In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant improvements in traffic safety at a local intersection, reporting a dramatic 89% decrease in car accidents compared to the previous year. Last year, the area experienced 28 accidents, while only four have been recorded so far this year. This positive trend is attributed to recent safety measures implemented in the area.

Despite the encouraging statistics, concerns remain among local residents and business owners regarding potential changes to traffic patterns. Notably, the owner of a nearby gas station expressed opposition to altering traffic directions, emphasizing the need for community input in any proposed changes.

The discussion also included the possibility of installing additional traffic lights, with estimates suggesting a cost of around $300,000 for the necessary infrastructure. Officials acknowledged the financial implications but stressed the importance of prioritizing safety over costs, with one member stating, “There’s no amount of money that compares to a lost life.”

To further enhance safety, officials are considering the installation of flashing speed signs to encourage drivers to reduce their speed, particularly in the northbound lane where concerns about speeding have been raised. The effectiveness of these measures will be monitored over the next month to assess their impact on traffic patterns and accident rates.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need for collaboration with the local school department to address safety for children crossing the busy intersection, especially with the school year underway. Officials plan to gather data on traffic flow and accident occurrences before making further decisions.

The council ultimately decided to table the discussion for now, allowing time to evaluate the effectiveness of the current safety measures while remaining open to future adjustments based on community feedback and data analysis.