New sign on County Road 41 prompts drivers to slow down — and reminds locals why

A new speed limit sign on northbound County Road 41 posts the speed at 45 mph, a reduction from the 55 mph limit implied for an unposted county road. Phillips County road and bridge manager Mike Salyards said that the auto-pedestrian accident claiming the life of Cassidy Hale in September 2015 sparked discussion amongst Phillips County commissioners and the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office about the need to post the limit. Based on area traffic and the number of pedestrians on the road, the 45 mph limit was approved, and the sign was posted Monday, April 17. Salyards said the intention is that the 45 mph speed limit applies to the paved roadway on County Road 41, which extends from south of the cemetery north to Highway 23.

—Johnson Publications