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Show Safety Firsf. . . The second traffic accident in a week's time on U. S. 163 just north of the city limits, causes us to question ques-tion the prudence of the State Highway Department's current policies on speed zones. According to studies made, officials say, speed must be maintained on Highway 163 north and south of town in order to move traffic through the area. We wonder just what factors were used in such studies, and how an additional 3 miles of reduced speed zone through Moab could materially impede the flow of traffic. It would appear that safety is given second priority to traffic traf-fic flow a policy we criticize in light of the accident pattern which has plagued Moab south of town for many years and which will undoubtedly become more serious north of town as more businesses locate there. Business establishments automatically impede traffic, traf-fic, as patrons go to and from them, and it is neither wise nor practical to allow speeds in the 60 mph range in an area where vehicles are continually pulling on and off the highway. It is additionally unfair not to warn motorists of a commercial area ahead by maintaining high speed zones. ' i Grand County School District has been forced to change its school bus routes south of town because of the high speed dangers posed to young children, coupled with lack of signing warning motorists that the area is a school bus run. As a result students on the south side of the highway are picked up as the bus leaves town, and have to ride the entire circuit . before they finally arrive ar-rive at schools. ; ' i Superintendent Bill B. Meador voiced complaint about the situation to the Highway Department, and two officials were sent down to look at the problem. About all they would promise was that they might be able to get some signs put up, and that they would send him a letter. In self defense, the school district is now ordering large flashing light bars for the top of its highway high-way buses, at the cost of considerable money, even though buses are already equipped with large flashing signal lights. i Businesses located on botE sides of the city Have also complained, and have all received the same reply "speed must be maintained to move the traffic through." We contend that Moab should not have to put up with this kind of answer and what appears to be flip treatment from officialdom, when the dangers of that policy have been proven over and over again in minor, serious and sometimes tragic accidents on the edges of this city. Safety must ultimately be the most important factor fac-tor where speed zones are concerned, arid we suggest that the State Highway Department could do much to improve im-prove safety for both citizens and motorists on these two stretches of road. A reduced speed zone sHouJ-i be maintained soutK of town at least as far as Holyoak Lane. The area should also be posted to warn motorists of school bus stop points and the many youthful bicyclists arid pedestrians. North of town, a reduced speed zone should begin at the curve north of Doxol; that entire curve should be lined a no-passing zone, and the motorists should be warned of the zone as far as the river bridge. Bright signs on highway maintenance sheds all over Utah scream about safety. This seems rather absurd in light of the Moab situation. The time has long gone to postpone action on this serious and dangerous problem. |