County Discusses Flashing Stop Signs After Fatal Mailbox Crash on Solomon North

During discussion of county signage, Dickinson County officials described a fatal crash that occurred the previous evening on Solomon North. According to accounts given at the meeting, a longtime resident who regularly pulled across the road to reach her mailbox was struck around 8 p.m. when a northbound driver swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle and hit the woman at her mailbox, also skimming the other car. Officials described the incident as an accident and noted the area was dark at the time.

Staff and commissioners discussed the county's use of flashing stop signs, which they said have reduced accidents at certain intersections. Officials said the signs cost about $500 each when purchased in bulk, down from more than $1,000 when the county first began using them, and that the batteries typically last about a year and are replaced each November around the time change.

Officials pointed to one low-road intersection where double stop signs with flashers were installed, stating they do not believe there has been another T-bone crash there since both sides were equipped. Officials noted that state regulations prevent the county from placing its stop signs on state highways. A commissioner said that while the county cannot afford to place flashing signs everywhere, the devices are justified if they help avoid accidents.