Grandfather Killed in Minivan Crash at Curlew, Challenger Drive
The Indiana man's 13-year-old grandson was unhurt after his vehicle made an 'abrupt lane change and left the roadway, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reports.
A 70-year-old Indiana man was killed Thursday morning after he apparently lost control of his minivan and crashed at Curlew Road and Challenger Drive in Dunedin, authorities said.
Martin Avolt was headed westbound on Curlew sometime before 9:30 a.m. when his 13-year-old grandson pointed out he was in a right turn only lane at the Waterford Crossing subdivision, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Avolt made an "abrupt lane change" to the left, deputies said, struck the quick curb traffic barriers, crossed the eastbound lanes of Curlew and went off the roadway. His 2002 Dodge Caravan struck two chain link fences, went down into a ravine and came to rest against a tree.
The grandson, who was not injured, exited the vehicle and flagged down
deputies, who called Emergency Services. Avolt was taken to Mease
Countryside Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Deputies say a medical condition may have been a contributing factor in him losing control of the vehicle.
Avolt's home address is in Lafayette, IN, is the Tippecanoe County coroner, according to the sheriff's office.
The crash is still under investigation.
AlexJ
9:31 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
This is so sad. I drive this section of road daily and the design is just horrible. I've seen many cars run into the grass and I was recently run into head on traffic by someone incorrectly merging from that same turning lane.
This part of Curlew Rd needs to be fixed before more lives are needlessly lost.
Jason Bartolone
9:13 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
Thanks for the comment, AlexJ. Anyone else see a problem with that stretch of Curlew?
abf
9:29 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012
I have been cut off here many times by people that I believe did not know the road.
Needs to change !
Nancy Lynam
9:41 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
Yes, I drive it frezuently and often see people Make a sudden lane change when theyrealize they have a Rt only lane. I always knew someone would be killed some day.
Alyx
10:02 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
I live on Curlew and alt 19 and drive this stretch multiple times daily. This lane problem causes SEVERE problems almost EVERY DARN TIME. Worst part of my drive no matter where im going. Its horrendous, and takes so many drivers by surprise this was bound to happen. I witnessed the scene of this accident two hours after it happened, and was deeply saddened. My deepest condolences to all involved. So very sad, and unecessary.
SMJ
10:45 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
I live off of Curlew and drive this stretch of road multiple times a day, with my children. Yesterday, I watched the fire trucks, ambulances, sheriffs, and ultimately the accident scene investigators as this completely unnecessary tragedy unfolded. Since they first made this change to this portion of Curlew, I KNEW it would become deadly. I have been run off of the road, and have witnessed others being forced into oncoming traffic by people merging over at the last second. This road MUST be fixed before more people are injured or killed. Enough is enough.
Gene C.
8:08 am on Saturday, August 18, 2012
i drive the road frequently and see a few unsuspecting motorist get stuck in that lane. God forbid they turn into the development if some jack-a.. doesnt let them in.. Mostly i see agressive drivers just trying to cut in ahead and cutting off those that are ahead without any regard others. Spending another million on that intersection wont help.. following the signage will..
Dunedin Girl
8:08 am on Saturday, August 18, 2012
This is a terrible design. I was westbound in the bike lane at that exact spot a few weeks ago. A driver moved left to give me the appropriate berth, and he hit the dividers and nearly hit me as he corrected. No one was at fault except the person who designed that roadway. Prayers for the Avolt family. I taught the grandson in school. Very sad and unnecessary.