A Bridlington resident had an amazingly fortunate escape after two cars collided at a junction where he was stood waiting to cross the road – leaving him just inches away from being crushed.
The incident happened on the junction of Cardigan Road and Shaftesbury Road on Bridlington Southside last month. The junction has been the scene of several accidents and near misses over the last few years.
After seeing CCTV of the collision, which happened in late June, the Echo tracked down the lucky pedestrian, who says he avoided death by inches.
Mark Kunz, who owns Bridlington Specsavers store on King Street, was walking from his home to meet a friend who lives near Bridlington seafront.
Said Mark: “I had just walked up to the junction on the footpath, but hesitated for a second as I checked the oncoming traffic. I waited as cars were approaching from both roads and the next thing was a loud bang and then I saw a bumper section from one car inches from my head and another vehicle in the air about a foot from where I was stood.”
“It all seemed to go in slow motion, similar to how a rugby ball would bounce – I didn’t know what part of what car would go where – I felt the backdraft from the vehicle in the air and stepped back a fraction.”
Luckily Mark avoided any injury and rushed to attend to a person in one of the vehicles that was on its roof.
Added Mark: “Only afterwards when the paramedics and police arrived did I begin to realise how fortunate I was to still be here… looking at the video I am amazed there wasn’t a fatality and I hope everyone involved has made a full recovery. “
Local neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Terry Luty has called for more safety measures at the junction.
“The junction on Cardigan Road/Shaftesbury Road has become an accident black spot. Since 24th June it has been the location of at least four RTC’s, plus countless near misses.” said Mr Luty
“This is not a new problem. In the last 2 years there have been at least another ten collisions between vehicles.
“In the last twenty years there have been many more. The ERYC are aware of the problem, and claim that they are monitoring the situation
The residents of Cardigan Road and surrounding streets desperately want something done before there is the inevitable accident, one that results in fatalities.
Due to the last four RTA’s, three people have been hospitalised, thousands of pounds worth of damage has been done to vehicles, and many hours of the emergency services time has been taken up dealing with the accidents.
This needs to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
A spokesman for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “The council is aware of the recent incidents on the junction of Shaftesbury Road/Cardigan Road, Bridlington.
“These are still under police investigation, therefore we can’t comment any further on these.
“We have reviewed the existing road markings and signage at this junction and are satisfied they are adequate for the nature of the area.
“However, it is proposed to consider any further remedial measures which could be implemented in addition to those which already exist to further highlight this junction.”
Humberside Police have been contacted for comment.
