Countryway Motorcycle Accident: What People Are Saying

We asked and you answered.

An accident on Friday left John P. Palaez, 26, in critical condition, after his motorcycle was struck by a 2012 Hyundai driven by 18 year old Michael A. Conlon. Conlon was attempting to make a left turn from Oaksbury Drive onto Countryway when the accident occurred.

Palaez remained in critical condition at St. Joseph's Hospital as of Sunday night, according to officials from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The accident struck a chord with many in the community who consider that portion of Countryway Boulevard to be among the most dangerous roads in Westchase.

So we asked this question on the Westchase Patch Facebook Page: How would you solve traffic concerns on Countryway at Oaksbury where Friday's accident took place?

Here's what readers had to say:

"1. Traffic light would be best. 2. U turn farther up the road toward Race Track so that cars are not competing with traffic from apartments and Shires. 3.No speed bumps," B. Diane Smith.

  "No u turns is a good idea. Raised cross walk. Speed sensor sign like farther south on country way by hillsborough," Douglas S. Wood.

"Unfortunately we cannot put a light up at every intersection. Enforcement of the speed limits and driving safely are our best options," Craig Muniz.

"I agree not every intersection should have a light, but that one certainly does. Especially now that there is more traffic with the apartments," Jen Bravo.

"I live across the street, and have seen many close calls there, and one accident in front of me. People drive 60 mph around the curve in a 35 mph zone. We need speed bumps (like the giant flat ones, further south), but they need to be placed well north, before the curve, and after it, as well as south of the intersection. Also, a traffic light will save more lives. I am afraid to even walk there. People need to slow down and obey the speed limit. The Sheriff would "rake them in" in that area!" Diane Andrade. 

Many residents also left comments in a. While not all agreed on a solution, most said something needs to be done to improve safety in the area.