Safety of Ringgold intersection questioned after fatal crash

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – In the wake of the fatal crash that killed two young women and has left a driver hospitalized, some Ringgold residents are wondering if the intersection where the crash happened is safe.

The split between Ooltewah-Ringgold Road and Tennessee Street is the first major intersection on Georgia Highway 151 right after crossing into the Ringgold City Limits.

The intersection of Ooltewah-Ringgold Road and Tennessee Street on the northside of Ringgold.

According to data from the Georgia Department of Transportation, there have been at least nine separate crashes reported at this intersection since 2018.

One resident, Gabby Dickson, said, “If I’m going to Windstone up there, I won’t even come on this road, because I feel like it’s not safe.”

Another resident, Sarah Saylors, said, “Even at nighttime when I’ve driven on this road or rode on this road, we have to stop, because it’s like very hidden.”

On Ooltewah-Ringgold Road coming southbound towards the intersection, the speed limit drops from 55 miles per hour, then it drops to 45, then drops again to 35.

Complaints we heard include a curve that blocks slight of the intersection, and a lack of lights at night, which is when this fatal crash occurred.

Residents hope some changes are made to the intersection.

Dickson said, “[I hope they put] lights, would benefit that. Make it a lot better.”

Saylors said, “Just like a warning to let people know that there is a road right there, and if it’s there’s a sharp turn [put a sign] saying sharp turn.”

We have reached out to the City of Ringgold for comment but have not heard back.