Speed contributing factor in crash on Killduff corner

A stretch of roadway currently under review by the county was the site of a car crash Tuesday.

Eighteen-year-old Curtis Richardson, of Fort Madison, was traveling southbound on Highway T22S at 10:48 p.m. when his vehicle left the roadway, striking several signs before landing in a ditch.

According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s report, Richardson was following the curve of Highway T22S and failed to reduce his speed to an appropriate rate to negotiate the curve. Richardson swerved, tried to brake, lost traction and ran off the road. The vehicle then struck a warning sign, skidded across the street, became airborne, struck a stop sign, hit the ground, struck a support post for the Killduff Supply billboard and a chevron sign and came to rest in the ditch facing northeast.

Richardson reported no injuries while his vehicle was heavily damaged and towed from the scene.

The curve was under review at Tuesday’s Jasper County Board of Supervisors meeting. Supervisor Doug Cupples amended the agenda to make a request to the county engineer for additional options for signage for the stretch of roadway. County engineer Russ Stutt suggested the possibility of adding a warning light to the already heavily signed curve.

“I suggested the possibility of placing an advanced warning beacon either on the curve sign or the 35 mph speed limit sign,” Stutt said. “I think the biggest factor in that area is speeding or people not paying attention. There are so many signs there already, I don’t know how people miss it.”

The issue will again be addressed at the Jasper County Supervisors meeting at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 17.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com