Speed Limit Enforcement

by scott

I’m no economist, but I don’t understand why police aren’t ticketing folks who are chronically driving above the speed limit in McCall. In this time of fiscal belt-tightening, it seems that enforcing laws that actually generate revenue might be a good thing.

Two roads that I ride and drive frequently, Lick Creek Road and Farm To Market Road need to be enforced. The speeding on these roads is really bad. No other way to put it. Lick Creek Road has a speed limit of 25 MPH. I’ve definitely heard people complain about how slow that is (including my family), but that’s not justification for speeding. You want a speed limit increased? Put some energy into convincing your public officials. Meantime, obey the law. I’d say 35-40MPH+ is literally more the norm for that road.

I about met my maker this morning when some guy in an F250 (or equivalent), smoking and distracted by God knows what drifted into my lane, head-on doing over 35MPH on Lick Creek Road. What the heck people? I know you’ve got to get your Marlboro lit, text your buddy and are still shaking off Friday night’s Bud Light thow-down, but pay attention before you’re convicted of manslaughter. There’s been a state patrolman in that exact spot a couple times over the past month. I wish he’d been there then.

Farm to Market. The speed on this road is 45MPH. It’s actually at the other end of the spectrum. It’s narrow, there’s no shoulder and some people drive it at highway speeds. Frankly, this road “feels” like it should be set at 35MPH tops. When I drive it, I find myself driving around that speed and thinking, “wow, I can’t believe people drive this at almost 2x what I’m doing”. It’s beautiful out there and very easy to get distracted. As more and more homes are built out in that area — like Jug Mountain Ranch, etc., Farm to Market Road will undoubtably get more use. Sometimes it’s actually pretty scary to be out there on foot or bike. Again, normally, it’s fine, but there’s not much margin for error. If people are paying attention, you’re fine. If not, you could be launched into the next county.

So if you’re out there on a bike or on foot, be vigilant about looking and listening for traffic. And if you’re in your automobile, please drive the speed limit and do your part to help enforce the laws that make our community safe for recreation and business. If you’re an officer of the law, or know one, you might politely ask him or her about speed limit enforcement in your area.