Improvements to North Carolina Highway 69 started full force a few months ago. While some local residents have complained about the dangers caused by the road construction, others say the work is being done quickly and the highway is not usually busy.
Local rumors of an increase in accidents prompted research of the North Carolina Highway Patrol collision reports. From Thursday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 15, only two accidents were reported along the highway corridor which runs south into Towns County, Ga. Only one seemed to involve construction.
A truck belonging to Bateman Trucking backed into another vehicle along Clyde Curtis Drive and Highway 69. No injuries were reported and the vehicle which was hit only sustained about $1,500 in damages. The Bateman truck was not damaged.
The other Highway 69 collision did not involve construction equipment. On Sunday, Oct. 4, two cars collided on Highway 69 near Signs Fast. A southbound car driven by a Young Harris woman entered the turn lane to make a left turn onto SR 1140. The driver then pulled back onto the travel lane and struck another southbound vehicle. No injuries were incurred and damage to both vehicles was less than $100.
A review of the collision report for the time did show other accidents where Highway 69 intersects Highway 64. Most of those appeared to involve vehicles failing to stop at the light. Since the construction has not yet reached that intersection, it is doubtful any of those collisions were caused by construction obstructions or heavy equipment.
If there have been a significant number of vehicle accidents along North Carolina Highway 69, drivers must not have contacted law enforcement in the other cases. There are signs reminding drivers to slow down and watch for trucks entering the highway. Information from the North Carolina Department of Transportation website says drivers in construction zones should watch for narrowed or closed lanes, shifts in traffic and reduced speed limits, even when workers are not present.
The website gives additional reminders for drivers traveling in work zones:
• Stay alert. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
• Pay close attention. Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
• Watch out for road debris.
• Turn on headlights. Workers and other motorists must see you.
• Don't tailgate.
• Be patient and obey posted speed limits. The penalty for speeding through a marked work zone is $250.
• Keep up with the traffic flow.
• Don't change lanes in a work zone.
• Minimize distractions. Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones while driving a work zone.
• Expect the unexpected: Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
• Don't drink and drive.
• Use alternate routes when possible to avoid traffic congestion.
• Leave early to get a head start on your drive and travel at non-peak times.