BRINNON — A large sign with flashing lights soon will be placed on U.S. Highway 101 at Mount Walker to warn southbound drivers to drive carefully, the Brinnon fire chief said.

Chief Tim Manly has worked with the state Department of Transportation to find a way to address what he said are the high number of wrecks that happen near milepost 302 near Brinnon.

The sign will have flashing lights and will be 7-feet by 8-feet, he said.

“I hope it’s big enough to catch their attention,” Manly said.

Manly said there have been 76 wrecks in that area since 2012, including one fatality Oct. 7. That was the only fatal wreck he recalled, but said many of the wrecks involved injuries.

He said the wrecks are almost always caused by southbound drivers and usually weather, inattention and speed are factors.

“Sometimes it’s all three; sometimes it’s only one,” he said.

There is currently signage throughout the area showing corners and at milepost 302.5 is a sign that says to slow down to 40 mph.

Manly said he hopes the new sign will be enough to get drivers to pay better attention and to slow down. If it isn’t enough, he said he will work with the state Department of Transportation to figure out a solution.

“I hope this is enough to grab people’s attention and really solve the issue,” he said. “If not, then we’ll be back with the state looking at other ideas.”

________

Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.