A serious collision on Canyon Road East down in Pierce County has many calling for change. Two people were sent to the hospital with serious injuries after crashing on 144th Street and Canyon Road E Wednesday afternoon. Those who live in the area or nearby have given some stretches of Canyon Road East several nicknames.
“Anywhere from Canyon Speedway to death trap Canyon Road,” Carly Cappetto with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said.
KIRO 7 spoke with several people about their frustrations when it came to how dangerous the road really is.
“I wouldn’t even walk on this road, you know. It is really dangerous,” American Dillion, who lives off of Canyon Road, said.
Dillion believes if more Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputies patrolled the area, it would have an impact.
“We need more sheriffs on the road to be able to monitor,” Dillon said.
KIRO 7 also spent some time with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department as deputies clocked drivers’ speed. A lot of drivers weren’t phased by Deputy Cappetto or her vehicle.
“Even with me sitting here, people are still speeding and shows that there’s not a lot of fear for them that anything is going to happen,” Deputy Cappetto said.
Deputy Cappetto says she knows many people are frustrated, but she says when it comes to adding more patrol in the area their hands are tied.
Deputy Cappetto believes it will take aid from the county and state to help make Canyon Road safer. She also believes there are things drivers can do to help.
“Understand that Canyon Road is a dangerous road and to be patient,” Cappetto said.
KIRO 7 has reached out to Pierce County government for more on if they are aware of citizens’ complaints and if there have been any traffic studies done in the area, and we are still waiting for a response.
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