Improve Safety of Rock Rest Intersection

Petition, August 2010

We, the residents of Union County, NC and the citizens that travel White Store Rd. and Old Pageland Monroe Rd; are petitioning for a 2nd time for the current caution light to be upgraded to a red light at the intersection of said county roads. If you deny the red light we want a 4 way stop. We are also petitioning for the installation of rumble strips on all 4 sides of the intersection, roadside School Zone signs to be posted on all 4 sides of said intersection along with the reduction in the speed limit to 25 mph during school hours to encourage a safer roadway for all children, citizens, bus drivers and commuters alike. 35 mph at all other times is a safe and sufficient speed for the said intersection. Lastly, we are also asking you to make drivers better aware of the upcoming intersection by placing a yellow flashing stop ahead sign on all 4 sides of the intersection.

You completely ignored our last petition in regards to the issue we were addressing, which was the safety of the intersection. Your response to our concerns was all about the traffic volume and not in concern with the matter at hand, SAFETY! The traffic volume was not and is not the issue. The issue is the design of the intersection itself. You stated to me over the phone back in 2008 that you were aware that the Federal visibility distance guidelines were not being met on White Store Rd., heading towards Wingate and that you were in the process of getting it corrected. 2 years and 3 months later, nothing has been done to address this issue. The traffic volume on White Store Rd. back in 2008 met the Federal guidelines but unfortunately Old Pageland Monroe Rd. did not. It deeply saddens the community and me that because of a Federal vehicle count guideline our voice went unheard and 2 more innocent lives were taken this August, 2010. I do understand that in the most recent fatal accident the driver ran the stop sign but had the improvements we petitioned for prior been implemented and the visibility guidelines been corrected their deaths could’ve very well been avoided.

This is a very busy intersection with an elementary school on one corner, creating an even greater than average risk to the lives of the children. School bus drivers face a daily challenge trying to cross this intersection safely, again making the concern that much greater. Currently there are not any traffic control devices to alert drivers of the upcoming hazardous intersection or to alert drivers of the school. After the petition in 2008 there were 3 changes made to the intersection. 1st, the word SCHOOL was painted on the blacktop, which drivers in general disregard as they are looking forward to drive not down at the road. 2nd there were 4 pedestrian crosswalk signs placed on all 4 corners and to my knowledge there is little to no foot traffic at this intersection so I am unaware of how much help the signs are. Lastly, the 45 mph sign on the side of the school was moved back a few hundred feet from the school. The speed limits currently posted are still 45mph on all 4 sides of the school with no reduction of speed during school hours.

There have been 15 known deaths according to residents here since the 70’s, not including the two Wingate University students being the most recent. Accidents and near misses are far too frequent at this intersection. Yes, you have Federal guidelines you have to meet but that said once they are met you can go above and beyond the Federal guidelines! We want action taken promptly! Again, I would like to say it is time to be pro-active and not re-active, however in light of the fatalities of the Wingate University Students this August, 2010 you may already be on the side of re-active. Please do your part, and let us not wait for more to die, perhaps a school bus full of innocent lives!