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Published Monday, April 06, 2009 in Local
Photo by Jeffrey Leo
Parker’s Towing gets in position to upright a overturned transfer truck trailer which flipped on it side on Interstate 85 just north of exit 56, Collinsworth Road, in the southbound lanes early Monday.
Another I-85 wreck in same spot
The Times-Herald
A tractor-trailer transfer truck traveling southbound on Interstate 85 overturned early Monday morning in north Coweta County -- in the same location that two tractor-trailers crashed in separate incidents in March.
The truck, hauling double trailers, wrecked just north of Exit 56, Collinsworth Road.
Coweta County Sheriff's Office Deputy Robby Bowman worked the accident, which was reported at 3:44 Monday morning. The accident report, and other details, could not be obtained from the sheriff's office Monday.
The wreck occurred in a two-lane section of the interstate where construction continues on a widening project, but there was not a concrete barrier on the right-hand side of the interstate in that area. Instead, there is a dirt shoulder with a drop-off of several inches between the pavement and the shoulder.
On Friday, the Georgia Department of Transportation lowered the speed limit along I-85 in south Fulton County and Coweta County in the construction zone to 50 mph. The area of the 50 mph zone stretches from Ga. Hwy. 74 in Fairburn south to the Meriwether County line. The decision was made by state officials to lower the speed limit following two accidents last week, one including one fatality and another involving two trucks that burst into flames near Northgate High School.
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I passed what seemed to be a fatal wreck on the same stretch of highway yesterday, 5/3. When are they going to do something about this. I do not even see a mention of this serious wreck in any local papers. Have we become so complacent about this situation that it does not even make the news? How sad for the victims and future victims.
Posted by catherine Post at 9:35 AM
I live a mile south of Northgate High School which is very near I 85. We hear sirens at least 5 times a day - sometimes more. When will this contruction ever end? I believe people are being killed or injured in record numbers in this area. In my opinion, the temporary entrances and exits as well as the narrow lanes created by the DOT are mostly to blame. I am amazed this isn't a big news story because I personally fear for my life when I have to get on this piece of I 85. I take backroads whenever possible.
Posted by Claudia at 8:22 AM
Why don't you take a moment to re-read what I wrote and find where I said speeding wasn't a problem... Oops, guess you won't find that - You're too busy being offended I called you out for being a self-appointed hall monitor. Reading comprehension (look it up) isn't a strong suit for you, eh?
Posted by SB at 2:43 PM
People can talk and talk, blah blah blah, about what will "help" this situation, and I'm here to tell you that the ONLY thing that's going to "fix" it is for them to hurry their butts up and FINISH IT ALREADY. They have had this section of road destroyed for how many years now? October '09? I'll believe it when I see it.
Posted by Annoyed at 9:01 AM
Cameras clicking toll plaza violations are used on the 400 Expressway in Atlanta. Clerks sit there all day checking Tag Numbers, issuing fines and flagging vehicle and owner records. Ka-Ching $$$$$
Posted by Ed at 1:53 AM
Seriously People...when are you going to get it in your brains...that Cops have NO where...that is NO where to sit...or pull someone over. This is a DOT issue....they are inhibting the cops from doing their job....the reason meriweather county has cops on the roads...is because there are places for them to pull people over...not in coweta...stop blamming the cops...if they all get killed on 85, then what will you say...
Posted by kboo at 11:58 PM
I don't know where these people got a driver's license. They must not have parents that taught them right from wrong and how to use common sense and respect other people. These are the idiots that think they own the road and nobody else matters except for them. The "me, me , me" attitude. All roads would be much safer without those careless, stupid people.
Posted by Tom at 8:33 PM
Slowing down is not PART OF THE PROBLEM. Rolling roadblocks aren't either. I don't advocate them as such, but on this stretch of interstate if I am doing 53 passing someone who is doing 50 then it will take a while to get by. Sorry, thats just dynamics. THE WHOLE PROBLEM is people driving with no other thought, concern, or even awareness of what is going on around them. They're on their mission, and that's all that matters. Wrecks happen. If you aren't driving with a cranial-anal subluxation (look it up) then you can avoid being involved on many of them.
