A Challenging U.S. 95 Keeps Out The High-Density Riff-Raff
Driving U.S. 95 is almost always an adventure. Off and on for the past 10-plus years, I have driven it as a commuter from my home in Bonner County, to work in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane.
As a sometimes reporter in the area, I frequently have stopped along the highway, dutifully taking down details about accidents I come upon, sometimes from the victims themselves. I never recall hearing or writing that mechanical failure led to the accident.
The road has its flaws. It lacks any evidence of reflective devices other than paint, which makes it especially mean in wet, dark weather. Its 65 mph speed limit is excessive for the road conditions in some areas and for the high local traffic counts in others (Careywood, Westmond/ Cocolalla, Colburn, Elmira, Naples, etc.). But road conditions are seldom the cause of a wreck.
No offense intended, but at least one driver in each accident had stopped thinking about operating his or her car and instead was: trying to find a lighter or a cigarette; putting on makeup or otherwise attending to personal grooming; changing CDs or cassettes; reading a map; trying to prevent the seat from catching on fire from a dropped cigarette; punching in telephone numbers in a cell phone; tightening straps in child restraint devices; feeding children in the restraining seats and disciplining children not old enough to use regular seat belts; locating and then administering drugs of all sorts; mopping up spilled drinks used in previous drug use; and so forth.
The truth is that sensible driving brings commuters or first-time drivers an incredible cruise through a region remarkable for its beauty. Each season, each day, brings something new to look at.
Commuters know by heart the elevations at all critical points in the road and track winter’s entrance and departure as its white drifts down and then up the mountains. We know that on one October day all the tamaracks will turn orange. We are fascinated by raptors of every sort that mine local waters for their daily bread. We know the geese gather in orderly flocks at Algoma Lake prior to their departure south. And that the same lake hosts an early Canada goose couple each spring, sometimes so early that the lake still is frozen. These and many other sights are part of a delightful tour that some people would pay good money to see.
Most of the 40,000-plus who live in the northern two counties are here because we want to live amid trees, mountains and lakes.
U.S. 95 has its flaws, to be sure. But to be honest, its challenge contributes to keeping our homes rural. If it were four lanes all the way, soon enough, the 26,000 real estate agents in North Idaho would have everything sold. The next thing you know, it would be like living on the New Jersey Turnpike.
U.S. 95 may not measure up to places where life in the fast lane is a lifestyle. But our road does demand respect. And because it isn’t a cakewalk, we get to enjoy a quieter life.
In the grand scheme of things, U.S. 95 is just what we want it to be. If someone feels the need to drive on a six-lane, smooth freeway, they may want to consider Houston or Dallas. Or maybe, even, Spokane.