Get rid of unneeded traffic controls

Although no one can condone vandalism, I understand the frustration of the perpetrator who cut down the stop signs on Rimrock Road. Those of us who use Upper Hayden Lake Road are now having to deal with a totally unnecessary all-way stop sign system at Half Mile Lane.

The trajectory of this kind of traffic control always follows the same path. Some old fart, who probably shouldn't be driving anymore, decides that the traffic patterns are too frantic for their diminished skills. So, they complain to the local highway district. The public that uses this road is never consulted, so the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Then, the rest of us have to deal with this annoyance forever, unless someone with a chainsaw intervenes.

Unnecessary traffic controls waste time, waste gasoline, increase vehicle maintenance costs, and increase air pollution. They should only be used as a last resort, not a first choice.

Here is what I think should be done. Every traffic control device in Kootenai County should be re-examined. Are they needed at all? Can a yield sign replace a stop sign? Four way stop sign intersections should be abolished. It is ludicrous that every vehicle that comes to that intersection has to stop. Pick the minor of the two roads intersecting, and only put a control sign (hopefully a yield) on that one.

The same applies to traffic lights. Since many are only truly needed for a few hours a day, put timers on them. When not necessary, they should blink red only to the minor road.

While we are on the subject of traffic, let's talk about local speed limits. In the 50 years I have been driving, cars are much safer now with radial tires, ABS braking, power steering, etc. Rural and interstate highway speed limits have been raised significantly with no ill effect. However, urban speed limits are the same, or even lower, than they were 50 years ago. No through road (one that leads somewhere) should have a speed limit less than 35 mph. This means you, Dalton Gardens!

For those who think all this traffic control is necessary, I say the following. Sell your vehicles, buy a townhouse in a city, and take public transport. Leave us drivers, who know what we are doing, alone.

Douglas L. Weir is a Hayden resident.