Crash Overview

Location Description

The intersection of Howard Street and Depot Street in Boone, North Carolina, lies in a neighborhood nearby Appalachian State University (ASU); this area is known to have a mix of academic buildings, student housing, and local businesses. This intersection experiences increased levels of pedestrian traffic, especially when classes are in session at ASU. Howard Street runs parallel to part of US Highway 321, which is a spur of US Route 21. There are multiple retail businesses, food establishments, and even some business offices at the Howard and Depot intersection.

Crash Summary

• The crash happened at this intersection at 12:49 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2023.
• A westbound motorist named August was traveling along Howard Street. August took a left-hand turn to go south on Depot Street and struck an eastbound pedestrian named Diana as she was walking through the marked crosswalk.
• Diana stated that August had stopped at the stop sign when she began crossing; she did not believe that he would continue into the left-hand turn. 
• August reported that he checked to his right to make sure no traffic was coming, and that he did not see Diana until he struck her. 

Why was this crash nominated? 

• The Howard Street speed limit is 20 miles per hour (mph), but our local nominator reports that people speed through this area regularly, often at speeds significantly higher than 20 mph. 
• The Howard Street and Depot Street intersection displays a mixture of features that may create some incompatibility; the design may communicate to both motorists and pedestrians that each of them are top-priority road users.
• Part of Howard Street has already been modified to feature one-way traffic and designated pedestrian walkways. 

What additional information is available? 

• A diagram to assist you with visualizing and understanding the measurements of the crash location.
• A folder containing the speed study and processed speed data used for this session.

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