SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Two deadly crashes on Boston Road over the last few days have raised concerns for locals and they say something has to change.

“There’s so many people that are distracted, they don’t use directionals, they go too fast,” said co-owner of New England Barber Academy Adam Briere.

Saturday night, a scooter rider died following a crash involving an SUV. Then, about 25 hours later, a pedestrian was hit and killed less than a mile down Boston Road from the first incident.

New preliminary data from the governor’s highway safety association shows pedestrian deaths nationwide declined for a third straight year, however, numbers still remain above pre-pandemic levels.

AAA Northeast says the risk remains and points to ongoing concerns like speed, distraction, and larger vehicles.

Those on Boston Road say reckless driving on that stretch isn’t new and it’s something they worry about frequently.

“When I get a green light I don’t go right away I actually wait to see if I can go because everyone is going through the red lights,” said Briere. “Nobody is stopping at stop signs, nobody’s yielding so I have to drive defensively and offensively at the same time.”

Briere says he also deals with a lot of drivers weaving through traffic, making sudden lane changes, and not paying attention all on a stretch lined with businesses and driveways on both sides.

Springfield police say 139 crashes have been reported on Boston Road so far this year. Residents and business owners on Boston Road say they want to see more enforcement and safety changes to keep the numbers down.

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