During Covered Bridge Festival many vendors in Vigo County set up along North Clinton Street and U.S. 41 in the northern portion of the county.
Those that live in the area say with an increase in traffic they also see an increase of dangerous actions.
“Unfortunately you don’t see people slowing down, you see a lot of foot traffic. I’ve seen children dart out from between vehicles,” said Dana Hisle, Vigo County resident.
After incidents in the past involving dangerous driving near her home, Hisle says she has considered her own safety.
“Just past incidents that have happened out here in front of my yard has made me reconsider whether I would continue running through Bridge Festival as a vendor,” Hisle said.
To help drivers and pedestrians recognize the need for caution, Vigo County commissioners decided to place electronic message boards along the two roads with messages to warn of the increased traffic of the area.
Commissioner Brendan Kearns after placing one board, he recognized a difference.
“People were now hitting that zone with their hazards on. So just by putting that one sign up, it did make an immediate difference,” Kearns said.
Kearns says he hopes that by alerting drivers it can make sure everyone has both a safe and fun time while visiting Covered Bridge vendors.
“We can’t fix people but what we can do is help create awareness to ‘Hey, slow down, pay attention. Let’s make sure we enjoy a good safe festival,” Kearns said.
Kearns says there are currently four of these electronic messages boards placed in northern Vigo County at this time.
Additional flashing signs will be added in the coming days.
