For years my wife, neighbors and I have sat and watched as people completely blow the stop sign at Winchester and Appaloosa, and if we take the initiative to say something as they pass by we are either met with a laugh, getting flipped off, or a simple ignoring of our request. Has there been any discussion or research around getting speed bumps on Winchester Dr., and if so what the cost might be? When we first moved in, there would be a local Sherriff who would sit at the Winchester stop sign from time to time to help, but it's been some time since that has happened. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Jim B. @ 89 Winchester
Friday, May 1, 2009
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I have contacted the county some time ago about the installation of speed humps. I was informed that the county does not install speed humps along county owned and maintained roads.
ReplyDeleteThe reason people do not stop for the stop signs at Appaloosa is because they do not see the need to stop (due to the limited amount of traffic on Appaloosa). If you have not noticed, this is becoming more common all over. In order for motorists to respect a traffic control device, it must be placed correctly. To be perfectly honest with you, I do not think those signs should be in place. If you want to slow motorists along Winchester Dr,, certain things like islands and bump-out's or my personal favorite, a roundabout should be placed to slow these people.
The only way to address these concerns is for all of us to get together and contact our elected officals.
"To be perfectly honest with you, I do not think those signs should be in place"
ReplyDeleteWe will stand out front and watch people blow through that intersection at 40-50mph WITH the stop signs in place- I can only imagine what would happen if they weren't there at all!
Jim@89 Winchester
Call or email the Sheriff and be complimentary for their efforts and highlight the opportunities in our neighborhood. I've done this on two occassions and saw an immediate presence and even got a phone call asking how they were doing. The more bring attention the problem the apt they are to respond. We'll catch more flys with Honey than with Vinegar.
ReplyDeleteNo, they shouldn't. Just because the signs are there, does not mean people are going to stop. Their placement does not have the respect of some motorists that travel Winchester Dr. Perfect example: There is a "Do Not Enter" sign at the right out movement of the Dunkin Donuts on Elkton Rd. and I can not tell you how many times I see people turn in there, instead of making a u-turn @ Otts Chapel.
ReplyDeleteThe characteristics of the roadway is what most motorists use to adjust their driving behavior, not what the signs tell them to do. Winchester Dr has about 36'-40' of pavement with no centerline, stop line etc... which gives it the perspective of a wide roadway. Narrow roads/lanes SLOW people down.
I will be happy to get a radar gun and sit out there with you to conduct our own speed study that would help in requesting the county to do something. Let me know.
I don't really have time to do a "speed study", as I feel what myself, my wife, and my neighbors have seen over the past 14 years here has been proof enough for me. I have 2 small kids and do not want them injured. There are other small children on Winchester as well that I'm trying to help with this suggestion- kids who I see in the street all the time walking, on scooters, and riding bikes in the middle of the road. If there was a fatality I think people will be upset that they didn't do more.
ReplyDeleteIf you like to debate about things, then I'll stop here- I'm not looking to be in a pissing contest. I don't have time for semantics- STOP means STOP, and "25" means "25". I work for the Dept of Public Safety, and am just trying to do my part at home. I just want our community safe, and wanted to see how many others were concerned about the high speeds people take on Winchester. Sorry if I'm taking your comments as argumentative, but from what I'm reading you'd rather dissect the scenario and counter my comments than help the problem. Again, my apologies if I'm misunderstanding your intent.
Argument is not what I see fit. What I am trying to do is be informative. As a Traffic Engineer contracted by the SHA, I hear these type of concerns on a daily basis. My suggestions are to try and gather as much information as we can to try and get assistance from the county, not to debate. If we do our homework, then we will have justification, not just observations.
ReplyDeleteSince we may not be able to control the motorists actions, we should be suggesting that kids not play or walk in the street if at all possible. If you change your mind about gathering the info, let me know.
As to the speed bump question: the county will not install them because of snow removal issues in winter.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate the motorists don't use common courtesy and also follow the rules. It seems people have forgotten that driving is a privilege, not a right.
I have had people behind me driving around me as I stop in that same stop sign. Also seen 4 cars driving in the opposite direction keeo on driving while I stop at the sign... I honked... but they wave at me...
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have also seen exactly what Cristian has pointed out several times. It is really sad.
ReplyDeleteAs for the comment regarding the snow removal problem, my wife works for Upper Bay Counseling in Elkton, and she said they had the same problem with Booth St., which eventually got speed bumps. That is also a road that gets plowed, so I'm wondering how we can use this as an example to the right person?
And thank you for your reply Don/Laura, I agree with you that we really need to keep the kids off of the street for fear of getting hurt. The problem is, alot of the ones I see don't even live in WCV (at least I do not recognize them). I just really hope that one day I don't come out of the house to see an ambulance and a coroner.
I was told by one of the residents in the apartments at the top of the hill that once the new section of the complex is done and that road is fully opened, "supposedly" they are going to close the entrance to the apartments which is at the top of Winchester. I think that change alone would help out immensely. I know alot of the people who blast down Winchester are coming from up there.
Thank you everyone for your feedback on this topic- like most if not all of you, I just want something done to make this road a little safer. I can't even begin to go down the list of cars I've seen fly through. Just today there was a black Avalanche that I'm pretty sure blew the stop sign, then did a panic stop when he saw kids in the driveway across the street (Ken and Sharna). I think he thought one of the kids was going to come out into the road after a ball. Thankfully nothing happened.
Jim@89 Winchester