SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. – A woman remains in critical condition after driving her SUV into a canal Tuesday in Southwest Ranches.
Antique-shop owner Claudia Cayne, 53, was only a block away from her home when witnesses said she veered off of Griffin Road, clipping several signs and plunging into the canal.
Four good Samaritans jumped into the canal to try to save her, but could not locate the vehicle in the deep murky water.
Firefighters eventually pulled Cayne out, as well as her dog, which was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cayne was airlifted to Broward Health Medical Center, where she continues to fight for her life.
Friends on Cayne's Facebook page have posted pictures and prayers for Cayne and her beloved pet.
Meanwhile, residents in the area said they are concerned about the dangers on that stretch of Griffin Road.
"I know my husband mentioned it. Maybe we need guardrails up there," said Cayne's neighbor Linda Webb.
There are guardrails on almost the entire length of Griffin Road, but the guardrails end at Southwest 163rd Street.
The Florida Department of Transportation manages Griffin Road, also known as State Road 818, but only to Flamingo Road -- then the county takes over.
An official from the Broward County Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division told Local 10 News that the area where Cayne drove into the canal is in compliance with its guidelines and does not require a guardrail because the road has a curb and the right traffic lane is 40 feet from the edge of bank.
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