When it comes to road safety on Highway 21, Bashaw Star readers feel twinning the busy road will help make it safer.
Bashaw Star’s most recent web poll: What improvements are needed on Highway 21? gave four options with the large majority of voters speaking in favour of twinning.
The results: More passing lanes brought in 17 votes (25 per cent); More left turn lanes at intersections saw 10 votes (15 per cent); Twin the highway saw the most with 33 votes (49 per cent), and Other saw seven votes (11 per cent).
The poll was posted after a deadly crash on Highway 21 near Camrose killed a 16-year-old girl. The incident stems from a northbound box truck rear-ending some vehicles that were waiting for a left turning vehicle. The resulting impact forced two middle vehicles in between the lead vehicle and the box truck and sent vehicles left of centre that were then struck by two south bound vehicles, stated the RCMP report at that time.
Bashaw Star readers commented on the issue with most pointing directly in favour to twinning and/or left turning lanes. In this case, a left hand turning lane may have been the difference between the tragedy that came out of that incident or motorists going on their way.
For others, highway safety is key.
Karli Nielson stated as much: “If everyone actually paid attention, didn’t drive at excessive speeds and used that crazy little blinky thingy (turning signals) only a few people seem to know about, highways wouldn’t be such an issue.”
Reader Patti Lourance stated similar thoughts. “People need to start paying more attention when they are driving and also, no need for speeding. We all know that speed kills. Just my opinion.”
Another reader feels devices should be turned off before getting on the road.
“I would also suggest smart phones and all other electronic gadgets in today’s cars be rendered inoperable as soon as the ignition is engaged,” stated reader Bob DeFrain. “All you need is a speedometer and fuel gauge.”
Editor’s note: Some comments have been edited for grammar. Bashaw Star’s web polls are a way to engage with readers and get a feel for what residents want. The polls do not represent an official petition or plebiscite.