Description
As a Dunwoody resident, I would like to report two separate issues that are a DAILY problem for many vehicles and pedestrians at the Mt Vernon and Tilly Milly Rd intersection.
Issue #1: When turning left onto Mt Vernon Rd from the Wellesley Place subdivision (Tilly Milly Rd), there is a constant issue of almost colliding with cars that are trying to turn right onto Mt Vernon Rd. They have a green light as do we. It seems that the cars turning left should have the right-of-way but this is not CLEAR because the cars turning right DO NOT have a STOP or YIELD sign. Since I have to turn left every morning to drop my daughter to school, I am always dodging an accident waiting to happen!
Issue #2: At the same Tilly Milly intersection, when coming down Mt Vernon Rd, the road breaks into a right turn lane, meant ONLY for cars turning right into the Wellesley Place subdivision. Instead, many drivers are just using this as a second lane and swerving dangerously around the vehicle waiting at that intersection, with really NO visibility of other vehicles or pedestrians waiting at that light. PLEASE advise and rectify!
I have personally been in an accident at this intersection with an injured baby and a totaled car. Besides that, I have witnessed many small accidents at this very busy and very dangerous intersection! the flow of Mount Vernon traffic seems to be the standard answer from the authorities. Living right here, I can assure you there are multiple options that may be used to fix this issue and I am happy to lend a hand.
Please let me know if someone from the City of Dunwoody would like to speak with me and explain this scenario in person.
Thank you for your time!
Jasmine Shah
7 Comments
Acknowledged Dunwoody Public Works (Verified Official)
Guest (Guest)
Dunwoody Resident (Guest)
JasmineShah (Registered User)
I agree with both of you, thanks for your comments. I should have explained better - since this particular right turn is not at a right angle but rather almost curves smoothly, the right-turn drivers swerve right without even looking left, almost as if it were a straight road. This is often when the left-turn driver is ALREADY at the intersection and about to turn. This results in the left-turn driver having to sharply brake.
Thanks,
Jasmine
Dunwoody Driver (Guest)
I am familiar with that intersection. I agree that your issue #2 needs attention. (I think an intersection improvement changing the current right-only turn lane to a through/right lane and changing the current through lane to a left-turn only lane is already on the City's planned improvement agenda).
As to your #1 issue, I agree with the other two posters above; the right hand turning drivers have the right of way. To state this a different way, the drivers turning right do not have to slow down for someone turning left on a green light. The right turning drivers could even speed up if they wish. They do not have to look for drivers turning left on a green light. It is the responsibility of the left turning driver to wait until it is clear and safe to proceed with a left hand turn without impeding any cars coming from the opposite direction. (even if the right hand turning drivers don't slow down and even if they speed up!) Please act as if every car approaching from Tilly Mill may go straight through that intersection and wait until it is clear for you to turn left. It doesn't matter if you are about to turn, or if you are in the middle of turning, you (as a left-turning driver) have to yield for every car approaching that intersection from the opposite direction that is turning right or going straight.
Please be careful at that intersection and yield to cars approaching from Tilly Mill, as it sounds as if you have a misunderstanding of when you can properly and safely make a left-hand turn.
JasmineShah (Registered User)
I understand, thank you for the explanation, I appreciate your polite tone. Beyond all written laws, it's my understanding that right-of-way should be governed by common sense and a general need to avoid accidents. I think a simple 'slow down' or 'yield' sign may make all the difference at this particular intersection. Maybe I'm wrong though, I will just be careful to wait until its absolutely empty.
And I know issue #2 has been on the improvement agenda for many years, long before I moved to Dunwoody 7 years ago, and had my accident at that exact spot because of a teenage driver swerving past the standing vehicle on that turning lane, and ramming straight into me. (He claimed he was changing his music and never looked up!) I had a 15 DAY old infant in the car. Luckily our injuries were minimal but both our cars were totaled.
To whoever in authority that is reading this, please understand this issue seems to be more urgent than having to take a few more years!
Closed Dunwoody Public Works (Registered User)
The response to Issue #1 is correct. Right turning vehicles would have the right of way so drivers leaving Wellesley Place would need to exercise caution at the intersection to avoid conflict.
In regards to Issue #2 passing in a right turn lane is illegal and should not be practiced by drivers although it sounds as though you have experienced multiple incidents where they do. The 'Right Turn Only' sign is posted and the lane markings are visible so this is an enforceable issue that has been brought to the attention of the Dunwoody Police Department. The design for intersection improvements at Tilly Mill and Mt Vernon are scheduled for next year and will need to undergo the necessary approval for implementation and construction. In the meantime exercise caution as you have previously and thank you for making us aware of this issue via SeeClickFix!