4 hurt in 11th Street crash in Niles

By SHERRY VAN ARSDALL, Tribune Staff Writer

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Dec 3, 2008 at 4:14 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 3, 2008 at 4:14 PM EST

NILES — At least four people were injured in a three-car accident Wednesday afternoon at South 11th Street (Michigan 51) and Chestnut Street, between Lowe's and Wal- Mart in Niles.

Olga Wehrly, of Three Oaks, was making a left turn on 11th and turned into the path of Tom Forsey, of Niles, who was traveling north on 11th, police said.

The impact forced Forsey’s vehicle to hit the driver’s side of a truck driven by Brett Adams, of Union, who was waiting to make a right turn onto 11th.

Three passengers and Wehrly were transported to Lakeland Hospital, Niles, by SMCAS (Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service.)

Thursday, Dec 4 at 11:04 PM One of the many wrote ...

I was one of the many people involved in an accident at that light. Mine was there nearly 18 years ago when there was no light. They definitely need a turning light there it is still way to unsafe and my friend and I were lucky to not be plowed over by traffic and semi's that day.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 10:25 AM Pauly Mac wrote ...

I personally believe that this is due to the "me first" syndrome that seems to have taken over most of michiana. Whatever happened to the wait and be safe method??? Impatient people are slowly destroying, or hurting the lifes of people and their families that are just trying to go with the flow of life ingeneral. Such as the man who got trampled in Wal-mart on Black Friday and my friend Brett that was just waiting to turn right.......

Thursday, Dec 4 at 8:54 AM Acumen wrote ...

I agree, don't listen to the people, we really don't usually know much. Statistically, there would be more accidents here without a light at all, and about the same as with a turn signal. They are only effective when people stay calm and respect them, as well as other drivers. In most peoples eyes there are the only one who matters, so until that is changed, just make sure you wear your seat belt.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 8:44 AM David wrote ...

If only the state would make all of our decisions for us, removing all responsibility from ourselves. Here's a novel idea: if a car is coming, DON'T TURN IN FRONT OF IT. I've turned at that intersection countless times, and...TADAAA!!! No accidents. Same goes with railroad crossings, snowy roads, fog, hot coffee (in the lap), nail guns, tree stands... Wouldn't it be a grand world if we all took responsibility for our own decisions?

Thursday, Dec 4 at 8:04 AM NILES wrote ...

Lowe's demanded that Mdot put a light in for the safety of the customers but went the cheapest route possible. I work for emergency services in niles and we are called out at least 2-3 times a month to serious accidents at this intersection this does not include the minor fender benders here something needs to be done before another life is lost because of b.s. demands and taking the cheap route out

Thursday, Dec 4 at 8:01 AM takk wrote ...

i have seen sooo meny crashes there, i really dont like going to niles walmart.put in a darn turn signal for poeple and maybe the crashes and injurys would go down,but you know they won't do that until some poeple are killed there and thats what is sad.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 4:46 AM Jenna wrote ...

THIS IS WHY WE NEED A TURN LIGHT AT THIS INTERSECTION! I know so many that have gotten into accidents here, it is beyond ridiculous!

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 10:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

How in the world would a left lane have prevented this? When you turn in front of another vehicle this is the result. Stop making excuses for the dumb things people do while driving.

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 8:30 PM wantingtoknow wrote ...

was the driver of the car drunk?

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 7:34 PM Lisa wrote ...

I work in Niles near there and people drive NUTS around there, constant police sirens and fire trucks! AHH Michigan drivers! haha

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 6:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Need a turn light, or delay the northbound light for about 30 seconds to allow for people turning in to turn. We all knew the day they put that light there that there would be problems. But Noooooo---dont listen to the poeple they dont know anything.

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 5:55 PM MM wrote ...

why isn't there a delay so the traffic can turn into walmart?this has been discussed and turned down by mdot but the township and city of niles need to get off their behinds and fix this problem since mdot won't.where's fred useless whirlpool upton when you need him?

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 5:31 PM Pastor Sommerfield wrote ...

I am praying for those injurerd and God have mercy on the drunks. Amen

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 5:11 PM Niles resident wrote ...

I agree! That is a very dangerous intersection. There are so many people trying to turn onto that road to get to Lowe's and to Walmart. They must try to cross two very busy lanes of traffic that travel very fast speeds. I've almost have gotten hit several times trying to squeeze in between cars zooming past. Something MUST be done about this!!!

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 5:02 PM hello wrote ...

just goes to show that they should have spent the money to put in a left turn light..how many accidents is at that intersection now???

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