Orange County launches study into deadly intersection that’s killed 6 people this year

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida’s Department of Transportation wants to know what led to two crashes at the same intersection this year that have left six people dead.

It was the top matter on the agenda Tuesday during FDOT’s Community Traffic Safety Team.

On Thursday, a family of five including three children were killed at the intersection of Clarcona-Ocoee Road and Gaymar Drive while making a left turn onto Gaymar Drive.

READ: 2 children, 5-month-old among 5 killed in west Orange County crash

Weeks earlier, nearly the same scenario occurred where Charley Root’s girlfriend lost her life trying to make that same left turn.

To see if and how safety can be improved, the county has launched a traffic engineering study that will assess things like signage, lighting and pavement markings.

Both Florida Highway Patrol and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported numerous complaints from residents who report speeding in that area.

READ: Community gathers to remember 5 family members killed in Orlando crash

Deputies are stepping up enforcement in that area.

The sheriff’s office said it’s also looking to see if there’s anything it can immediately put in place while the safety study is completed.

While FHP’s investigation hasn’t yet determined fault, the agency cautions all drivers.

READ: ‘A true hero’: Law enforcement agencies, officials remember Orlando officer Kevin Valencia

“Left turns are some of the most significant types of crashes we see because of the side impact,” Lt. Kim Montes said. “We always remind drivers before you make that left turn if you see traffic coming, it’s best just to wait.”

The county’s traffic engineering study is expected to be completed by the end of May.

The FHP traffic homicide unit is still investigating the official cause of both crashes. The report is expected to take a few months.

Cox Media Group