MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A pastor in east Manatee County says one intersection is so dangerous he won’t let his two teenage kids drive there. And the state is now investigating to see if any changes should be made to prevent more deaths.
Pastor Chris Schmidt of Parrish United Methodist Church says he has long asked FDOT to make safer the intersection of U.S. Highway 301 and County Road 675 in Parrish, but after a 22-year-old woman was killed in a crash there Monday, changes may finally be coming.
An FDOT spokesperson confirmed officials were examining the location.
The main concern among people who drive through the area is this: The intersection has a flashing red and yellow light rather than a typical traffic signal.
10 News asked Pastor Schmidt if he thought young lady would be alive today if there was a regular traffic light at the intersection.
“Without a doubt, absolutely!” said Pastor Schmidt. “She pulled out, pulled in the way of a truck, it hit her driver’s side square on. You have to have your head on a swivel stick because cars are moving in every direction.”
Church staff have grown accustomed to hearing brakes locking up and horns blaring four to five times a week, according to Schmidt.
"We hear those sounds. We tighten up," Schmidt explained. "The next thing we’re afraid to hear is metal on metal. We’ve had some horrendous ones out here few a months ago.”
When community members have complained to FDOT in recent years, Schmidt says they've been told there isn't enough traffic to justify a normal traffic light. But, that concern may soon change, too. A new high school is being built a mile down the road and homes are expected to be built nearby.
"Traffic is only going to increase," Schmidt said. "It’s not going to get any safer.”
Schmidt says the state has the ability to make changes that will save lives.
"The department is looking at this location," FDOT Spokesperson JoAnn May wrote in a statement. "Staff will review the data along with the police report to see if any changes need to be made at this intersection. We should have more information in about a week."
If you have concerns about an intersection near you, click here to contact FDOT.
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