A quiet curve along Skipper Road in South Bibb County has become a frequent crash site, according to a longtime Macon homeowner who says speeding drivers continue to lose control in the area, a pattern that a car accident lawyer may later review when repeated roadway hazards lead to crashes and property damage. What was once a calm neighborhood road has transformed into a safety concern marked by repeated wrecks, property damage, and growing fear for nearby residents.Thomas Prestridge, who lives along Skipper Road, says traffic conditions changed dramatically over the past several years. Since the opening of a nearby Amazon distribution center in 2019, he believes traffic volume and speed have increased significantly, turning the curve into a dangerous hotspot for accidents.
Traffic Increase Linked to Nearby Development
Prestridge explained that Skipper Road did not always experience the level of traffic it sees today. He said the opening of the distribution center roughly a mile away brought a steady flow of vehicles through the area, many of which appear to be traveling at high speeds.
According to Prestridge, drivers often approach the curve too fast, lose control, and leave the roadway. He believes some of the speeding may be tied to workers rushing to or from their shifts.
“The traffic has increased exponentially, and cars just fly around this corner,” he said. “I believe it’s workers that are late to work and they’ll fly around this corner, lose control, and wreck either into my property or my neighbor’s property.”
Repeated Crashes on Private Property
Prestridge’s home sits next to a large open field that runs along the roadway. While the open space once felt like a benefit, it has now become a frequent landing area for vehicles that leave the road.
From May through December alone, Prestridge said he witnessed five or six crashes in the same area. He described a pattern of serious incidents, including rollovers, vehicles slamming into fences, and power poles being struck.
Each crash leaves behind visible damage, not just to vehicles but also to the surrounding property.
Photos Show Extent of the Damage
Photos shared with local media show damaged vehicles resting off the roadway, tire tracks carved deeply through the field, and debris scattered after collisions. The images highlight how forcefully vehicles are leaving the road and how often the area is impacted.
The repeated damage has turned what should be a residential space into a constant reminder of danger. The field now bears the marks of frequent crashes, with ruts and debris serving as evidence of how often drivers fail to navigate the curve safely.
Living With Constant Fear and Disruption
The ongoing crashes have changed how Prestridge experiences daily life at home. He said even small noises now trigger concern, especially at night when sound carries across the open field.
“It’s very frustrating any time I hear a noise at night,” Prestridge said. “I always worry, was that somebody that wrecked? I’ve gotten up several times. Sometimes it is somebody that’s in my field and they’ve already left or they are unfortunately wrecked.”
This constant anxiety has taken an emotional toll. The uncertainty of not knowing when the next crash will occur has left Prestridge feeling uneasy in his own home.
Property Improvements Put on Hold
The safety concerns have also affected Prestridge’s ability to make improvements to his property. He said he would like to install a fence but fears it would be destroyed during the next crash.
Installing barriers, landscaping, or other improvements feels risky when vehicles regularly leave the roadway at high speeds. The financial burden of repeated repairs is another concern for homeowners living near the curve.
For residents, the cost of inaction is not just emotional but also physical and financial.
Calls for Safety Measures Along Skipper Road
Prestridge is now urging county officials to consider safety improvements along Skipper Road. He suggested measures such as rumble strips or additional warning signs ahead of the curve to encourage drivers to slow down.
He emphasized that while he may not know the perfect solution, action is needed to prevent future crashes.
“I don’t know exactly what needs to be done,” he said, “but something definitely needs to be done, and quickly.”
Such measures are commonly used in areas with frequent crashes to alert drivers and reduce speed before dangerous curves.
County Response and Responsibility
Macon-Bibb County officials responded by stating that any traffic changes would need to be evaluated by the county’s engineering department. Traffic studies are often required to assess speed patterns, crash data, and roadway design before changes are approved.
Speed enforcement on Skipper Road falls under the responsibility of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Enforcement efforts can play a role in slowing traffic, but residents often seek longer-term solutions that physically encourage safer driving behavior.
For now, no immediate changes have been announced.
Speeding and Curve-Related Crashes
Curved roadways are especially dangerous when drivers exceed safe speeds. Even slight miscalculations can lead to loss of control, rollovers, or vehicles leaving the roadway entirely.
In residential and semi-rural areas, curves may not always be clearly marked or designed for heavy traffic volumes. When traffic patterns change due to development, roads that were once adequate can become hazardous.
Repeated crashes often signal a need for reassessment of road design and safety features.
Community Safety and Awareness
Residents along Skipper Road are not only concerned for themselves but also for drivers passing through the area. Each crash carries the risk of serious injury or worse, especially when vehicles strike fixed objects like poles or fences.
Community members hope that awareness of the issue will lead to meaningful action. Preventive measures can help reduce crashes, protect property, and restore a sense of safety to the neighborhood.
For now, Prestridge says he watches each passing vehicle, hoping it makes it around the curve without incident.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, stands with individuals and families affected by serious accidents. Clear guidance and steady support matter during stressful moments. We proudly represent injury victims throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, Columbus, Warner Robins, and Macon. Each case is approached with focus and careful attention. Clients are treated with respect and understanding. If an accident has changed your life, Ted Law Firm is ready to listen. Contact us today for a free consultation
