Traffic questions to ponder
Am I the only one who's ever noticed that vehicles with Johnson County or Colorado tags seem to observe a different speed limit than the rest of us?
Now, that's not to say that every driver who lives in those areas travels above the speed limit. And I would never make a blanket statement like that.
However, I've observed that at least seven out of the 10 vehicles that fly by me at the speed of sound during any given interstate highway trip have either a Johnson County or Colorado tag on the back.
I've often wondered if there's signage posted somewhere stating the exemption for drivers from those areas.
During a trip Friday for instance, I was entering a construction zone and had slowed to 60. Just as I began signaling to merge left — like the flashing arrow indicated — a blur flew by in the passing lane. When the vehicle was forced to slow down because of slower traffic ahead of it I discovered it was a Johnson County car.
Just then, I realized a law enforcement vehicle looming at the top of the on-ramp, ready to spring into action. However, nothing happened. I bet if it would've been me I'd be paying a hefty fine.
Speaking of traffic quandaries, have you ever taken your life into your own hands trying to cross Marion's Main Street?
The city has boldly marked crosswalks in place, but few drivers ever actually stop for pedestrians and allow them to walk across.
One day, while traveling west on Main, I stopped to allow a pedestrian (probably a junior high age youth) to cross the street. Unfortunately, an oncoming eastbound vehicle didn't stop and the teen was nearly mowed down.
So, do you obey traffic laws and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and potentially set them up to be hit by an oncoming car? Or do you just ignore the crosswalk law and let the person stand there until they get the chance to bolt across?
Another traffic question I have concerns the role of the new motorized scooters and their use on city streets.
From what I understand, these scooters can travel 20 to 25 miles per hour. Since these are motorized vehicles are drivers supposed to be licensed or at the very least have a minimum age limit? Or do they fall under the same category as bicycles?
From what I've observed here and elsewhere the individuals riding these vehicles are too young to drive. My concern is 'do these young people have the necessary skills and experience to be driving motorized vehicles in traffic?'
Not that I'm trying to create problems that don't exist. These are just a couple of observations. However, I do think the crosswalk and motorized scooter issues probably need to be addressed.
— KATHY HAGEMAN
