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Highlands Today

Accident Waiting To Happen

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David L. Cowles

Published: January 1, 2009

I have personally experienced the traffic situation at the new Avon Park Wal-Mart. I believe it is an "Accident Waiting to Happen!"

Why is there no traffic signal on U.S. 27 at either entrance? I heard, via the rumor mill, as no announced statement has been made either through the corporate or local office that the state bureaucrats in the Department of Transportation are waiting for a "feasibility study" to determine whether a signal light is needed. I have even heard that the local office or manager has offered to pay for the cost if the state is unwilling to provide for it.

Here are some recent examples of the hazards of either trying to get across, turn or enter the facility:
A woman in a motorized chair went straight across all four lanes to enter off of Palmetto. Later the same day a mother with her child in her stroller crossed the four lanes. Other pedestrians have been seen crossing all four lanes.

The personal encounter which I experienced on a recent Sunday, travelling south near the Ford dealer, in the middle lane on U.S. 27, I observed two cars, both attempting to cross directly across from each direction at the same time. One managed to get across from my right. Had I not honked and slammed on my brakes, we would have collided and someone could have been critically injured or killed, as I was traveling at the speed limit of 45 mph.

Hello! What will it take to get a light or at least four way stop signs and a patrolman to direct traffic at either Palmetto or Lake Isis?

David L. Cowles
Avon Park

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