It's nearly impossible to open the newspaper nowadays and not read about some horrible auto accident. From the unbelted governor on the Parkway, to the terrible crash at Route 202 and First Avenue a couple of weeks ago, it seems like these tragedies are here to stay. Have we learned nothing about driving and safety in the past 100 years?
When people talk about preventing tragic events, they often use phrases like "If we can save just one child" or "If we can prevent just one death". When it comes to auto safety, there are all kinds of ways to save lives. How about reducing all of the speed limits, everywhere, by half? Sure to save lives. How about increasing the driving age from 17 to 25? That would surely save some lives. Here's another one - how about a huge rubber bumper encircling the widest part of every car, truck, and van, so we can just push off each other like on the bumpercars at the amusement park?
Let me assure you that we will never do any of those things. In driving, as in many other aspects of our lives, personal liberty trumps personal safety. And that's how it should be. The best we can do is nibble around the edges, like enforcing seat-belt laws or banning cell-phone use - and there are plenty of "libertarians" out there who are against even those measures.
Tomorrow I'll reprint a news article from Hillsborough's past about an accident at one of our busiest intersections. Can you guess which one? In the meantime, let me know in the comments area what you think are Hillsborough's most dangerous roads.
Oh, and drive safely!
Triangle and 206, including the area north of that intersection to the old northbound Exxon station.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Valley Rd and 206 including the area from K-mart to the Valley Rd. intersection
I live near the Triangle/206 intersection and can't figure out why there are so many accidents. It's a well laid out, modern intersection with clearly marked lanes and lights. I guess people can't handle the merge going northbound.
ReplyDeleteI think the most dangerous intersection in town is Roycefield Road and Dukes Pkwy W. I witnessed a really bad accident there. It takes patience and timing to cross it safely.