To the editor:

Since when did the streets of Lawrence become speedways? Since when did posted speed limits become signs to heed only when a traffic officer is looking? Since when did yellow lights signal “speed up and get through the intersection before the light turns red”? Since when did one lane on two-lane streets become a passing lane for those too important to wait for the driver ahead to turn a corner when busy streets don’t allow for immediate turning across an intersection? And lastly, what happened to the law requiring a driver who wishes to turn, yielding the right-of-way to drivers going straight when they meet simultaneously (facing each other) at a two-way stop?

In one day recently, I observed five violations of these various laws, at least one a well-considered speed-up turn across an intersection where the oncoming driver, going straight, clearly had the right-of way. During two of those five instances (occurring actually within a three-hour period) I came close to being hit.

In our rush to make Lawrence a progressive city, it seems we’ve forgotten common decency. Respect for one another on the road and slowing down to the speed limit would not only be safer and make driving more pleasurable, but would enhance the image of our city as a whole.

Imagine: “Lawrence: The Safest City in the U.S. for Drivers” or Lawrence: The City Where Traffic Safety is our Number One Priority.”

M. Roy,

Lawrence