Woman says Johnston County intersection is dangerous
CLAYTON, NC (WTVD) -- Dottie Baxter and her daughter are still recovering from injuries during a crash in Johnston County.
"She could have died. I could have died," Baxter said. "I should have stayed home."
It was supposed to be a trip to the pool. Baxter was traveling down Steel Bridge Road when investigators said she failed to stop at the intersection at Little Creek Church Road.
"I shouldn't have missed that. But it was so fast. It was so fast," Baxter recalled.
Two weeks later, Baxter can't work her construction job. She says she is recovering from two broken ribs and pain in her right hip.
Accidents are not unusual at the intersection. In 2013, the North Carolina Department of Transportation says a deputy was involved in a crash after failing to yield to the right of way. Traffic engineers say there have been 13 accidents in the last five years.
"It needs to have a red light. It really needs a red light and a caution light," Baxter told ABC11.
But that won't happen. DOT engineers say the intersection does not have the volume and a traffic study would cost $2,000.
But they do plan to raise the height of the stop signs from 36" to 48". Large pavement markers will tell drivers a stop is ahead. Trees blocking drivers view will be trimmed.
There is no timetable on when the work will be completed.
Baxter said the changes are necessary but would still like a traffic light.