Posted by Dave at 8:52 AM
The problem with speed cameras is that courts have been declaring them unconstitutional all over the place - partly due to "the right to face your accuser in court," some silly constitutional protection. (That would be sarcasm, for you IQ-impaired folks out there.) Further, that's a step down the slippery slope towards a police state. I would rather not have that, thank you very much. You people advocating and practicing rolling roadblocks are PART OF THE PROBLEM and you just don't get it. Let's say you find someone else at your speed and you pace them down the road - meanwhile traffic builds up behind you, tempers flare, and safe distance between the cars is gone as aggressive drivers tailgate the crap out of you. The minute there's the slightest break anywhere, people take risky chances to swerve, cut off, jump through a hole, etc etc. No one elected you hall monitor of 85, so please leave the police work to the hardworking folks in uniform.
Posted by SB at 1:15 PM
I too try to avoid the interstate, because it is crazy! I don't know what the DOT was thinking either. I think I am going to start my own towing business though. It seems as if I may pick up enough business just from that stretch of I-85 alone!!!
Posted by Renee at 12:26 PM
Actually, the DOT said it themselves that they are trying to expedite the project. Please refer to the previous article where they are quoted as saying "upon further review by GDOT engineers and FHWA, it was realized that we could complete construction at a safer and more speedy pace by reducing the lanes down to two travel lanes, allowing work to continue on two lanes at a time outside of the barrier walls," This can be found at http://www.times-herald.com/Local/Speed-limit-dropped-to-50-through-Coweta-on-I-85-705783 They are trying to hurry up and get done so they can save money. It has nothing to do with safety at all. They are just trying to save a buck and don't care about the danger.
Posted by Renee at 11:54 AM
Speed Cameras would be great. I can only imagine the amount of revenue it would generate. I have been faithfully following the 50mph limit and have had these crazy people flashing their lights and blowing horns at me like I am doing something wrong! Slap a big fine on these idiots and slow them down before anymore lives are lost, the next one may very well be their own or that of a loved one.The price seems a little high to me. How about you?
Posted by LINDA at 11:02 AM
The Hwy34-to-Hwy74 section of the project is expected to be finished by Oct'09. The Hwy34-to-Meriwether Cnty secion, Dec'09. We have, weather permitting, at least 6 months to go. Decreasing the speed limit has not increased the intelligence of the drivers out there. One last thing: have y'all ever heard of the TWO SECOND RULE? Google it.
Posted by -SD at 10:28 AM
Many times I have seen Police from several areas on this road. It does'nt matter where they are from they are hard to keep up with they go so fast. I think they need to be an example rather than part of the problem.
Posted by Kenton at 9:17 AM
Renee - while I agree that the DOT went about this project in the wrong way by trying to do it all at once, they are by no means RUSHING to get anything done. Do you not remember how long this construction has been going on? I think the DOT is mainly to blame - the driving conditions are unsafe at any speed - the lanes too narrow and poorly defined, the drop off on the shoulder in this area, etc. If they are going to lower the speed limit, it really should be enforced, although I am not sure how they would do this? Where are they suppose to sit to run radar? And where are they suppose to pull you over? There is no where to go! The DOT needs to just really get it in gear and finish this job. It has gone on way too long. And make the lanes more defined, and wider. Or, go to one lane. If you do that, like someone else mentioned, you could control the speed easier. I have gotten to where I just avoid the interstate for about the past year and will continue to do so until the construction is complete. It is just too unsafe.
Posted by SherryL. at 4:54 AM
Put up Speed Cameras. It will create some employment and help with the State Budget. If the speeders lose their licenses they will slow down - truckers and cars alike. Put an overhead electronic sign up and flash their speed and Fine $. Tape it all.
Posted by Ed at 10:15 PM
...and have an enforcement system that works. The United Kingdom has found a solution to habitual speeding in construction zones; Average Speed cameras - they capture the tag of every car entering and exiting the work zone and calculate their average speed. Offenders get their ticket in the mail. The system works - no one goes more than 2-3 over the 50 mph limit and surprise, surprise, accidents down dramatically and traffic flows! Blaming GDOT for poor construction methods will not solve the problem - slowing down has an immediate impact.
Posted by MJ at 10:03 PM
Maybe we should hire Whitesburg Police Department to patrol this highway. They seem to be able to enforce 25MPH in their school zone. I went to work at 70 mph Friday,did not pass anyone was passed by many going north bound from Collinsworth.
