A Birmingham father is pleading with road authorities to tackle what he describes as a “deathtrap” road after an incident where a schoolgirl was mown down. The teenage victim miraculously survived being hurled into the air by a careening car on Crocketts Road, Handsworth, on the unfortunate date of Friday, December 13. However Birmingham Live readers place the blame squarely on reckless drivers, and are calling for stronger punishments for law breakers.
The road is notorious for its tragic history; it’s the same spot where Sarah Handley, aged 28, lost her life back in 2019. Sarah, a loving mother of one, was a passenger in a vehicle when her partner, who had taken cocaine, crashed while fleeing the police. She was confirmed dead afterwards at the hospital, with three others injured from the dreadful event.
Deeply concerned local Chad Miah is demanding urgent council action to prevent further tragedies. Speaking to Birmingham Live, the exasperated 43 year old said: “There have been so many crashes here, it’s terrible, but nothing is done about it. Do we need to lose another life in order for something to be done?”
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He pinpointed the intersection of Brearley Street and Junction Road as especially perilous—the exact location of the recent accident. “The junction is a deathtrap and the road is being used as a race track by lunatic drivers,” said Mr Miah.
Birmingham City Council has been approached for comment on these claims, but at the time of writing, there has been no reply.
Commenter YouBears says: “The road is not a death trap. I would suggest that if drivers kept to the speed limit and the rules contained within the Highway Code there would be few collisions. Strong and regular enforcement of the law would be beneficial to residents and law abiding road users. For the police it sounds like it would be like shooting fish in a barrel.”
Plumpmugwort agrees: “Maybe address the fact the driver was under the influence of drugs rather than implementing more anti car measures?”
Brumboy007 feels the same way: “Dealing with the illegally parked cars would be a good start. Maybe towing them away would be a good deterrent to start?”
And away…. adds: “Fair play to this gent, however roads aren’t dangerous, drivers are (eg the driver in the article). Crush ALL vehicles driven by drugged, drunk, uninsured or unlicensed drivers. Tow ALL illegally parked with a £1000 release fee payable within 24 hours.”
Littleman99 agrees: “It’s the drivers not the roads, I have the same problem in Yardley. It’s got lawless, why doesn’t the law pull young guys up driving £40.000 high powered cars and ask the right questions? i-d cards? To marry up insurance to 20yr old high powered cars?”
Waz12345 points out: “This issue is not only on this road, it’s everywhere in Birmingham. They covered all the bigger roads with speed cameras and it has pushed all the speeding into the inner city roads.”
Ceedee thinks: “Lunatic drivers who think it is cool to speed and drive recklessly are the problem, not the road. Lifetime driving bans should be given to those who cause injury or death.”
Shirleyotter agrees and says: “A cocaine fueled driver does not show that the road is dangerous. There are other pressing issues in this constituency. Dumping of rubbish, poor parking and people using sheds to house others.”
How do you feel about this road? Is it an accident black spot or are the issues down to reckless drivers? Have your say in our comments section.