Making their cases
I like giving readers the opportunity to express their opinions and ideas whenever possible. Recent topics have generated some feedback containing some of their questions, thoughts and theories.
R.T. wonders why 5 mile per hour variances are so necessary for speed limits around his (or any) town. He wrote, “I have a couple of comments regarding speed limits within city limits. I drive mostly in Cdal, Dalton Gardens, Hayden and Post Falls. The speed limits vary mostly from 25 to 35 mph. As an experienced driver, many times it is not obvious why the speed limits differ, based on the road conditions, type of neighborhood etc. I suggested at one time to the City of Cdal, that they should just standardize the speed limits to 30 mph on all roads within the city limits. The reply was that they are controlled by state laws and cannot do that. I think it makes sense, as you then know that wherever you drive in the city the speed is the same. Many times it is difficult to know what the speed limit is especially on the same road when the speed has changed and it is not obvious or clearly posted.”
I think his idea about making city speed limits more standardized has some merit. What do you think?
And R.T. did not forget about schools, writing, “The exception of course is school zones, which again need to be standardized as there are many different school zone speed limits. Some are ‘when children are present’, some are based on ‘when light is flashing,’ some are between certain times etc.”
I think that school zones ARE rightfully standardized at 20 mph, but the warnings and designations for when the lower limits are required vary greatly and are often misunderstood by drivers.
On that topic, D.N. pondered, “To my way of thinking, better and more consistent signage would be effective, especially with the signs that have flashing lights when the lower school zone speed limits are in effect. At least they work for me. What doesn’t work so well are the signs that say something like ‘7:30 to 3:30 school days’ as if we all know which days are school days. Those of us who are getting along in years don’t keep track of school vacations, or sometimes even exactly what time of day it is.”
I agree that the inconsistent designations in school zones can be confusing at times, and even wrote of that topic a few years back. A variety of warnings are used seemingly at will, though “the state” insists the variances depend on the grade level of the schools. There must be other factors, however, since I see inconsistency even within the same grade levels.
On the subject of pet peeves, C.F. came up with one that I haven’t heard for awhile, stating, “This one is almost comical, but can be serious, too. It’s the person who is driving a common-size sedan, coupe, SUV or pickup, and makes a wide swing toward the outside lane when making a left turn from a single left lane, as if they’re driving an 18-wheeler or larger to avoid running over the curb! Seems to be a natural human tendency to make the swing, but can be hazardous if the vehicle does go into the outside lane.”
I share that peeve, and have written of it long ago. I don’t know of any passenger vehicle that requires the wide swing one way before making a turn the other way, yet I see it happening all the time. Like C.F, I get a smile from it, as those drivers must be over-estimating the size of their vehicles. But like C.F. implied, it’s not that funny when it causes an accident!
Even worse is the driver who performs that maneuver without signaling. In those cases, if the pre-swing is wide enough, the following driver may think the offender is turning the way of the swing, and make a pass into the path of the eventual turn.
Always feel free to send your driving thoughts to me. Sharing those comments opens productive dialog and gets drivers thinking.
Readers may contact Bill Love via email at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.
