Hospital signal needed, readers say

Times-Gazette readers have plenty of opinions about whether a traffic signal should be installed in front of Heritage Medical Center.

The hospital has asked the city of Shelbyville for either progress on installing a light in front of the facility, or a refund of nearly $100,000 in escrow that was set aside for that purpose in 2007.

Several hours before an accident occurred in front of the hospital last Thursday that resulted in one death, the T-G invited readers to take part in a poll asking if the light should be installed, which would require lowering the speed limit on U.S. 231 in that area to 45 miles per hour?

A total of 62.8 percent (311 votes), said a signal should be placed there, while 37.2 percent, (184 votes) said no.

Readers also left plenty of comments and opinions about the issue:

"But it should also include ample signage showing that it is a hospital zone."

"I hate to see the speed limit lowered to 45 but as bad as I hate to see it, there needs to be a light somewhere out there and at 231 and 82 in Deason."

"Anything you can do to slow the speed on 231 would be of great help. I almost got hit in the back 3 times by people driving at very high speeds."

"While i was reading the article, another accident happened at that intersection (I work right there). It is always hard to get in and out of the businesses that are there due to the hospital and distribution center."

"I had just walked out of the doctor's building when this tragic accident just happened. I am not in the medical profession but I know when someone needs help. Myself and others had stopped to assist the families in both cars as they waited for a while for emergency response and the hospital was just a few feet away. If everyone could have seen the terrified look on the children's face asking about his mother and brother there would certainly never be the need to ask the question if "WE NEED A TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLED IN FRONT OF THE HERITAGE MEDICAL CENTER." It is very disturbing that our town has not addressed this all ready and have let both of these families down. What if this had been our families????"

"I'm sick of seeing Talladega style accidents. Some one is going to get killed."

"There are too many trucks that use the turning lane to pick up speed when they turn left towards Murfreesboro. With Walmart DC, FCB, and the hospital all being right there, there needs to be a light."

"65mph is far to fast to be passing a hospital!!!"

"How many people have to be seriously injured or killed before this matter is resolved?!?!?"

"My Uncle had a serious wreck in front of the hospital in 2009 because he was traveling from Shelbyville and turning into the parking lot and a car was coming too fast over the hill from the other direction."

"It's too difficult for large trucks to pull out into traffic that is going over 70 mph."

"Safety is #1 and the need is there!!"

"Find another solution, silimar to what they did at 231 & Hwy 82 (BP crossing)."

"NO!! Not only would this produce more traffic because of semis having to slow down. Drivers should simply use more precaution."

"Absoblutely! This has been a dangerous area from the beginning. As well as the cross roads at Bell Buckle Lane and Eddy road and 231. City officials just don't think...when it comes to dangerous intersections. Shelbyville has some of the worst roads I have ever seen in my life!"

"Traffic signal would result in more crashes. Lowering the speed limit maybe. Better turning lanes needed."

"Not only there but on N Main Street and 82 and 231."

"I think it should be a flashing light coming from either direction just like at a school zone for example just like the flashing light at webb school on 24 / 7,"

"How many people have to get hurt or die before something is done about all the accidents that occur on this road. Personally I think that a turning lane should be put down the entire highway and double lanes on both sides."

"The hospital can change the entrance and improve signs showing entrance and exits.

"Most definately. Another horribly dangerous intersection is in front of Sonic and Legends. Something needs to be done."

"A traffic light is simply just a quick fix with little cost. The real alternative should be an exit/overpass. In doing so, the emergency vehicle traffic coming and going at the location will be safer by not having to come to a potential stop when entering the hospital from Shelbyville."

"They knew the speed limit before they built. That's just what I call BAD PLANNING on there part.

"Unless one is a frequent visitor of the hospital the entrances and exits are confusing. No one else needs to die here."

"People have died there, but it was not because of the speed. It was because of other reasons."

"It's not the speed that is the main problem. It's the ignorantly crazy design of the entrance/exit, parking area & just overall design of it all!"

"If you can't drive safely on completely straight stretch of highway with few distractions then you don't deserve to have a license."

This poll is not a scientific poll and does not necessarily represent an accurate cross section of the residents of Shelbyville or Bedford County.