Concerns arise over safety of Dothan roadway after pedestrian hit

DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) - Police officials and some locals say Ross Clark Circle in Dothan is a dangerous roadway for pedestrians.

A pedestrian was hit trying to cross the heavily traveled stretch near Old Mexico Restaurant on Sunday. The person died Monday. According to Dothan Police, this is the third deadly pedestrian incident on Ross Clark Circle since 2016.

David Cuevas has worked at Old Mexico Restaurant for three years and says he has seen people make the mad dash to get across the street.

"I have seen multiple people trying to cross the road, running back and forth. When I come in the morning, I see people running and walking from the Dollar General," said Cuevas.

He also says he understands the dangers of trying to cross with cars whizzing past.

"I don't think it is really safe, but you have to do what you have to do to cross the road," said Cuevas.

Police officials say Ross Clark Circle was not designed with pedestrians in mind.

"Ross Clark Circle was never intended for pedestrian traffic. It is a bypass," said Lieutenant Scott Long, Traffic Division Commander for the Dothan Police Department.

That has not stopped people from trying to cross. Lieutenant Long says one of the biggest issues is that Ross Clark Circle is lined with hotels and restaurants on opposite sides of the road and people think locations are closer than they really are.

"They'll come in and get their room and decide they want to eat and instead of driving they will cross the roadway. The roadway is a little farther across than what most folks realize," said Lieutenant Long.

The police department says they have gotten a number of complaints from people about how dangerous Ross Clark Circle is for pedestrians. According to police officials, Ross Clark Circle is a state highway and not controlled by the city, so they don't have control to add crosswalks to make the roadway safer.

According to police, the driver involved in the pedestrian incident Sunday is not expected to face charges.

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