JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Residents at a nearby condominium where a deadly triple-fatal crash happened on Atlantic Boulevard called for change in the area, where they say needs more attention to prevent crashes.
The fiery crash on March 1 claimed three lives and sent four others to the hospital.
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“It was sickening, but not surprised, not surprised. We’ve had terrible accidents out here,” Chris Tolleson said.
In February, the Florida Department of Transportation installed a yellow 35 mph intersection sign, which serves as a warning for drivers but is not an enforceable speed-limit sign.
Residents noted that the sign is often obstructed, making it difficult for drivers to see while approaching.
“You can’t see it. It’s blocked by trees and a telephone pole, so it’s worthless,” Tolleson said.
News4JAX also drove eastbound on Atlantic Boulevard to see whether the sign was visible, and it was harder to see until after you passed the trees.
Tolleson and his wife told News4JAX that there have been two more accidents since the triple fatal accident in early March.
Tolleson worked with Colonial Point Condominiums to get footage showing multiple crashes dating back to September of last year. Some show T-bone collisions as drivers entered or left the complex. Others show drivers simply going off the road and crashing at the complex.
“The best we could hope for is a flashing yellow light at our exit, and it coincides with the street over there, so that would at least get the attention of the people driving east to west and that there is a reason to slow down,” Tolleson said.
News4JAX reached out to FDOT regarding road changes or improvements following the triple-fatal crash. They sent this statement:
Our hearts break whenever we learn of a fatality or serious injury on the roadway. To that end, reviewing crash reports is critical to understanding crash causes and prevention. As the recent crash along Atlantic Boulevard is pending investigation, FDOT respectfully refers inquiries to law enforcement regarding this incident and any available information.
As is standard operating procedure, FDOT reviews all reported crashes on state roadways and interstates – a special emphasis is placed on fatalities and crashes with injuries. While there are no existing plans to improve the infrastructure at the location at this time, if there are improvements that can be made to enhance the safety of the facilities, FDOT will work to implement them. This process includes careful analysis by professional engineers and other evaluations that may be warranted.
Law enforcement agencies are best positioned to address questions related to speed enforcement activities in the area, including details on recent operations and the number of citations issued for speed‑related violations.
Florida Department of Transportation
News4JAX also reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office about enforcement in the area. We were told that officers have been working the corridor and will continue to focus on areas that produce crashes and fatalities.
Recently, JSO conducted a Wolfpack Aggressive Driving Crackdown across the city, looking for aggressive driving and impaired driving. The operation resulted in 533 written warnings, 430 citations and four arrests.
Tolleson and his wife want to see change after they said they have dealt with years of crashes on the stretch of Atlantic Boulevard where they live.
“I don’t think drivers are going to be seeing signs...especially when they’re covered up by trees and telephone poles, but they’re just not going to react to just a stagnant sign. They’ve got to have something that catches their attention,” Tolleson said.
The investigation into the crash is still ongoing.