Improving Intersection Safety in Wellesley: A Crucial Step Toward Preventing Personal Injuries

April 27, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

A recent article in The Record has shed light on long-standing safety concerns at the intersection of Hessen Strasse, Maplewood Road, and Herrgott Road near St. Clements in Wellesley Township. With 18 reported collisions since 2014, with three occurring in just the past year alone, the area has become a focal point for road safety discussions and community advocacy.

The intersection serves a variety of users, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and horse-drawn buggies. The absence of sidewalks, along with limited signage and poor lighting, has made the area particularly dangerous. After years of concern raised by members of the public, the Wellesley Township Council has now approved a series of much-needed safety upgrades.

Why These Safety Upgrades Matter

The high number of crashes at this intersection makes one thing clear: safety improvements are long overdue. Members of the public have shared experiences of near misses and close calls while walking along the road, highlighting just how risky it can be for pedestrians who are forced to share the roadway with fast-moving vehicles.

Without sidewalks, pedestrians, including children attending nearby camps, are placed directly in harm’s way. The intersection is also frequently used by agricultural equipment and slower-moving vehicles like horse-drawn buggies, which adds complexity to traffic flow and increases the potential for collisions.

What the Township Is Doing

In response to the public's concerns and the alarming accident data, the township council has approved several key safety measures:

• Sidewalk Installation: New sidewalks will be constructed to provide a safe, dedicated space for pedestrians. This alone is expected to significantly reduce the risk of pedestrian-vehicle incidents.

• Improved Signage and Lighting: The addition of clearer signage and better lighting will increase visibility, giving drivers more time to react appropriately in this complex intersection.

• Traffic Calming Features: Speed-reducing measures like rumble strips or speed bumps may be introduced to encourage drivers to slow down as they approach the intersection.

These measures are not only a welcome development—they are a vital step toward reducing the risk of serious injury or worse.

Our Role in Road Safety

At Deutschmann de Koning Law, we see firsthand the devastating impact that unsafe road conditions can have on individuals and families. As personal injury lawyers, we are deeply committed to both advocating for victims and promoting safer communities.

When injuries occur as a result of road design flaws or negligent maintenance, victims have the right to seek compensation. Our team works closely with clients to navigate the legal process, manage insurance claims, and pursue fair settlements that reflect the true cost of their injuries—be it medical bills, lost wages, or emotional suffering.

Advocacy Beyond the Courtroom

Legal action is one important tool for accountability, but it’s not the only one. We believe in proactive engagement with the community to raise awareness about traffic safety and pedestrian rights. Education campaigns, support for local initiatives, and public dialogue are all critical components of long-term change.

By supporting efforts to improve infrastructure and highlight danger zones like the one in Wellesley, we help reduce the likelihood of future accidents while standing up for those already affected.

A Safer Future Starts Now

The intersection safety upgrades approved by Wellesley Township mark real progress. But the work doesn’t end there. Ongoing vigilance, community input, and legal accountability are essential in ensuring that all road users—whether on foot, in a car, or a buggy—can travel safely.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to unsafe road conditions, reach out to Deutschmann de Koning Law. Our experienced team is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the support you need to recover.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.