INDIANTOWN, Fla. -- Drivers in Martin County say they defy death every single day on Beeline Highway, which has been nicknamed "death highway," and the dangerous stretch of road has claimed another man’s life.
Crosses and makeshift memorials can be seen on Beeline Highway, also known as SW Warfield Boulevard, which serve as vivid reminders of the lives lost in Indiantown.
“My biggest fear is I won’t make it home to take care of my family, or my family won’t make it home to see me,” David Hafner, who has been living in the area for eight years.
Hafner is hoping his concerns are heard after another deadly wreck last Thursday.
“They’re passing double lines, driving excessive speeds, they’re really endangering everybody’s lives,” Hafner said.
Chopper 5 was over the scene where 68-year-old Chris Buchanan was killed and his wife was seriously hurt after FHP says a dump truck hit their pickup head on.
“This particular tragedy is even closer to home because it was a retired Martin County Fire Rescue member,” said Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi.
Ciampi has been pushing for change and the county partnered with FDOT ever since 29-year-old Kyle Smith was killed on the same road on April 30th.
“These tragic outcomes are avoidable if people would follow the rules,” Ciampi said.
FDOT tells WPTV a safety review was recently completed along the corridor, and advance intersection warning signs will be installed at eight intersections along Beeline Highway from SW Tommy Clements Street to Indianwood Drive.
“A sign is a nice notion but it’s not going to convince anyone to change their ways,” said Hafner, who added he wants to see a more permanent solution like turning lanes.
FDOT says the warning signs will go up in the next 30 days.