Posted by af carter at 9:38 PM
Always the truck driver's fault. I'm a truck driver that unfortunately must use that same stretch of road at least twice a week. I follow the posted speed +/- 3 mph and am petrified of this area due to 6 inches(if that) available on each side with 4-wheelers weaving in and out of traffic like it's Atlanta Motor Speedway. In the last 6 months, I've only seen 2-3 police patrolling. Trucks unlike cars take almost the whole lane. A slight drift of trailer and disaster can happen. Every state I've traveled in const. zones actually allows for room on each side accept Georgia. I blame this on engineering and ignorance. Not ALL trk drivers are careless. GET THE DEATH ROAD DONE DOT!
Posted by Ben at 7:27 PM
I called GSP (after almost getting pushed out of the way by a fleet of Sisco dump trucks going well over the speed)their blaming the speeders. I too think DOT should hold some of the blame. I drive a large vehicle and there is NO room for error. I asked why so many barriers. She said federal regulations. Don't see this problem at other construction sites...?
Posted by Fed Up With 85 at 5:38 PM
with it comes sacrafice. I highly doubt we will be hearing all this anger nor will anyone remember this in 3 years when traffic is flowing smoothly.
Posted by Chad at 5:23 PM
It's not the barrier walls that are the problem. The shoulder on the right side is only a few inches. After this shoulder, it drops off an inch or so to a dirt shoulder. The problem is when the truck driver fails to maintain lane the go over this shoulder and go onto the dirt. The ground is very soft form the soaking rains we have had so it compacts down or is displaced. When this happens the driver of the semi may over react to correct his mistake. When he does this and tries to jerk it back onto the road the truck takes a sharp left and then overturns. So in short its the driver's fault not for driving too fast but for failure to maintain lane.
Posted by Oscar Valerious at 5:12 PM
Where's the GSP? Coweta County Sheriff's Dept? ENFORCE these speed laws for the safety of all, even those "drivers being drivers ignoring speed limits" as referenced in a previous post. With apologies to Darwin, even those with less to contribute to the gene pool (i.e., "drivers being drivers") should be prevented from hurting themselves and others.
Posted by 1citizen at 4:46 PM
Just how many people have died on this part of the interstate during this phase of construction? I heard it was only 1 and that was from a guy that got out of his vechile to move it.
Posted by c at 4:18 PM
Skip, you sure do sound like a responsible person. I'm glad to see you contributing so much to our society.
Posted by Different Route at 3:45 PM
Seems to me this one area is the problem area on this contruction. They are workinging on a zone over 20 miles long. Get enough people in there and finish this area around Collinsworth road because the stupid people in that area are brain dead and can't drive in a construction zone
Posted by JEFF at 3:15 PM
Sally, I would hate for one of your family members to be killed while working in the contstuction zone. Operative word here is "WORKING". Have you thought about all the accidents and worse fatalities in this area and NO ONE is working. The barriers should be erected in the area when there is work being done! These barriers are up to protect the D.O.T. workers and in the meantime innocent people are dying. Are people speeding? Absolutely! These accidents did not happen day in and day out prior to the contstruction. I wrote in to Channel 2 Action News after the first accident/fatality the first week. My husband was almost killed due to having to SIT on highway. The barrier no longer allowed room to pull off on shoulder to wait to exit. They came out and did an interview and it aired over next several days how bad it had become. At that time D.O.T. would not respond to calls from Channel 2. That was a year ago January. That was before so many more people have lost their lives. I said it then and I say it now the D.O.T./State should have been held accountable for that mans death. He had the misfortune to break down and "HAD NO WHERE TO GO". So while your husband and family members are safe and enjoying their lives..so many more are not!
Posted by It's not going to change! at 3:11 PM
AMEN whooppee doo! What good is enforcement going to do? If motorists see patrol cars, they will slow down in that stretch, which ties up patrol. It is insane to make the lanes of traffic so narrow with no where to go in case of emergency, hence the reason for EMERGENCY lanes! Make the lanes wider with more area to pull off to or shut the interstate down and get the dang job done!
Posted by Sick and tired at 3:08 PM
Drivers will be drivers and ignore speed limits. Properly configured roadways allow for this fact and have safeguards against it (wide lanes, even pavement and paved shoulders). The GDOT's irresponsibility is at ultimate blame here. The safeguards in place to protect us, the drivers are being outright ignored. Every injury and death on this slaughterhouse is the blame of the GDOT!
