The Danger Of Highway 58 - And Response

  • Tuesday, June 18, 2019

I've lived on Highway 58 since 2014. Here is a breakdown of incidents that my girlfriend and I have experienced.

Sleepy driver ran over her mailbox at high speed, continuing another 100 feet, damaging a neighbors driveway and his SUV landing upside down. 

A logging truck ran off the highway, destroying my car parked in the driveway, as well as our driveway and utilities.The truck had no license plate, no insurance, no registration. The driver did not have a CDL. 

My girlfriend was rear ended by two trucks, and sideswiped by an SUV. Three separate incidents. We were riding together when we were rear ended.

I was rear ended while I was stopped at a red light.The other driver never applied brakes, totaled my car, lifting it off the ground. The wreck fractured my spine, requiring surgery. The driver of the other car stated they had no idea what happened. 

Within the last few weeks, a driver swerved from the opposite lane onto a side street in front of us, missing a head on collision by inches. 

Driving to work this morning, a driver passing my girlfriend in the opposite lane at high speed crossed the center line twice, narrowly missing a head on collision. 

Distracted drivers, speeding, alcohol, drugs? I don't know. The police are visible along the highway, but cannot be everywhere at once. Am I in favor of highway and intersection cameras? Yes. I know that there are many dangerous areas in our city and county, but I'm thinking we are setting a dangerous record.

Ted Ladd
Ooltewah

* * * 

I agree with Ted Ladd on the dangers of Highway 58 with three school zones and an additional 400 unit apartments coming right one at Lyndas Produce before the three zones and another one at Clark Road after the school zones. I can't wait on that traffic mess much less what is here now on Highway 58. 

Developers answer is the light at Clark Road will fix everything. Sure thing. I for sure completely doubt it.

Med Dement

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