By Christina Bromme
Driving to Clinton last Sunday, many thoughts ran through my mind concerning safety on our Highway 20. Five minutes into the ride I was reminded of what my daughter, a commuter to Langley for the summer, talks about almost every day: the driving behavior of some people we share the road with.
Highway 20, and Highway 525 as it’s called on South Whidbey, is a two-lane road, very narrow in some spots, very windy and hilly in others. It is definitely not a road to test how fast a vehicle can go. The speed limit of 55 mph is appropriate for a road on a scenic island.
I want to point out that there are many drivers who are very considerate and for whom I am grateful for when I am out there on one of our island streets walking, running or bicycling. These are the drivers that make me feel save because their behavior tells me that I am seen (especially in the darker winter months).
This is what I cannot understand and what made me nervous driving south on Highway 20 on Sunday:
• Drivers taking chances passing a vehicle that drives the speed limit before a curve or an incline where the continuation of the road is not in full view.
• Drivers, even of dump trucks, riding right behind someone, leaving absolutely no safety distance.
• Drivers ignoring bicycles on the road, passing them full speed without moving over a bit.
• Drivers never signaling their next intentions. They just turn or switch lanes. Be aware of anything!
• Drivers going way too fast. What’s the rush?
I was thinking of how quickly accidents can happen under these circumstances. I was also thinking of deer and coyotes than run out of the woods frequently with the intention to cross the highway, dogs or kids that live close to the highway, etc.
We should share the road responsibly. Someone in need of a thrill should not seek out a risky passing maneuver, but go to an amusement park, a race track, try sky diving, bungee jumping — whatever.
It is sad that I was once told that it is only a question of time before I will get hit on my bicycle. I refuse to believe that, but sometimes, watching the highway scene, I am not so sure anymore.
When I saw the reckless driving that occurred on Sunday, I started calculating how much is actually won by going faster than everyone else. Let’s say on a stretch of 10 miles someone drives 10 mph above the limit. This driver would have gained a grand total of not even two minutes. Is it worth it? While I was still thinking about what usually happens on our island roads I neared the Useless Bay intersection past Freeland, where lots of lights caught my attention. Numerous police cars and a tow truck took care of an accident that happened there. All I saw was a car with a mangled hood and an overturned SUV.
No comment needed. Let’s use more common sense and respect the basic rules of the road.
Christina Bromme
lives in Oak Harbor.