Posted by KS at 2:53 PM
The road itself is an invitation to disaster. Its too narrow for trucks & almost too narrow for 2 cars - if your car breaks down what do you do and where do you go? I blame the DOT - they've made it totally unsafe for drivers @ any speed - they need to complete the roadwork ASAP or widen the 2 lanes they are forcing drivers to use so there is some shoulder.
Posted by Dee at 2:38 PM
Speed limit change does not change the engineering involved at the edge of the road. The shoulder is soft mud not asphalt or crush rock. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out!
Posted by Dennis Kidd at 2:32 PM
No, Enforcement isn't the only answer. But it would HAVE to help to have many, many more visible officers, even if only patrolling at 50-55mph in traffic. I travel Hogansville to Tyrone and back everyday. One out of 30 days do I see enforcement (other than the ones doing static site security) enforcing the speed inside Coweta. But 15-20 days out of 30, the Meriwether SO is patrolling their mile-and-a-half of interstate at the tail end of "the zone." Put more bluelight in the lanes, slow folks down, and you WILL see a difference!
Posted by Dave at 2:26 PM
Renee, Renee...get a clue. Your comments about speed not the problem is from the same mindset that's causing most of the problems. Speed may not be the only problem, but it is ONE of many problems. While the end results of wrecks at 50mph may not look much different than 70 to you, slower speed equals less momentum equals more reactionary time equals less accidents overall. And when there is an accident, you can rest assured there IS a defference between 70 and 50mph impacts. Been there, got both T-Shirts.
Posted by Dave at 2:16 PM
As an Ex-DOT inspector, it is protocol to have blue lights at the beginning of the work zone, an off duty officer. The enforcement is only present when a crew is on site. Well, I was struck by a dumptruck and thank God I woke up in the ambulance with only a broken back. Went back to work two days later. I'm an insurance agent now and see things from a totally different prospective. Even when all lane closure signs are working properly, people ignore them and speed right on through. Luckily there was not a crew working in the area during the accident. As the son of a retired DOT Engineer, I have heard many horror stories, and I have one for myself... If anyone knows who hit me, please fill me in cause I don't remember a thing.
Posted by agentjoew at 1:55 PM
How many more bad wrecks or wreck related deaths have to occur before GDOT forces the contractors to finish this project. I drive this section of highway twice everyday and am amazed that there is still a section that has, at best, minimal work being done. What's the delay? Is GDOT or the contractor waiting for a preset number os wrecks/deaths to finish the project?
Posted by Pete Swisher at 1:52 PM
i like the pace car idea. pay some drivers to just drive down and back up the interstate all day at the speed limit. have a few going side by side up northbound and at the same time has a few going southbound and have them alternate (get off 61 go back on south to 28 or whatever the first exit is outside the construction zone to the south and back. As for the speeders out there.. when the lanes are narrower in the construction zone, you need to slow down (especially the trucks) the faster you go the more time it takes to stop and the less reactive your car is. I will continue driving the speed limit and will, when next to another car going the same, keep pace to slow others down.
Posted by klaxen at 12:56 PM
Find someone in the right lane doing 50, pull to the left lane and do 50. Sure will upset some speeders but will minimize the chance of a crash ahead of me. As someone mentioned a couple days ago here, rolling roadblocks are illegal, but there's no law enforcement so what the heck.
Posted by Steve at 12:46 PM
Sally - the Georgia DOT is the one putting your family members life in danger! It is not the commuter - but the very people your family works for. The DOT is trying to save money - so they are trying to rush through this project. That is why they have miles and miles of concrete barriers up, with no room for error. Instead of taking their time and working on smaller portions of road at a time - they are putting everyone's life in danger. The workers and commuters were not given any thought during the planning process for this project. They think lowering the speed limit will help? What a joke! As you can see, it will make things worse. When someone is going 50MPH on the interstate, someone will pass them. And eventually, all the braking, changing lanes, etc will cause another catastrophe.
Posted by Renee at 12:40 PM
but let's not forget all of those phantom lane lines. they have changed lane placement several times and in some places have not completely removed the old lines! I've seen many drivers following old lines, only to jerk back into the correct lane once they've realized the problem. I wonder if this is the situation in this particular area.
