Another car crash in the Orange circle causes call for safety measures

Photo by Sienna Lewis, Staff Photographer

Recent crashes in Orange’s Plaza Square Park — better known to locals as “The Circle” — have reignited community concerns over how to protect the city’s historic landmark from reckless drivers.

For several years in a row, the plaza’s fountain and landscaping have been damaged by speeding vehicles, DUIs and even drug-related incidents. 

In 2022, the City of Orange approved a $310,000 Plaza Park Safety Enhancement Project, which included crash-related bollards and walkway reconstruction. In March 2023, shortly after construction began, a man in a stolen vehicle plowed into the fountain.

The following year, a young woman struck the fountain and was arrested for possession of nitrous oxide. Most recently, on Aug. 24, a man suspected of driving under the influence crashed into the park.

As the accident rates at The Circle continue, residents and city council members are debating stronger preventive measures. Mayor Dan Slater acknowledged the community’s frustration.

“We are doing our best to idiot-proof the plaza, but there are simply too many idiots,” Slater told The Panther.

Slater added that the council is considering a barrier system to block cars from entering, suggesting temporary boulders as a possible deterrent. 

“It would look more natural, but also block cars,” he said. 

Locals have also shared their opinions with Slater. One resident suggested the installation of string lights at the base of the plaza to help impaired drivers see the boundary more clearly at night. 

For Chapman students, the car crashes have become a growing safety concern. Kate Aslanidi, a senior physics major, recalled witnessing an accident during her freshman year.

“I was walking by Finney’s when I heard the crash and ran to see what happened,” she said. “At first, I was hoping everyone was safe and no one was seriously hurt. Later, I felt disappointed and angry that these crashes happen so frequently.”

Aslanidi explained that the experience has made her and other students more cautious. 

“Now I drive very carefully in The Circle, even in the daytime,” she added. “The city needs to implement more safety features, like having more warning signs for drivers unfamiliar with the area.”

Brandy Romero, owner of There’s No Place Like Orange, located across from the plaza, witnesses crashes weekly. 

“I’ve seen pedestrians be hit as well,” she said. “It was a couple. They were hit in the crosswalk, and I watched as the boy’s shoes flew off.”

Romero suspects that the crashes increased due to the recent ICE protests, leading people to drive more carelessly. When drivers entered the plaza, they would get distracted, honk their horns and yell because they were excited, she said. 

“They’re distracted more than usual because when they come in, they don’t know what they're doing, and people fly through it,” she said.

Romero said these accidents do not affect her business, but said she has ideas for the town to implement a traffic light, rumble strips and more visible lighting in the plaza. 

With each new crash, frustration grows among residents and students who visit The Circle. Until new safety measures are implemented, the crashes at Plaza Square Park will remain both a public safety risk and a threat to pedestrians and drivers.