By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter
After the loss of their son in a tragic four wheeling accident, a Utah family is taking proactive steps to improve safety at a dangerous bridge.
The accident happened in Madison County, just off South Canyon Creek Rd. and south of the Green Canyon Hot Springs.
35-year-old John Berrey Vermaas was killed when he missed the turn and went off a 14 foot drop.
After the accident the Vermaas family asked that Madison County improve safety at the bridge, which had virtually no signage, but the family also did something else a little usual. They collected donations so Madison County could make those improvements.
"Where the divvied is, is where he hit," said Corporal Jared Willmore with the Madison County Sheriff's Office, as he looks over drop that killed Vermaas.
Buried deep in Green Canyon along an obscure windy road is an unnamed cement bridge.
"If you're coming around the corner at night, you really didn't have any indication of a corner," Willmore said.
The bridges sharp unexpected turn has cost not one but two lives in the last two years.
"I've never heard of anyone doing what this family did," said Madison County Road Supervisor, Larry Edwards.
Soon after Vermaas' September accident Madison County got a check in mail. "They asked that we make improvements where their son was killed," Edwards said.
Now tall reflective warning signs stand before each bend, and four road markers sit where Vermaas drove off the road.
"The signs will really help people know a curve is coming up," Willmore said. "Then they'll be able to slow down and cross the bridge cautiously."
Willmore says the improvements should go a long way. "If you're planning on riding at night make sure you know the area, if you don't get a map and become familiar with the roads. Pay attention to the signs and slow down so we don't have anymore accidents."
Two years ago the driver of a truck died when his vehicle went off the road at the same bridge.
The Vermaas family donated over $1000 to Madison County.