Posted by kim at 11:45 AM
Instead of having law enforcement vehicles sitting on the side of I-85 with lights flashing perhaps it would be better that they ENFORCE the speeding laws. It would appear to me that there is dereliction in duty of both the sheriff and state police officers. Will it take a fatality of a politically connected family member to get this resolved. DOT shares responsibility for their lack of over-sight of the Archer-Stewart construction company. Their vehicles are prime speeding offenders. How about some rolling road block speed zones to slow people down. Then position patrols beyond the zone to catch those who think that they are above the law.
Posted by Ed at 11:11 AM
How would you like the Police to patrol the area? Should they just ride in traffic? Where is it that you think they should park and run radar? Where is a safe place for a Officer to pull you over with your car full of kids? Should a Officer chase you if you don't pull over? Come on people there arent good safe answers to any of these questions. The Police would love to work the interstate and have worked it for years. Honestly right now there is NO safe way for the officer to work the interstate. Everyone is so quick to blame Law Enforcement. People are to blame for speeding, DOT could have done things better and safer. I guess you could blame law enforcement for not waving a magic wand and making it all better. I am sorry that innocent people are being hurt or killed. Until people stop pointing fingers and change for themselves (such as slow down, or get off the cell phone) people are going to get hurt.
Posted by Andrea A at 10:38 AM
As a family member of an interstate construction crew, has anyone stopped to think about the lives and safety of these men and women working within feet of you crazy drivers flying up and down the road. Just think for once. What if it were your husband, wife parent or child having to work on the road. They are just doing their job and do not deserve the dangers drivers like some of you are putting them in. Please slow down. Regardless if there are cops stopping people or not. The law is the law!!!
Posted by Sally at 10:24 AM
Till tickets are handed out car & tucks alike are going to keep going 75-80. Yesterday to & from work when I was going 50 MPH and just about getting ran over , light flashing and I’m sure a jester or two that went unnoticed. Between the double cement barriers starting at Exit 51 as I was in the right lane I watched as one car after the other and more tucks fully loaded down passed going 20 plus above the posted Speed limit. Till it starts hurting their wallet you’re never going to see any decrease in such a dangerous area.
Posted by Scott at 10:11 AM
I was just wondering if anyone else noticed how the road is not level in that area. I drive a large SUV and have been in the far right lane and had my car suddenly shoot to the right because my tires caught the lip of the road where the old meets the new. Could these drivers also be having the same trouble, but on a much larger scale.
Posted by Lori E at 9:59 AM
Good thing you didn't see a State Trooper, you could have got a ticket for 10 over.
Posted by 85 Traveler at 9:41 AM
To the "hang the speeders!" speed righteous lynch mob: speed, nor the speed limit, is the problem. The problem is the ridiculous "no escape" narrow cattle chute they have us driving through. It's insane. And where there's not a barricade, there's also no dependable shoulder of any kind. More insanity. They've lowered the limit to 50. Accidents are inevitable. You can't avoid them all (hence, the term "accident".) Have you ever seen a 50mph accident? Not much prettier than a 70mph one. Speed ain't the problem.
Posted by Typical commuter at 9:40 AM
I'm a trucker's wife. Every time my husband goes out on the road and has to pass through this particular area of interstate I pray for his safety. He's always been a very safe driver, obeys the speed limit and driving laws, he has to. His income is based on his ability to drive. Commuters and the DOT are going to have to work together during this time of construction and road improvements. It's the ONLY ANSWER.
Posted by Trucker's Wife at 9:29 AM
Motorists can travel all the way through Coweta County on I-85 and not see one law enforcement vehicle but when you hit that Meriwether County line, there may be 3 or more sitting there waiting on you! They are there watching for speeders traveling south out of Coweta County. Their presence is known by most motorists who travel I-85 southbound. You KNOW that you better slow down before you cross the county line because you KNOW what is waiting. If Coweta County law enforcement would take this type of approach in our county, maybe more lives would be saved. People ARE going to speed, especially when they think they can get away with it. And, that is exactly the mindset right now in our county. Nothing is being done to enforce the speed limit, regardless if it is 70 or 45 MPH.
Posted by T. Stephens at 9:29 AM
Where is a police going to pull a car over when you dont even have an emergency lane to pull over in if your car stalls out...you taking a chance...if the police stops somebody they both will die and others too more than likely?????? You best get on out of the way or stay off the interstate like me! I choose to live!
