New Signs To Go Up At Intersection Where Toddler Was Killed By Car

DENVER (CBS4) - After a toddler was killed in a car crash in Denver's Bonnie Brae neighborhood last week, signs are being added to make the intersection safer. As it turns out, the traffic lights may have contributed to the deadly crash.

The family had a walk sign when 3-year-old Austin Strasser was crossing University Boulevard at Ohio Avenue with his mother and sister. However, the driver, who was turning left, had a green light. CBS4 learned exclusively that Austin's death has prompted the city to make changes at that intersection.

Austin Strasser (credit: CBS)

It is a popular spot for families, with Bonnie Brae Ice Cream and a library located among the street crossings. But an afternoon stroll turned tragic when a toddler was struck by a car in his stroller at this crossroads.

"I was just heartbroken. I couldn't believe it. I have a grandson the same age, and yet I can see the light is very short here," said neighbor Wendy Warner.

"You've got such a cool place to have kids, and right here is university, and there's so much traffic," said another neighbor Jonathan Rains.

The scene of the crash in February (credit: CBS)

Denver Public Works reviewed the dangerous intersection this week and have decided to add four new signs.

"The signs will say yield here to pedestrians and will give people an additional visual cue," said Nancy Kuhn of Public Works.

When asked if they felt something needed to be done after such an incident, Kuhn said, "I think anytime we experience a fatality at an intersection, we're going to want to go out there and take a look at it and see what we can do to improve it."

Neighbors said they're cautiously optimistic that the signs will help, and hope they can prevent another life lost.

"I think that's a good thing to do. I wish it had been done before, obviously, I don't know if signs will be enough, but I can hope," said one neighbor.

The city said the new yield signs should be able to be installed very quickly, possibly within a week. It should also be learned next week whether the driver will face any charges.