This Article about much needed change was Published in ‘The County Edge’ 12/1/06

I recently wrote an article in The County Edge about the evidence of change rapidly occurring in Western Union County; however, other areas in the county could certainly use an upgrade. Let me explain.

Right around the corner on December 13th an unusual kind of anniversary will occur in my family—one that we don’t like to remember and yet plays an intricate part of who and where we are in life these days.

My sister, Dianne Smith Spittle was involved in a serious car accident on that date December 13th, 1999. You may recall reading about her accident in the Monroe Enquirer Journal. She was traveling home from work on Rocky River Rd. when another driver ran the stop sign at Doster Rd. and plowed into her. Reading about the accident last week involving Joann Molony at this same intersection obviously slit a nerve with a jagged edge. The other driver who ran this same stop sign in my sister’s scenario lost his life as well.

Believe me when I tell you that these were the fortunate victims at this intersection. It is tragic that my sister remains bedridden and severely brain injured today. For 7 long years, Dianne has laid at home in a hospital bed with seemingly no quality of life. I hope that somehow this can be a reassurance to the families that have lost loved ones. Be thankful that you have closure—that you can begin the healing process and move on.

My sister’s fate is like an open wound—a constant reminder of a once beautiful life, a loving mother, sister, daughter and wife suddenly reduced to a mere shell of existence. Dianne lies in a bed at home under the loving care of her husband, Kenny. He has been a real trooper since he has to cater to his wife’s every need. You see, Dianne cannot walk, talk, eat or communicate with us.

So, naturally, my question today is how many more victims will have to die or have their quality of life stripped away before change occurs at this intersection?

Since I am a life long resident of Union County, I have traveled these roads many times. When you top the hill on Doster Rd. if you look away for just a moment—I mean a split second, you can miss seeing the small stop ahead sign posted.

I know this because it has happened to me. It is only because I recognized the white house on the corner that I realized I was nearing the intersection and slammed on brakes! The stop sign is located at the bottom of the hill and there is simply not enough warning beforehand.

Now, I don’t claim to know the answer to this ongoing problem, yet I feel strongly that something concrete needs to be done and soon.