Two people were critically injured in a late morning crash today at the deadly intersection of highways 341 and 18 in Barnesville.
Scenes from the wreckage
The only thing I see they need is to add a turn signal on the CVS and Shell Station side.
But that has nothing to do with running a Red Light.
I also think that state mandated driver education would do a lot to help the problems with our young drivers, teach it in the public scools, make it a requiremnt to getting licensed.
God be with all these victims, to heal them both physically and emotionally.
My condolences to the families of those involved in the accident.
He was a good man.
There are always so many accidents at this intersection. Why is that, and why has it not been fixed yet?
I am so happy that the paramedics were able to revive Mr. Hays.
Best wishes for the recovery of all involved in the accident.
But, as transportation design is not something I do, I have no real clue as to what could be done as an alternate intersection layout. I have to assume this accident is the result of one party or the other missing the signal or being unable to determine the signal. Hopefully, neither person willfully ignored the traffic signal.
If people are ignoring signals, nothing short of being caught and ticketed will make much difference in behavior. I doubt the city or county has the resources to post an officer at the intersection full time to make sure everyone follows the rules.
Short of an overpass or underpass, I would think little can be done beyond all of us being vigilant when approaching this intersection.
I missed a question on my driving exam some years ago - I won't tell how long ago - because of this intersection - I marked an answer stating I should slow to make sure the intersection was clear in a question about a similar road layout rather than the desired answer of drive though without delay. I always slow and almost stop when crossing 341 on 18 until I make sure it is safe.
Sorry if you are in a hurry behind me!
I dont have to say what I had to say.
I feel a constant presence of the Sheriffs dept, city police, and the State Patrol, who would be visible at this intersection, could help in causing many accidents. A Left Turn On Arrow Only would be a good upgrade to the traffic light.
My Opinion
Another is the brighter LED lamps instead of those hard to see red lights. If you doubt this look at the red while driving north, or driving west with the sun behind you. You will barely be able to see the red is illuminated. This is especially true going north because there is a slight curve by the car wash.
Left turn only lanes with their own signal light would help too. So would drivers learning to watch of people running the light.
I think this intersection's constant accident problems are a combination of several different issues, but the police need to start giving out red light violation tickets around town.
Of course since the blue hair histerical types got their Hwy 41 bypass built, traffic is even heavier going around Barnesville now.
But that's OK, cuz the histerical district is much quieter without all those trucks.
Here's an idea. Why not use SPLOST funds to build an overpass?
if you can not follow instruction from a simple red light you need to CALL A TAXI... STAY OFF THE ROAD MORONS!
My brother in law Paul, is in VERY critical condition. According to the paramedic reports he did in fact die and had no pulse for about 20-30 minutes. They were able to resuscitate him on the way to the Spalding hospital. He was then life flighted to Atlanta Medical Center where he is on life support. His heart is beating on it's own, but his lungs are collapsed and he is on a respirator. All of his chest bones are crushed, his back is broken in two places, he has severe head trauma and they are drilled a hole in his head to relieve the pressure.
My nephew Bobby Lee is going to be fine. He is bruised very badly and has a cast on his elbow. He bit his tongue in two and had to have it sewn back together. He was sent home this evening. Please remember them both and especially my sister Elizabeth in your prayers. Please also continue to remember Mrs. Smith and her family. All of your thoughts on the intersection I'm sure are honorable, but let's please remember the most important thing at this moment is the family and Paul & Mrs Mildred. Thank you all so very much.
Please keep us updated.
One suggestion, a little more gap time from when one light turns red till the other side turns green would at least give some people more time to stop or make it on through the light before the other side begins to move or follow through the intersection if already moving forward from a distance. I know I would not mind a few seconds to be sure that the way is clear and others see there red lights.
But no matter what happens there, accidents will always happen and god be with all who has to go through that.
Thank you, From Paul's sister in law and Bobby's aunt
The Family
To this family ya'll will remain in our prayers, please keep us updated.
Thanks.
Elizabeth Hayes
Please Keep Us Updated
Our Prayers Are With You And Your Family
I do not even know the people involved, but my prayers are with them and you people who are so cruel!!!
Liz Hayes
Bobby is home recovering. Paul is still in ICU, fighting for his life. His brain pressure has increased and he is currently in a drug induced coma.
If anyone has information on Mrs. Smith please let us know and do pray for her and her family as well.
Thank you to all parties for your concerns and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and you are right Ms. Smith is in a much better place with Jesus!! Please know Dad and I have been thinking about your family and keeping you in our prayers.
Lisa
Paul's sister in law and Bobby's Aunt and Father in law and Grandfather
Such a sad tragic, accident.
God bless you all.
THEY HAVE PUT HIM IN AN INDUCED COMA SO IF HE COMES TOO AND REMEMBERS ANY OF THE ACCIDENT HE WILL NOT MOVE AROUND. HE HAS BROKEN HIS BACK IN 2 PLACES. AT THIS TIME THEY THINK HE HAS NO FEELING FROM HIS WAIST DOWN. THERE IS SWELLING ON HIS BRAIN. HE'S STILL IN ICU. CONTINUE TO KEEP PAUL, ELIZABETH (PAUL'S WIFE),BOBBY AND CHRIS (ELIZABETH'S SON'S) IN YOUR PRAYERS.
ALSO, MAY I ASK IF YOU WILL PUT OUR MOTHER PEGGIE COOK IN YOUR PRAYERS. SHE IS AT HOME ON HOSPICE AND NOT DOING WELL.
THANK YOU, LISA
PAUL'S SISTER IN LAW, ELIZABETH'S SISTER
The doctor's said last night the swelling in his head has gone down just alittle. They are turning him side to side so his lungs will not fill up with fluid. He is completly strapped down so he cannot move.
They cannot even do a MRI on him because of this. Which mean they still do not know his complete injuries. He is still VERY CRITICAL.
Please keep Paul,Elizabeth,Bobby and family in your prayers.
Also, remember Mrs. Smith's family during this difficult time and continue to keep them in your prayers.
Lisa,
Paul's sister in law-- Elizabeth's sister
Love and prayers,
The Griffin's, Len, Hilda, Michael, Katie, JoAnna, Rachel, Gracie, Quinton, Samantha, John, and Cory
Of course his family are upset.Paul's sister died about 6 years ago to cancer. His mother is is watching another one of her children die.
All of your prayers are appreicated and I spoke to Elizabeth. We are keeping her informed of your comments.
Mrs Smith's family, you are still in our prayer's.
Lisa--Paul's sister in law
I just spoke to my sister Teresa Carter. They have taken Paul off of life support and the doctor's say now it is just a matter of time. Teresa said his heart rate is increasing which doctor's say something is about to happen (possible a heart attack).
Will keep you posted.
Pray for God's strength for Elizabeth,Bobby and Chris (her boys)especially Bobby he is starting to blame himself for this happening and it was nothing but a horrible accident.
Keep Mrs Smiths's family in your prayer's also.
Lisa--Elizabeth's sister
Lisa anderson