Beach Safety Will Get Boost Warning Signs At Honeysuckle Beach Boat Launch Didn’T Stop Car From Plunging Into Hayden Lake, Killing Three Occupants

The road leading to Honeysuckle Beach has three speed limit signs, two “Road Ends” signs and two “Do Not Enter” signs before it dead-ends into Hayden Lake.

Yet those signs were not enough to stop a car from plunging into the lake Dec. 1, killing its three occupants.

As a result, Hayden is further beefing up safety measures at the popular beach. The city plans to erect an aluminum barrier blocking the eastbound side of the road leading toward the boat launch. The barrier will have red stripes and reflective marking on each side. The city also plans to put up another sign, saying “dead end.”

The barrier also will help direct boat traffic, said Bob Croffoot, city administrator. Cars hauling boats are supposed to circle through the parking lot before approaching the launch.

“All of them (the signs) have tried to help both situations,” Croffoot said. “Maybe this will be sufficient.”

The City Council plans to discuss the safety issue at 7 tonight. Among the ideas proposed are a gate, more signs and more lights. At least two residents have written to the city with safety concerns.

Hayden Mayor Mike Sperle said the city will do what it can to prevent future accidents, but said some incidents are tough to prevent.

“We can do a lot of things and spend a lot of money, but if people are drinking, it’s pretty tough to try to stop them,” Sperle said.

The Idaho State Police, which is still investigating last week’s accident, has not determined whether alcohol was involved.

ISP Sgt. Jay Komosinski said his investigation has not revealed much.

“I suspect that one, maybe two, people are trying to deceive us as to what happened that night,” Komosinski said. He added that anyone who intentionally hinders the investigation will be charged with obstructing justice.

Alcohol was a factor in two previous fatal accidents in which cars drove down the boat launch and into the lake. Two Spokane residents drowned in September 1997 and a Kennewick man died in November 1995.

MEETING The City Council will discuss safety issues at 7 tonight.