LEVEL PLAINS — The Level Plains Police Chief is calling on the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to turn talk into action on Highway 84.
Chief Johnny Summers said there are two intersections where crashes occur all too often. Highway 84 from Dale County 1 to Coffee County 709 has become known as a deadly stretch of highway. The chief estimates around five traffic fatalities and up to 40 crashes a year.
"This has been an ongoing situation since I can remember," Summers told 1819 News. "I grew up here, and we're in the middle of no-man's-land."
The Coffee County intersection is out of the Level Plains jurisdiction, but Summers says his city's resources are still being used when accidents happen.
"Alabama State Troopers cover it, but we're usually the first ones here because we're the closest," Summers said. "So, we usually end up first on scene and then Enterprise also responds."
The police department places extra patrols along the Dale County intersection, where an average of 26,000 vehicles pass each day. After years of trying to get something done, Summers said he wants his citizens to know his hands are tied.
"I'm more of a proactive person, and, you know, I take my job seriously, and I feel responsible for trying to do my part to make it safe for them the best I can," Summers said. "I just don't like sitting back and watching it happen."
"We sat down and met with ALDOT about six months ago, and they told us that they're doing a survey, so that's good, but the proof's in the pudding," he said.
ALDOT told 1819 News they are working with local officials to address their concerns and are designing a project to improve the area.
"Once the preliminary design is completed, ALDOT will host a public meeting to gather community feedback before construction begins," said ALDOT communication coordinator Haley Ansley. "This meeting will be announced through signage along the project limits and on the ALDOT website (aldotinvolved.com), ensuring everyone can learn about the project and share their thoughts."
Still, Summers said the community is highly concerned and wants to see action.
"I keep having citizens ask me, 'When are they going to do something?' And I had to look at them and say, 'I don't know,'" he said.
"We've told them [ALDOT] this needs to be a priority and we've been clear with them about that," Summers added. "But you know, we've been put on the back burner because probably because of the size of the town. I guess it's like it doesn't matter until it's yours."
"When it's your parent or your sister or your mother, then you get some attention," he continued. "And it shouldn't have to be that way where the right person has to die to get the attention because to me, everybody's important."
Local driver John Kamett drives through the area about three times a week. He said it is commonplace to see collisions.
"I mean, it appears to be, as it's set up now, safe intersection, but obviously it's not because there's so many crashes there," said Kamett. "A lot of people drive in the passing lane without passing and well under the speed limit."
"A lot of people do not use their turn signals properly either," he continued.
Law enforcement also tickets drivers for running red lights and distracted driving. Kamett says he witnesses drivers on their phones several times a week.
"I was driving the other day, and there was someone watching some type of video or movie on their phone for about 30 seconds, swerving in and out while in the passing lane, not passing, under the speed limit, swerving in and out of both lanes," he remembered.
"Basically, they are probably the worst drivers I've ever been around," Kamett added.
While reviewing crash data, ALDOT said drivers should recognize that no engineering measure can substitute for safe and responsible driving.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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