I am sure many of you have driven south of Route 148, and stopped at the lights at the intersection with Route 20. And, most of you know that you must yield to oncoming traffic if you are going to turn left.
Right?
Well, you do, but most of you don't.
I have seen close calls, obscene gestures, and hands flying up, and off the wheel in exasperation at this intersection, and it doesn't have to be that way. People just need to be reminded to yield. Those yellow triangle signs we see at merges are there to remind us to Yield; so are stop signs. As drivers we need to be reminded, alerted, and instructed as we drive. Experience, common sense, and knowledge can only help us so far.At the intersection of Route 148, and Route 20 there is the need for a reminder. A sign placed on the large metal support for the traffic lights where Holland Road and Route 20 meet, and facing towards Route 148, and another placed on the wire light supports over the intersection would be very good reminders. This past week I received an email from a fellow Fiskdale resident expressing the same concerns. That email prompted me to write today. Thank you, Hoyle.
This is not an expensive fix, but as with the No Turn On Red signs at Hobbs Brook, it is necessary.
I have forwarded the email I recieved to to Selectman Moran, Greg Morse of the Highway Department, and Chief Ford. All of these men consider public safety to be a priority.
I'll let you know when I hear back.
As a driver who turns right from Holland Road on a daily basis I much appreciate your suggestion. Can't count the number of times I've had near misses with people turning left from 148. I'm one of those who throw up my arms and wonder where these people learned how to drive.
ReplyDeleteSame as Karen i always take a right. I know i have the right of way so i go. I usually mouth a few choice words with a head shake. How about a little police presence at the intersection. Failure to yield is a traffic violation if i am not mistaken...
ReplyDeleteJust imagine the possibilities if a roundabout is constructed. If people can't comprehend traffic flow at a light how will they ever figure out a circle?
ReplyDeleteI am usually the driver turning left onto Rt.20 from Rt.148. I'm one of those who yield to the opposing traffic from Holland Rd. To me it's a no brainer, but I've had drivers behind me blow their horns in a futile attempt to get me to turn in front of the opposing traffic. I also see traffic from Holland road hesitate as if they're expecting to have traffic turn in front of them. The configuration of the intersection isn't THAT much different than a typical 90 degree intersection, but your suggested signage is a good one.
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