Posted by Melba at 9:23 AM
Now all you have is people running 75-80 MPH and slamming on the brakes anytime they THINK they see a cop. lowering the speed limit is not the answer!
Posted by !!!!! at 9:13 AM
You can't make a rule if you don't enforce it!
Posted by BJ at 9:05 AM
I second your statement. Maybe they should have an electronic sign saying "There have been X accidents within the next two miles and X deaths, please slow down". Extreme situations call for extreme measures.
Posted by Different Route at 9:02 AM
Don't you just love these people that call those of us who choose to obey the law and drive the speed limit "slow drivers?" Imagine this world with their mentality. Shoplifting an item that cost a buck or two would be okay because you're only breaking the law a little bit. It's really not trespassing on private property if you only go a mile or so in. The list goes on and on. If you don't want to obey the law, that's your choice. Just don't trash (by calling us part of the problem) those of us who do obey the law, including speed limits.
Posted by Sid at 9:01 AM
The patrol has GOT to do something to enforce the slower speed limit. Put some police cars out there somewhere and maybe that would help. Semi trucks are really speeding and there isn't enough room for them to pass safely.
Posted by Martha at 8:59 AM
Again, speed is NOT the problem here. The problem is that the GA DOT is trying to save money by rushing through this project. They said themselves that they can get more done by having miles of two lane road with concrete barriers. Instead of doing this in smaller portions, they are doing it in larger so they can hurry through the process and save money. The DOT does not care about the commuters. If they did, they would have done something other than lower the speed limit. If anything, reducing the speed to 50MPH is going to make it worse! Who really goes 50 on the interstate? Come on DOT - are you really that stupid?
Posted by Renee at 8:46 AM
I make the drive to Atlanta Monday thru Friday and I agree with most of the other writers, the change in speed limit has only affected those of us who are trying to be law abiding. This morning at the radar speed limit sign people were passing me doing 78, 79 and 82 respectively. As much as I hate to say this, why doesn't the DOT just make it one lane, dead center and leave the other half of each lane as the shoulder. We would all slow down then. One lane traffice 45 miles an hour. I know it would increase my drive time, but it would be so much safer.
Posted by Jerry Allen at 8:46 AM
We pay Taxes which in turn pays the Georgia Highway Patrol (GHP). I say that the counties affected by the construction need to sue the state or GHP for neglect or dereliction of duty whichever is legally plausible as decided by an attorney. I decided to "test" the system during a "Non Rush Hour" time and travel the posted speed limit. Boy, I was an idiot. Going the posted speed limit was more dangerous than going 70+ with the flow of traffic. I was almost rear ended too many times to count. The origin "Georgia or out of state" of the vehicles speeding at a high rate of speed were about even. Seems to me that the DOT and the GHP are making excuses and passing the blame onto motorists instead of attempting to evaluate, create an action plan, and enforce decisions and laws which will assist in cutting down the number of accidents. On the other hand the drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings and PAY ATTENTION. Too many times drivers are on the phone or doing something other than paying attention to DRIVING. The blame is twofold, but just like raising kids, if you don’t enforce the rules then what good are rules? Hmmmm go figure?
Posted by Omega Prime at 8:40 AM
I stay up way too late to get up ontime so get the heck out of my way. I'm not going to be late for work cause you want to obay the law.
Posted by Skip at 8:33 AM
This is obviously a bad spot, why I don't know. But it has nothing to do with the barriers since it was in the 3-lane portion of the construction. Get your facts right.
Posted by Liz at 8:30 AM
Ok lets put the cops up there and then what? Will the people stop and let the cops pull out onto the road in a safe manner? Will people stop in a safe place to get a ticket or freak out and just stop? And what about the rare person who would rather make a run for it? Should the police endanger everybody to stop a few idiots?
Posted by c at 8:10 AM
Although I completely agree it's a dangerous stretch of road, and that enforcement is needed...you'll see nothing but people complaining on here if it happens. Since I moved here in 06, one thing I've noticed is that GA drivers have a sense of entitlement to drive whatever speed they want. In my opinion, it is 100% the responsibility of law enforcement, due to the lack of tickets. When I leave GA on my way to LA, I see speedtraps and people pulled over in EVERY state except GA. But, then again, it's nice knowing that the GSP gives us some leeway and concentrates on the real problems.
