CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – While many drivers are familiar with the phrase “California stop,” one neighborhood in north Clarksville is seeing plethora of vehicles soaring through a stop sign on their road, some drivers not even bothering to tap their brakes.

Hermitage Estates, nestled between Purple Heart Parkway and Fort Campbell Boulevard, is home to over 200 families. Those living near the Jordan Road and Andrew Drive intersection have witnessed a series of close calls and wrecks just outside their homes at the four-way stop sign.

“I moved back to Clarksville about 5 1/2 years ago,” said Mike Ross, resident of Hermitage Estates. “And it was rampant at that point. If you sit there (at the intersection) … you’re talking about 100 to 150 run stop signs a day.”

Accidents across Clarksville

According to Clarksville Police Department spokesman Scott Beaubien, CPD routinely receives traffic related complaints. From Jan. 8 to July 8, officers have written 96 summons and 114 warnings for failure to stop under City Code 9-453. However, Beaubien says, “This does not include other citations or possible warnings that may have been issued under a different city code (due care, etc.).”

When it comes to Hermitage Estates, CPD reports there has been only one reported wreck in the last two years at the Jordan Road and Andrew Drive intersection, back in 2022.

Long-term solutions, fixes, speed humps

In response to the complaints about traffic issue in Hermitage Estates, the City of Clarksville has stated they will evaluate the intersection and ask that CPD step up enforcement.

But when it comes to permanent and long-term solutions such as speed bumps and speed humps, police and city officials continue to contemplate the answer. According to the City of Clarksville, the process for speed humps is outlined in the City Code, and many roads are ineligible.

“Jordan Road is likely a tier above our standard local road, because it traverses multiple residential areas,” said City of Clarksville spokesperson Casey Williams. “This would make speed humps impossible.”

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Speed bumps and humps can impede emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.

According to Williams, if it were graded lower, CPD would conduct surveillance, and if confirmed, the report would then need to be supplemented by a petition to install speed humps, submitted as a part of the request, with the signatures of 80% of those affected.

Police presence, mitigation measures

While calls for service take precedence, Beaubien advised that CPD “encourages residents to report any recurring traffic concerns. … Officers will include specific areas in their normal patrols. The officer’s presence tends to make people behave and act appropriately.”

Unlike in Nashville and many other communities, all calls go through 911 in Clarksville. Residents who have concerns about speeding or non-stops in specific areas can call 911 and ask to speak to a supervisor to report the complaint.

According to Beaubien, when CPD receives reports of traffic problems at specific locations, officers may be assigned to monitor intersections during peak times.

“The goal is to deter dangerous driving behaviors through a combination of visibility enforcement, and public education and awareness,” Beaubien said. “More officers on the road can help in deterring bad behavior.”

One hinderance is that Clarksville Police is working with several open positions in the officer ranks. The department is hiring, and anyone interested can go to the CPD hiring website.

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