fees and fines.

• In May 2004, Nicolas Serrano-Villagrana killed 4-year-old Eulogia Avendano and injured two others when he hit them at a shelter at Eastern Avenue and U.S. 95. He was sentenced to 12 to 40 years in prison after convictions on three counts of felony driving under the influence causing substantial bodily harm.

• On Christmas Day 2003, Bruce L. Kirton, 49, died after a vehicle ran a red light, struck a car and hit Kirton at a bus stop.

• In October 2002, John Wan, 50, died standing at a bus shelter near Charleston Boulevard and Fremont Street when a drunken driver hit him in a pickup truck.

Crashes at bus stops, whether deadly or involving only property damage, have been an issue for the Regional Transportation Commission for years.

And though lawsuits are always possible, RTC General Manager Jacob Snow said in a recent interview liability isn’t the big concern.

“It’s simply public safety,” he said.

For years, the RTC was largely powerless to do anything because the bus stops fell within the domain of local municipalities. In 2005, however, the Legislature turned over control to the RTC. And in 2006, the RTC signed a contract with Outdoor Promotions to handle maintenance, construction and installation of bus shelters.

But that doesn’t mean the RTC abrogates all responsibility for safety. In April, Snow gave a report to the RTC’s Bus Shelter and Bus Advisory Committee that included the cost to install bollards at the 2,016 bus stops in the county that have shelters or benches. With four bollards per stop at $1,500 each, the cost to the RTC, not Outdoor Promotions, would be $12.1 million.

But there are problems with the bollards idea beyond the cost.

In Clark County, sidewalks are often poured right up to the curb, leaving scant feet between traffic and pedestrians. Bus stops play into the potential danger; they are often anchored to the sidewalk just a few feet from the curb. The fear is that bollards would so cramp the space that sidewalks would be impassable to some people with disabilities.

Lee also pointed out that studies show vehicles hitting a bollard at 45 mph or faster may be stopped, but the impact can send pieces of the concrete and vehicle into the people the barrier is meant to protect.

Placing shelters and bus benches behind utility poles, which could act as barriers, is an alternative measure the RTC is reviewing.

But Lee believes the most effective measure is to move bus stops as far back from the road as possible.

“I want to get those people farther back (from the road),” Lee said. “We’ve got to build that idea into the system.”

To that end, he introduced and passed legislation in 2007 allowing the placement of bus shelters on public property, including public easements dedicated to utilities. In essence, that allows many shelters to be pushed behind sidewalks. Since then, 86 shelters have been moved back, behind sidewalks and farther from the road, Snow said.

“It was a start,” Lee said this week.

He wants to take the idea further in 2009. He will introduce a bill to encourage public entities and utilities with bus stops near their facilities to allow for the construction of bus “turn outs.” Turn outs are short spaces at shelters that allow a bus to get off the main lanes of a roadway while picking up and dropping off passengers.

Lee isn’t sure how his measure will stand up, admitting that some lawmakers will see it as akin to “a taking” of property because it will require eating up more right-of-way space.

“I just think it’s the right thing to do, and if we show private companies that our public entities are doing it, maybe they will follow suit and do the same,” he said.

•••

In the case of Monday’s death following the Flamingo Road and Boulder Highway crash, Lee’s best defense against those accidents was already in place. The bus stop was behind the sidewalk, a good 5 feet from the road. And there was a utility pole about 20 feet to the side of the shelter, in the path of the pickup truck.

Neither mattered.

Fluorescent pink spray paint marked the curved path traveled by 44-year-old Steven Murray’s truck. Past the utility pole, Murray’s truck suddenly swerved right, jumped the curb and hit two people. Patricia Ann Hoff, 51, died from her injuries; Porshe Hughes, 26, was critically injured. Murray was arrested on a felony charge of driving under the influence. Police believe prescription drugs might have been involved.

Hoff’s daughter, Robin Wynkoop of Las Vegas, said her mother worked at a nearby Lowe’s and had been living in the Budget Suites motel behind the bus stop for about a month.

“She was living there so she could help me out with my bills,” Wynkoop said, beginning to cry.

