Readers, I've included a short guest article from county traffic engineer Eric Niemeyer today regarding some new warning signals installed in hopes of curtailing some crashes at this intersection. Here it is:

Jackson County activated a new side street warning flasher in both directions of Bellinger Lane at the intersection of Arnold Lane on Sept. 17.

An abnormal number of crashes have occurred at this intersection, even after improvements were completed in 1997. Vehicles on Arnold Lane would pull out in front of traffic on Bellinger Lane, despite a warning sign on Arnold Lane saying "Side Street Traffic Does Not Stop."

Some of the crashes may have been attributed to foliage that had grown out on one corner, making it difficult for traffic on Arnold to see traffic on Bellinger.

This new device alerts traffic on Bellinger Lane that traffic on Arnold Lane is approaching the intersection.

When vehicles cross a sensor on Arnold Lane, it activates yellow flashing lights mounted on a sign stating "Traffic Entering Roadway," on Bellinger Lane.

It alerts drivers on Bellinger Lane to use caution and drive defensively when approaching Arnold Lane and that vehicles are present and may not obey the stop signs.

We invite your comments or suggestions concerning this intersection or new device. Send an e-mail to traffic@jacksoncounty.org or call Niemeyer at 774-6230.

Dace Cochran, a patrol sergeant with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, writes a weekly Q&A column on police issues for the Mail Tribune. Have a question for him? Write to Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501, or e-mail cochradc@jacksoncounty.org.