Warning signs for driver posted along SR-31 in Charlotte County

“Deadly intersection ahead” signs are now posted along State Road-31. But, they aren’t allowed to be there.

A man took it upon himself to take action and warn drivers. This comes after yet another deadly crash along that stretch of road this week.

Eventually, the Florida Department of Transportation will have to take the signs down but has not said when that will happen. The man who put up those signs says that it’s a possible life saved every day they’re there.

Richard Abrams returned to the crash scene on Friday to make sure he installed signs warning drivers. “I’m putting up signs to save lives. Too many people have died here. Too many loved ones,” said Abrams.

Abrams decided enough was enough after a man died in a crash along SR-31 on Monday. So, Abrams paid for the signs with his own money to warn drivers of the deadly road ahead.

The cost was a lot for him. “It broke me…I live on social security…it absolutely broke me,” he said.

Abrams told WINK News that he’s down to just $13 in his bank account. But he says, if his sign saves someone’s life, it’s worth it.

Speed is an issue along SR-31. The fact that this is a single-lane road in either direction doesn’t help. Neither do the narrow shoulders on the roadside.

Adam Rose is a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation. “We absolutely agree with his message. Yes, we completely understand why he’s doing it. But when it comes to state statute, technically, they’re not supposed to be out there,” said Rose.

The FDOT will not be removing the signs immediately, but maintenance will get around to it at some point, they say.

Abrams hopes and prays that his signs make a difference. “If I’m able, then until I ain’t,” he said. “And I care about people…”

Abrams says when he can raise enough money, he plans to put lights on his signs to be visible to drivers during the day and at night.