But as to what could been done to prevent the death of Wynkoop’s mother, Redfairn, who has investigated traffic deaths for years, took a fatalist’s view.

“The only explanation I have is: This is God’s plan,” he said. “What other logical explanation is there?”

Discussion: 11 comments so far…

By JayeTT

7/9/08 at 11:15 a.m.

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Other large metropolitan areas have bus stops in the same location with regard to proximity to the street without guardrails, etc., and this isn't a problem there. Perhaps Nevada should be more diligent about keeping drivers with histories of DUIs off the road.
By harske

7/9/08 at 1:28 p.m.

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How much more? How much more do we have to see happen before law enforcement around the valley gets serious about the real issue here? The real issue here is Las Vegas continues to have the worst drivers in the free world, and they are completely free to do whatever they choose on the roads. Drivers in the valley here have thorough disregard for their own safety and well-being as well as everyone around them. Until NVSP and Metro get serious about cracking down on traffic violations, these things will continue to happen. Make no mistake about it... the true issue in regards to this incident is a stupid, irresponsible, criminal, throw-away drunk driver. But the real frightening thing about this area is that the sober ones aren't much better.
By Gwen

7/9/08 at 6:50 p.m.

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“I want to get those people farther back (from the road),” Lee said. “We’ve got to build that idea into the system.” Mr. Lee, I am certain that my sister-in-law, Patricia Hoff would agree with your statement--however, your statement is just words. For Pat, she was so damaged by the driver's Ford Ram F1500 truck that the cororner had to go to the FBI to compare her finger prints with those on file. That is the reason it took so long to confirm her death. Something must be done....and I disagree with investigator Redfairn's statement--"who has investigated traffic deaths for years, took a fatalist’s view.
The only explanation I have is: This is God’s plan,” he said. “What other logical explanation is there?” Investigator Redfairn, the logical explanation is a man drove wrecklessly without regard to others and killed Patricia and mamed Mrs. Hughes. People like this do not deserve the right to drive and those who harm others by their actions should pay dearly. As it is, the driver harmed many innocent people--my sister-in-law Patricia, her two daughters and three grand children; Mrs. Hughes, her husband and their two children. For the victims, life will never be the same again. Is this right? Just think it it were your family. Those of you who have the time, please attend the driver's hearing and make sure he never sees the light of day again.
By harske

7/9/08 at 8:07 p.m.

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Gwen...

My sincerest condolences go out to you and your loved ones, along with the other victims family. I can't begin to imagine what you and your family are going through, but just know that many, many people around here are sympathizing with you, we're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, and we would like to see justice served. Although justice in this case is fairly hollow and many, many years and several shattered lives too late. My only hope out of this is that the waste-of-humanity driver is thrown under a bus (literally), and that we as a society can bring about some changes that honor your sister-in-law's life and memory.

Peace to you and yours...
By johninmontana

7/10/08 at 12:40 p.m.

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I agree with harske. We lived in Las Vegas for a year and a half, and every time I drove I felt like I was taking a huge risk. People drive like they are insane - both sober and drunk. I do not think the issue is bus stops. The issue is lack of enforcement. There is as much of a liklihood of seeng Elvis as seeing police stop a speeder or red light runner. And where is the highway patrol on the freeways?
By keris

7/13/08 at 11:04 a.m.

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Well being that I am a family member of the person driving I think it is only fair to say there are two sides to every story. First I want to say I am sorry for the loss of patricia's family. I can't even start to say how sorry I am for your loss.

Steve has has multiple back surgerys. He is only on pain meds so that he can function. The reason for this accident I am sure was not because of any medication. He has been an outstanding person in our family he loves the kids and they love him. I can't begin to tell you how sick I feel about this situation. I think before anybody jumps to throw someone under the bus both sides need to be heard.

The DUIs that were in Texas were 10 years ago. He has paid his debt as far as that goes. He has been nothing but honest about what he had taken. How many drug addicts are truthfull? There is not a mean bone in this mans body.

Where is the person that was driving the car that cut him off? I hope they are sleeping well tonight..

The bottom line is that nothing good will come out of this situation 3 lives are forever changed not to mention their familys. My prayers go out to all involved. I hope that there is something good that will come out of this..
By ollie

7/13/08 at 12:12 p.m.

