INDIANTOWN, Fla. - — A deadly crash is inspiring a call for change at a busy intersection in Martin County.
“Some of the guys in town said that death lived on this highway,” said Erick Radford, who has lived in Indiantown since he was sixteen.
It’s called a dangerous, deadly and scary stretch of road.
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“There’s 18 wheelers, there is trucks, cars that are passing on double solid lines in a hurry to get home five minutes faster and they’re risking our lives, said Becky Lantigua, who fears for her safety.
Lantigua is talking about Beeline Highway in Indiantown. She’s now pushing for change after a violent and deadly wreck last week at Beeline and SW Tommy Clemens St.
“It’s extremely dangerous, I mean the incident that happened last week shows that not only does it take someone’s life, but it affects their family and everybody around,” Lantigua said.
Investigators say 29-year-old Kyle Smith was heading to his boss’ house to drop off tools, but he never made it.
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“A semi hit him from the back, pushed him into oncoming traffic and he lost his life here,” said Radford, who is also Smith’s boss.
As of Wednesday afternoon, nearly 3,000 people have signed a petition to bring traffic lights or turn lanes to Beeline at SW Tommy Clemens St, at SW Amaryllis Ave and SW Springhaven Ave.
According to interactive maps provided by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over the past three years, there have been 18 crashes and one fatality at those three intersections. The community says there have been even more fatalities in the area, and they are demanding action before someone else is killed.
“Get on it right away, there’s no reason to wait any longer,” Radford said.
WPTV reached out to Martin County Commissioners and Commissioner Ed Ciampi said he has contacted a county engineer to get a short term and a long term solution to help make Beeline Highway safer.
We will keep you posted on what, if anything, is decided.
