ALBANY (WALB) - An elderly Mitchell County woman was killed Tuesday afternoon when she pulled into the path of an SUV on US Highway 19 near Putney.
"The vehicle traveling northbound on 19 T-boned the vehicle pulling out off of Nelms Road," said Dougherty County Police Chief Don Cheek.
The driver of a Buick LeSabre, 81-year-old Lauta Walker of Camilla, was killed on impact. Police believe she pulled into the path of a Ford Explorer driven by Marie Hicks of Columbus.
The front end of the Explorer struck the driver side door. Hicks wasn't seriously hurt and police say the crash was likely unavoidable.
"There is no indication that there will be any charges filed," Cheek said.
But many people who live near the intersection of Nelms Road and the Liberty Expressway say they're not surprised this crash happened where it did.
"I think it's dangerous," said Putney resident Cliff Inlow. He says he's had some close calls with vehicles turning onto 19 from Nelms.
"Ever since the Dollar General moved in, the traffic has been heavier and a lot of people have crossed to go in to the Dollar General."
Inlow says a traffic light is needed at the intersection.
Three years ago an 80-year-old woman, also from Camilla, was killed at the same exact location when he car pulled in front of a bus.
County Commissioner Jack Stone told us by phone he has asked GDOT several times to put up a traffic light, but during a recent study the state found one wasn't necessary.
"We're desperate. We need one," said Inlow.
Stone said he would consider going to state again to ask for a traffic light.
A few years ago a caution light was installed near the intersection.
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