How long is it going to take drivers on this campus to realize that speeding and careless driving are two ingredients that can spell disaster? Will a fatality or two wake this campus up?
The fact is that most drivers- students, faculty and college employees do not obey the campus-wide 15-mph speed limit. The college maintains this limit in an attempt to avoid the accident that occurred on Tuesday and to keep the roadways safe for pedestrians.
Here is a suggestion to those who drive their vehicles above the campus speed limit- since you are already breaking the law, at least use some common sense. If not for your own safety, use it for the other drivers whom you share the road with.
The college invested tons of dollars and painted a white line up the main road to help drivers more clearly detect their left from their right. The main road has many sharp curved and bends. These curves and bends can be difficult to negotiate on a dry day. One should proceed with all the more caution on a rainy or snowy day.
The stone wall that straddles the roadway around the bend should be removed as a pre-cautionary measure. Not only is there not a shoulder on either side, but on the opposite side, there is a steep drop into the woods. If an accident were to occur at this bend, the driver coud sustain considerable injury due to this stone wall. Driving above the speed limit at this point on the road shows lack of responsibility for vehicle operation.
Public safety must begin issuing warnings for speeding and other moving violations to prevent roadway disasters. Giving out parking violations should not be the priority. Making sure drivers obey the limit is.
Most do not view themselves as dangerous drivers until something tragic happens. A split-second decision can make the difference between being on time for class and being pulled from a wreck in the middle of the Cabrini woods. If it is raining or snowing, know that your cars traction, SUV, minivan or sedan, is not optimal at this time. If you find yourself pinging the pedal well above 15 mph on the main road, know that you must hold yourself responsible for every extra mile above the limit.
Finger pointing usually occurs after an accident. The other driver is always at fault and you did not see anything. Take matters into your own hands and control your driving and speed. Next to continuing your education, it’s one of the brightest decisions you can make.
