Next step: Lower speeds

I want to extend kudos to the Washington state Department of Transportation for its sensitive re-establishment of the memorial at the intersection of U.S. 195 and Meadowlane Road, after a crew repaired the destroyed guardrail.

The memorial was in honor of a child’s death, resulting from: an inattentive driver, unnecessarily high speed limit, lack of speed limit enforcement, virtually no traffic control, and poor visibility at the intersection.

All of us who live in Eagle Ridge and Bridlewood developments, as well as others living in the area, those who will soon attend the two churches and Lutheran school, and those who play Qualchan Golf Course and the Eagle Ridge Golf Course hope that WADOT and the city of Spokane will come to their collective senses and implement safety measures, such as reduced speed limits, traffic lights and/or acceleration/deceleration lanes.

U.S. 95 north of Coeur d’Alene is a similar highway, with traffic lights and lower speed limits. It works fine and saves lives.

Having worked with traffic engineers during my career, I know they are loath to reduce traffic speed and flow. However, people being killed and the potential for more deaths and injuries, demand a re-evaluation.

Thomas G. Mosher

Spokane