Responsibility with drivers

Regarding the recent deaths on Routes US 195 and SR 26: In 33 years, I have had three advisees die on those roads, and in each case it was the driver’s fault for passing in a no-passing zone, or in an unsafe situation.

Having made the cross-state trek many times, we have witnessed many accidents and unsafe situations. I have called in unsafe driving at least a dozen times. On Nov 26, with slush on State Route 26, a young driver spun out in front of us, luckily the driver did not roll or leave the road. On Nov. 29, with lines of traffic going back to Pullman, drivers often were passing within a line of cars. One missed a head-on crash two vehicles in front of us by no more than a car length.

I have had to panic brake and leave the lane at least five times in 30 years to avoid the car coming at me. Better roads will be nice, but the responsibility is with the drivers, especially young drivers with little experience and less patience. This is not an it’s-their-fault situation. Attentive, patient driving will save lives.

John McNamara

Pullman