PINE HILLS, Fla. – In response to a series of accidents and ongoing safety concerns from the community, Orange County officials are introducing new safety protocols at a notoriously perilous intersection in Pine Hills.

A concerned resident reached out to the News 6 Results Desk, highlighting the dangers at the intersection of North Hiawassee Road and Coral Cove Drive. The area has become a hotspot for accidents, with problems such as speeding and limited visibility making it hazardous for drivers.

“It’s like playing a game of chicken with the traffic,” remarked Lakeisha Dixon, a Pine Hills community member who has personally encountered the risks associated with this intersection. She and her 13-year-old son were involved in a collision there last October.

Dixon recounted the incident, explaining that she was attempting to make a left-hand turn from Hiawassee Road onto Coral Cove Drive when another vehicle collided with her.

“They struck the back of my car, spinning it 180 degrees,” Dixon recalled. “The car was completely totaled.”

Since experiencing the crash, Dixon has been actively advocating for Orange County to implement safety improvements at the intersection to prevent further accidents.

“I’ve gone to community meetings, I’ve called local government, I’ve spoken to commissioners,” Dixon told News 6.

Orange County Fire Rescue reports responding to nine crashes at the intersection in 2024, with four additional crashes already recorded this year. While News 6 was out there, our crew saw evidence of recent collisions, including scattered car parts and a roadside memorial.

There are two safety concerns at this intersection:

• Speeding vehicles along North Hiawassee Road

• Limited visibility for drivers turning left onto Coral Cove Drive and those approaching the traffic signal from the other side of the hill on North Hiawassee Road

After News 6 spoke with Dixon, we reached out to Orange County. A public works employee, who met with Dixon previously about her concerns, met us again at the intersection.

“The main issue is speeding,” explained Edward Quinn, Assistant Project Manager with Traffic Engineering. “If they’re not paying attention and they don’t notice the signal by the time they do, a lot of times they’re going too fast to stop at that point.”

Orange County is implementing several safety upgrades:

• Installation of two speed feedback signs, expected within six months

• Addition of a new “Signal Ahead” warning sign, expected within three months

• New “Signal Ahead” road markings, also expected within three months

“We have the funding now, so we’re thinking within the next year we should have everything completed,” Quinn told News 6.

According to Quinn, a standard solar-powered radar sign costs $9,200, with incidental items for the installation bringing the cost to $11,000 per sign.

Quinn told News 6 leaders will also talk about possibly lowering the speed limit on this stretch of Hiawassee Road from 45 mph to 40 mph. This will be reviewed through Vision Zero.

Vision Zero is an effort to eliminate all traffic deaths and injuries, while increasing safety and mobility. According to the Orange County Vision Zero Action Plan, Hiawassee Road is considered a High-Injury Network (HIN), meaning it has a high concentration of fatal and serious crashes.

A bicycle-pedestrian safety study on Hiawassee Road between Balboa Drive and Silver Star Road is underway. The study is analyzing the current road conditions and will make recommendations to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

News 6 asked Orange County for an update on this study. We were told it’s 20% complete and the study is currently in the draft review phase. A county spokesperson told us comments from Public Works have been sent to the consultant to respond and update the study. Once this is completed, the county will schedule public meetings to present the findings of the study.

If you live in Orange County and have a traffic concern, you are asked to contact 311.