If You Must Use Highway 95, Exercise Every Precaution

Since coming to North Idaho in 1996, my wife Mary and I have quickly learned that U.S. Highway 95 means danger. Almost every week there is another deadly accident and more carnage.

Bottom line: this highway is not safe, not even for experienced drivers. It is a confusing mix of late 1930’s through late 1970’s technology - a patchwork that requires drivers to constantly adjust and mesh. Nothing about this road is up to date except the flashing yellow lights that warn high-speed traffic of an impending red light.

I am amazed that the state of Idaho has not upgraded this road to modern standards, considering the increasing traffic and horrific accident rate.

Many people have expressed their opinions about how to make this highway safer. Each opinion helps by identifying part of a safety equation but numerous specific details have not yet been addressed. Persons involved with Highway 95 must consider the following details when considering what to do with this road:

* Drivers, avoid Highway 95. If you cannot, do not drive this road if you are an inexperienced driver or under the influence of mind-altering drugs, especially alcohol. That means not even one or two beers - and no meth, pot, etc., at all!

Judging from the number of beverage containers along the roadsides, it is apparent that many drivers drink while driving in Idaho. This is especially deadly when driving Highway 95.

Do not use this road if your vehicle is not safe or is running badly. At least check your lights, brakes and tires.

Also, stay off this road if you are fatigued or emotionally distracted. And do not succumb to road rage, even if someone is following too close. Find a safe place and let that person pass you.

Keep in mind that the 65 mph speed limit is too fast for the skill levels of at least half of your fellow drivers. Remember that some drivers will not slow down sufficiently for changing conditions and congested areas. But do not drive this road at excessively slow speeds, either. Maintain steady cruising speeds because varying speeds anger and frustrate other drivers and contribute to reactive responses.

* Road maintenance officials, upgrade the lines and markings. Every winter, the lines are either obliterated or are hardly visible because of the abrasion from studded tires and plows.

But before simply repainting every year, do an analysis to see if the old markings still are valid. For example, in several places you have perpetuated passing zones where there no longer should be passing zones. The passing zone along Lake Cocolalla might have been acceptable back in 1950, with a speed limit of 45 mph. Today, the closing speed of two vehicles traveling at 65 mph or more does not allow enough time for most vehicles to safely pass. The same is true for passing zones between Long Bridge and Sagle.

Also, markings for turnout lanes around and south of Silverwood are confusing. Impatient drivers (meaning most drivers) are anxious to reach the four-lane passing zones and occasionally try to pass prematurely on a turnout lane. Or, slower drivers anxious to let others pass, pull into a turnout lane by mistake.

Consider your sign placements. Signs heralding side roads are especially important. Just south of Careywood, the signs for a road to Bayview and Farragut State Park are confusing to southbound traffic.

* Highway administrators, don’t wait around for some big federal highway appropriation to upgrade the entire road someday and bail you out. Several critical upgrades are needed immediately.

For example, the railroad bridge just north of Westmond belongs in a museum. Narrow, no shoulders, no walkway or bikeway, no sure way to tell what is coming in the other direction. This bridge should be replaced now. Imagine driving your RV onto this bridge and meeting an 18-wheeler. Bad enough? Try this at night, in the rain.

Eliminate at least some of the many unguarded and unmarked highway access points by consolidating crossroads. The turnout halfway down the hill a few miles north of Athol is an especially dangerous example of a side road that needs to be relocated.

This list could go on and on. I hope this letter helps save some lives.