Posted by G at 7:18 AM
Lowering the speed limit will save lives if the police will enforce it. If not they just wasted time and money changing the signs. Our Sheriff needs to be tossed out of office.
Posted by Dyark at 7:13 AM
well the State Troupers and Police are still not enforcing the speed limit- Monday people were flying by me as I was doing 60- I never saw 1 law enforcement officer the entire 5 mile stretch so until they start slowing people down accidents will continue
Posted by LM at 3:25 AM
Monday morning, as I left for work, I remembered the news article about the speed limit being lowered to 50. I was looking forward to not being so stressed and anxious while driving on 85...boy was I wrong!! While driving at 50 mph, I had tractor trailers riding on my bumper(I was in the right lane) and cars on my left were passing me at the speed of light. I truly felt like the other cars were angry with me for driving too slow. What the hell is wrong with people? I am driving the posted limit in a dangerous work zone and drivers are flying past me. Lowering the speed limit is just one way to take are of this situation but nothing will change and I mean NOTHING until there are highway patrol cars posted every mile in the area. I don't care how they do it, but they NEED to do it before more lives are lost.
Posted by Scared to drive 85 at 12:08 AM
I've travelled that stretch of I85 every day since the speed limit was lowered and people are still driving 65 to 75 MPH. No police enforcement=a free for all.
Posted by John at 11:45 PM
So what now, DOT? lower it to 45mph? this whole stretch of highway is dangerous. May as well shut it down altogether until this mess is completed
Posted by Armchair Vigilante at 11:18 PM
Speed is not the issue on I-85 in South Fulton & Coweta counties. Before the construction when the speed limits were normal, there were fewer accidents. The soft clay, barriers and narrow lanes are partly to blame. The drivers are not paying attention, slow drivers are just as dangerous as fast drivers.
Posted by Jim Sulkanen at 10:42 PM
The speed limit was lower to 50mph last Friday. I was on the interstate Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and I was surprise to see tractor trailer drivers speeding at speeds of more than 70mph in both directions as well as car drivers. I was afraid I would be ran over driving 50mph. It is scary out there. What more can be done to secure our safety?
Posted by chris primrose at 10:27 PM
More evidence that something has got to be done about this dangerous stretch of highway. Lowering the speed limit obviously isn't working. Not only is the lower speed limit not being observed or enforced but the condition of the road makes it dangerous at any speed.
Posted by angel at 9:51 PM
I think that we should have a section labeled "Another one bites the dust" and list the time and date of all accidents in this area of the interestate...its almost becoming where I look on this website to see how many people wrecked today kinda thing...crazy!
Posted by kboo at 9:31 PM
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- 5-year-old wants Christmas cards
- Sick boy's request sounds similar to Shergold hoax
- Rezoning denied on 54, 16; OK'd on Lower Fayetteville
- Police still hunting for runaway probation violator
- Teen charged in string of robberies
- Judge denies new trial for wife convicted of killing her husband
- MLK to test Newnan's perfect record
- 5-year-old wants Christmas cards
- A Better Way Ministries makes move to Senoia
- Electronics recycling Wednesday afternoon at Newnan High School
- 81-year-old tries to set girlfriend on fire, sets house ablaze
- Rezoning denied on 54, 16; OK'd on Lower Fayetteville
- Police: Mail carrier found drunk, eating noodles
- Newnan has 4 voices on water panel
- Foundation backs charity clinics like one being proposed in Newnan
- Obituary: Mr. John Powell "JP" Smith
- Chubby Checker tickets still available
- Northgate's AAAA state title reign continues for third-straight year
- Be aware there are increased patrols on roadways
- Obesity, bad health troubling sign of times
- Rezoning denied on 54, 16; OK'd on Lower Fayetteville
- There's talk of a future need for an air traffic control tower
- High school coaches under pressure to win
- Schools continue search for thief
- Jobless rate rises; many job seekers 'giving up'
- Rash of thefts reported at Coweta schools
- MLK to test Newnan's perfect record
I-85 fatalities
6/22/2009
Link To This Comment
This is absolutely insane what the DOT has created in this stretch of I-85! How many more lives have to be lost! Get it finished or shut the road down!
Posted by Debbie at 1:28 PM