TOLEDO, Ohio — New flashing traffic signs could be coming to a roundabout in south Toledo as city council is considering the funding for it.
The change is in response to people complaining about drivers speeding through their neighborhood near the roundabout at Byrne Road and Detroit Avenue.
Drivers have lost control at the roundabout and crashed into properties, even slamming into the house Diana Angel now owns.
"Ever since I've been here, that has been a concern of mine," Angel said. "I'm afraid to leave my granddaughter, she's 13, in the house by herself if I want to run an errand because I'm afraid a car is going to come crash into the house."
Angel said she's already witnessed two car crashes at the roundabout since moving in late last year and said she would've steered clear of the house if she had known its history.
"To know what I know now, no, I'm scared," she said. "Cars were rolling onto the property, I didn't know that either. I wish the realty company would have told me this when I bought the house. I really don't understand that."
But the city is trying to do something about it. Like putting huge TOL letters in the middle of the roundabout to make it stand out.
Toledo City Council member Adam Martinez represents District 2, where the problem roundabout is.
"We're trying to be proactive and make sure that No. 1, drivers are aware that there is a roundabout coming up," Martinez said. "Especially at night it wasn't lit, so hopefully with the flashing yield signs and more vibrant, reflective signage should help."
Martinez introduced an ordinance to council on Wednesday about adding flashing yield signs. He said there are other things in the works to try and make the situation better, too.
"A pilot project to put rumble strips to help slow down traffic," he said, as an example.
Angel said it's been a bumpy road getting to this point and she admits there has been progress. But when it comes to accidents on her property, this better be the end of the road.
"I can almost guarantee you if anything should happen to me, I am positive my children will do everything in their power to sue the city for every penny that they have," Angel said.
Martinez's ordinance was only the first reading and is expected to be voted on next month, he said.