Step in the right direction
Tragedy in a small community affects everyone. The deaths of two young women Thursday have caused us all to count our blessings, hug our loved ones, and ask "why?"
Why did this happen?
The U.S.-50/77 intersection at Florence has been the scene of numerous accidents and deaths. Is it because of inexperience, weather conditions, poor visibility?
Or is it because there is some design flaw in the intersection?
Ask anyone who's been involved in an accident at that intersection. Ask those whose loved ones were killed there. Ask any EMT or law enforcement official who's been called to the scene of one of those accidents. The reason doesn't matter.
What does matter is a solution.
The department of transportation has conducted numerous feasibility studies and tests and has determined that the intersection is as safe as any other. Perhaps there haven't been enough deaths there to be considered a "dangerous intersection." Explain that to the Cady and Sherbert families.
By the time this issue goes to press, KDOT will have announced plans for a four-way stop at the intersection. Whether this is the long-term solution or a quick-fix remains to be seen. We can only hope it doesn't cause more accidents.
Hopefully, KDOT won't install the signs and forget about it. Constant re-evaluation and assessment may determine that a four-way stop isn't the solution. Maybe the long-term solution is an overpass, roundabout, or reduced speed limit.
In any event, a four-way stop is the beginning of a solution and that's a step in the right direction.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
