Since 2005 South Ulladulla businessman Steve Smith believes he’s pulled more than 20 people out of car crashes, some he thought had lost their lives.
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“I’ve pulled 25 people out of cars, no fatalities, but a couple that were very close,” Mr Smith said.
The other problem for Mr Smith is he knows some of the drivers, they’ve been locals, he said. And, the sound of an accident sticks with him.
“I can still hear the noise,” he said.
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Following a three-car crash in front of their businesses on the Princes Highway on October 22, two business owners have called for action to improve safety on the 80km/h stretch between Burrill Lake, Kings Point Drive and Ulladulla.
All drivers involved were discharged from hospital on Monday.
Mr Smith and Rebecca Anderson both recall minor and serious collisions over the years involving elderly drivers, colleagues, young drivers, motorcyclists and tradesmen, with the majority involved in rear-end accidents.
“Steve is usually first on the scene. We see everything, we’re not trained responders,” Mrs Anderson said.
Mrs Anderson drives southbound past Kings Point Drive and up the crest on the Princes Highway to get to her business.
Mrs Anderson said she cringes each time she starts to slow and indicate to turn right into her driveway.
“I’m constantly looking in the back mirror, sideways, ahead. We shouldn’t have the fear of being rear-ended everyday.”
Both have called for either a reduced speed limit, a greater police presence, or the installation of a turning lane, similar to the highway through the industrial area of Ulladulla.
“I’d like to see a reduced speed limit or more police activity, highway patrol, down here,” Mr Smith said.
“I’d like to see a middle turning lane, like what’s near the industrial area and ExServos club. Until that can be done, maybe a reduction in the speed limit,” Mrs Anderson said.
Mrs Anderson said the region was growing and infrastructure improvements were necessary to handle greater numbers living south of Ulladulla.
“Town is spreading. The flow of [Burrill Lake] the bridge is good,” she said.
“The whole community, from Dolphin Point to Milton, we should feel safe driving around our town."
