Hwy 98 & 83, car/motorcycle accident

[John G]

I see ALOT of impatient people pulling out in front of people doing 55mph (or less) in a 65 mph zone, people piling up 5/6 deep in the intersection EVERY day... how about we ask the deputy sitting in the ditch to come out and start ticketing people for OBVIOUS traffic violations???

Once again a very obvious solution to a problem, thanks for calling it out JodiFL. Issue is that would require our Sheriff to be PROACTIVE and to ENFORCE the law. There are dozens of violations there each day, yet I've never seen anyone pulled over. The car with lights is just a show so they can say, "see, you complained and we did something."

This is just another example of the epic failure in coordination between the BCC, Sheriff, and State that has now cost a life and ruined another.

I believe this was addressed in a prior post (under local govnt) several months ago.

People are quick to praise the Sheriff when he does good (chasing bad guys, catching predators, all the fun and obvious stuff). Where he has always had challenges is in the not so fun areas like traffic enforcement, parking violations and private property rights.

 

[HD Lady]

The motorcyclist was a very dear friend and will be missed by many. We are all here to enjoy the good life - you don't have to live on 30A to enjoy paradise. Unfortunately, David and many others enjoyment is cut short due to an untimely death caused by unacceptable road conditions that cause unnecessary traffic accidents. Walton County are you listening?

 

[Snowbean]

Possibly the deputies sitting in cars could get out of the cars and direct traffic during heaviest use?

 

[steel1man]

Walton County commission meeting today at 4:00pm Annex. Suppose to address intersection? We will see......hope there is a full house...also maybe some beach vendor rules ( next BIG problem)discussions.

 

[Matt J]

Stop people from turning left onto 98 from 83. Everyone turns right and those wishing to go west have to make a uturn. This is not the end of the world and the bridge would probably be done before a light can be installed.

You can also use 283 (the Grayton road).

 

[steel1man]

Walton County commission meeting today at 4:00pm Annex. Suppose to address intersection? We will see......hope there is a full house...also maybe some beach vendor rules ( next BIG problem)discussions.

Beach vendor meeting 1/12/16@2:00pm

 

[Dawn]

Possibly the deputies sitting in cars could get out of the cars and direct traffic during heaviest use?

Way too dangerous for the person on the road. Especially at night.

The official detour was moved to 283 (Grayton Road) quite awhile ago. The only option that might help would be to close 83. Or at least north bound. Make people go to 283 where the light is. Adjust the light timing as needed to alleviate backups.

On a side note - the county says the project is still on time to be completed by March 1. If not then there will be hell to pay.

 

[Poppaj]

Stop people from turning left onto 98 from 83. Everyone turns right and those wishing to go west have to make a uturn. This is not the end of the world and the bridge would probably be done before a light can be installed.

You can also use 283 (the Grayton road).

I am working that area this week and do this every day. The turn around lane is just a short distance east and is large enough to swing wide and be facing west before having to enter flowing traffic. A much safer method than crossing eastbound traffic.

 

[Matt J]

Of course people can also remember they moved here for a laid back slower pace of life and take their time instead of treating 30A and it's tributaries like a race track.

 

[John G]

Just yesterday, around 11:30am, was behind a Jack Hole driving about 75mph. They were in and out of traffic as they approached the intersection. Deputy sat there talking on his cell phone. Driver never slowed and continued to drive like a jerk...

As for suggestions about deputies "directing" traffic... That's just laughable. WCSO doesn't know how to direct traffic.

Just last night around 5:15pm, you had three WCSO vehilces with lights on all standing around talking after moving the two vehicle crash off of 98 in front of Small Mart (Wal Mart).

Traffic was backed up for about 30 min. Would have been nice to have someone with a reflective vest and flashlight moving the rubber neckers on.