An intersection in Manatee County that has gotten a lot of attention in recent years for its large numbers of crashes is finally receiving a traffic light after consistent community support for the installation.
The intersection is at U.S. 301 and County Road 675. While there are stop signs on both sides of 675, the drivers heading east and west on 301 do not stop, which means people making left turns will have to drive straight into oncoming traffic.
Over the last year, there were two deaths at the intersection, and the chief of the Parrish Fire Department said crews have been called to several other serious crashes at the intersection in the last year and a half. The community has been calling on the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to make changes for some time, but encountered difficulties getting the agency’s attention.
Now, FDOT is working with Manatee County to implement a four-way traffic signal to ensure a safer spot for all people passing through. The county will also widen County Road 675 where it turns into 69th Street East, which will make it easier for the four-way traffic signal to accommodate two-lane traffic.
Poor road design or safety may lead to accidents
There are some circumstances in which a local or state municipality or agency could be responsible for a car accident due to inherently flawed road design or planning, a lack of traffic signals or malfunctioning traffic signals. When this happens, a plaintiff in an injury claim must be able to determine which entity is in charge of the road before proceeding.
For further guidance on pursuing an auto accident claim, contact an experienced Sarasota personal injury lawyer with Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh.