MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — WPTV reported in August that a study showed many Martin County drivers said they felt unsafe while driving on U.S. Highway 1.
Now, residents had the opportunity to give their feedback on the issue Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Hoke Library in Jensen Beach.
The Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) collaborated with Martin County and the city of Stuart to seek input.
Region Martin County
'People are always speeding': Survey highlights concerns on US1 in Martin County
Resident Douglas Ashley has lived in Jensen Beach since the 1960s and says safety is top of mind.
“Nobody drives causally anymore," stated Ashley. "It’s defensive driving. Definitely defensive driving.”
WATCH: Is road rage getting worse in Martin County?
Ashley says he's witnessed deadly accidents in the area.
“I’m not an expert but I would say the law of average is, if they keep on speeding, speed kills," shared Ashley. "Eventually someone’s gonna get hurt again.”
ROADWAY CONCERNS: A recent study by Martin County MPO shows residents feel unsafe while driving on U.S. 1 — and now they are here to provide feedback, in hopes to solve roadway problems. pic.twitter.com/0mqZGEPBTu
— Zitlali Solache (@zitlalisolache) October 3, 2024
Residents shared their concerns about the area, in hopes of improving traffic and congestion.
“On the north side, it’s like a racecourse of people going up and down," said Ron Marcucci. “They need to hire more police to be out there patrolling on a regular basis.”
WPTV spoke with Martin County Sheriff William Snyder in August, and he said U.S. 1 has been getting worse.
Sheriff's office officials said since the start of this year they have written more than 7,000 traffic violations and citations.
MPO officials say they will review tonight's input and will bring solutions in December.
