Recent fatal accident raises concerns about safety at the intersection

GENEVA COUNTY, Alabama (WTVY) – A fatal crash over the weekend has raised safety concerns at the intersection of AL-167 and County Road 9.

Sarah Reynolds lives near the intersection and was one of the first to notice the accident scene.

“We hear people screaming, we hear babies crying, and it hurts,” Reynolds said.

She said that accidents and other near misses often occur near her home.

“They miss turns or don’t pay attention,” Reynolds said. “I know two or three times people have stopped and said, ‘Sorry, I was on the phone.'”

Geneva County Sheriff Tony Helms said his team responded to several calls near the intersection.

Because AL-167 is a corridor to Florida’s beaches, many people traveling on that highway are in a hurry, Helms said.

“It’s a difficult intersection and it’s difficult to see,” said Sheriff Helms. “People are coming from the south at high speeds and people are coming out of a curve from the north at high speeds.”

Sheriff Helms said the state is investigating locations where accidents frequently occur.

Sheriff Helms said for now it is up to drivers to change their behavior.

“Slow down, be a little more courteous, pay attention to the other driver and keep your eyes on the road and not on your phone,” said Sheriff Helms.

Reynolds, on the other hand, wants something to be done.

“A warning light would be better because everyone would be able to see it here at the three-way intersection,” Reynolds said. “Even if they just put extra lines on the road or put up flashing lights of some sort. Anything would help.”

Helms said the intersection can be confusing for police because jurisdictions change at the state line, and while they’ve only responded to a few 911 calls over the years, that may not tell the whole story.

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