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I too am a family member of Steve's. He has taken care of my sister over the past several years and has had a lot of obstacles in doing so. She is disabled and needs his care just to be able to survive.

Our family is devastated by what has taken place. My heart just breaks thinking about the loss the families have experienced and I can't say enough about how bad we all feel.

I have never had to experience anything like this before in my life, but as a Christian I always try to forgive and learn. There are no winners in this situation and suggesting throwing someone under a bus is just ignorant. Try to put yourselves in Steve's shoes, no one feels worse about what has happened that he does, he will never be the same. Ignorant comments don't help anyone.
By hankli

7/16/08 at 1:24 p.m.

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Just an observation of the artistic busstop rendition and "barrier". It may look nice but would not prevent a picu-up or car from injuring or driving onto the bus platform. A k-rail or similar barrier would deflect a vehicle back out toward the road. A handrail or fence would draw a vehicle in. The article implied a "safety barrier". This may be good for keeping pedertrians from falling outward into traffic, which in Las Vegas may be a good thing. The k-rail would have the same effect.

Sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this sad event.
By robin

7/19/08 at 10:02 a.m.

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to think that people can say he is suffering I don't think so. My mother had to suffer in pain and to say he is, no way!!! Hes family new he had a permit and they still let him drive where is the sense in that there are rules for a reason and him and his family failed to rember that rule and that is to have a driver with a valid license with him. So the whole thing of being a good man my mom was a good women and helped me out and anyone else that needed it so there are many families lives that got hurt over this act and this was no accident.
By crystal30

8/4/08 at 10:57 a.m.

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Sorry but i dont think steven murray is suffering at all. He is still breathing isn't he? He can still see his family right? He can talk to them when he gets his phone privilages or visits in jail right? So how is that suffering? For my sister and i we wont be able to see or hear my mom again. At least he is still alive and breathing which i think is more than fair enough considering he took my moms life and injuried another womans badly. It doesnt matter how good of a person he was and that he paid his debts in tx. what matters is that he knew he wasnt suppose to drive without another person with him and he disobey the law and now he has to answer for what he did and i hope that the court will give him the max sentance so he doesnt take another persons life or injury anyone again.
By sara

8/10/08 at 9:40 p.m.

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I can't believe these people: Keris and Ollie, defending such a sorry excuse for a human. They have no substansil argument that Steven is a good, morman , family man. Please....if this were the case, that good morman family man would've offered to help Pat and Porshe. Instead he stood there looking like the dazed and narcotic dependent fool that he is.
Not only that but the look of smugness and the half smirk he puts on for the media isn't helping your argument. Say we don't take his history into fact, "It was over 10 years ago." Lets explain the present...
Here in Las Vegas his track record speaks loud and clear and besides habitual traffic violations and dui, Steven Murray has commited Grand Larceny, so stop insulting your intellegince by defending this man and his negillegince and making him out to be someone whom he is not. Actions speak louder than words and you don't even know what the truth is. You have been away from the big picture for years. Oh and your mom, yeah she is bi-polar. But did you know that mental illness is hereditary.You look really bad here, offering your condolences to pats family and turning around talking down to them defending steve. ha and thats real sensitive of you to use the metaphor "throwing some one under the bus." But we will chalk it up to the mental illness in the family.
In conclusion I pray to god for justice and have made my opinon clear to the district attorney as well and the prosecution has received several letters on mine and my families behalf. 25 years is the least this man deserves to serve. And in no way should he be compared to the Jessica williams or other people who are serving their time because the difference between them and steven is, they have remorse. In my line of work and my experience he was and is senseless, arrogant and careless. His dependency to pain narcotics regardless of his back condition screams "DRUG ADDICT" and to remind everyone he was on his cell phone and witnesses saw no other car cut him off what so ever. His reaction/reflex was to plow into 2 women at the bus stop??? Give me a break, you know that doesn't sound right. The drugs were being abused...it is clear. If u have something to say to me, say it. Pat should of lived and steven murray should've been mangeled and killed in his pick up truck. That would've been fair. Hope the guilt for u and your family overcomes your life.