Deadly stretch of road in Hardin County

It's been two weeks since the last fatal accident on Highway 105 from Batson to near Saratoga. "Two women from Kountze were killed. An 18 wheeler hit them," said Ken and Melanie Tomlinson. The couple live five miles off the highway near Saratoga. They said what was once a quiet stretch of road has turned into a deadly highway.

Tomlinson said, "several people we know have gotten killed out here babies, women, adults."

That's why some Hardin County residents who don't want to be identified placed 18 crosses along the seven mile stretch of highway. Each one symbolizes a life lost. The Tomlinson's said in the last ten years there have been a number of accidents that've killed at least 18 people. Tomlinson said, "I think it's such a long stretch that people get carried away with their speed because it's not congested traffic you think there is nothing in front of you and you go faster."

The couple said they've seen drivers speeding through here at 95 miles an hour. Most of the accidents are head on collisions. Tomlinson said, "I've heard of people going to sleep on the road, drunk driving, swerving over."

D.P.S. Sgt. Steve Holloway tells KFDM Highway 105 is a safe road and in each of the accidents a driver was at fault not the highway. He can't pinpoint why there's been a big increase in accidents along that stretch of 105. But he points out drivers need to slow down and his troopers will be patrolling to make sure they do.

The Tomlinson's hope the crosses send a message to drivers to slow down and pay attention to the road and those who share it with them.