Concerns Over OKC Traffic Safety Following School Bus Crash

A Putnam City school bus crash is sparking calls for more sidewalks and crosswalks in Oklahoma City. News 9 first brought viewers a look at bus cam video of the crash Thursday night.

Wheelchair traffic is a concern city-wide, according to city officials. People living NW 50^th and Portland say the intersection is one of the hotspots -- a dangerous one for wheelchairs with no traffic lights or crosswalk.

That's where Don Walker, 66, was critically injured when crossing the street in his motorized wheelchair Tuesday. Walker was still in the hospital late in the week. Family members say he is expected to recover.

"It's concerning, the circumstances behind his injures," Don's son Lyle Walker said.

City officials know there's a need for more sidewalks and crosswalks. In fact, since a 2007 road improvement project, it's been a priority.

1/9/2014 Related Story: VIDEO: Putnam City School Bus Hitting Man In Wheelchair

"With those road improvements comes sidewalk improvements," public works director Eric Wenger said.

MAPS 3 is giving the cause a push into high gear city-wide, according to Wenger.

"With that work comes ADA improvements, signalized improvements where pedestrian crossings are being enhanced," said Wenger.

Oklahoma City says it is looking into possible improvements where Don Walker was injured. The concern is over a senior citizen center east of Portland, requiring a dash across the busy street for doctors' visits at Deaconess Hospital.

"There [is no] crosswalk for them up here," concerned citizen Brian Likes said. "That's the easiest way to get to the hospital for them."

People who notice a problem area in their neighborhood can file a request for improvement with the Public Works Department. More information can be found here. http://www.okc.gov/pw/