EDITORIAL: WYDOT right to reduce speed on North Fork; now do your part

Posted 11/17/16

A number of locals expressed concern about mixing faster traffic with the wildlife on the scenic North Fork highway. Given the number of deer, bighorn sheep and other animals that frequent the Wapiti area, we share their concerns.

Just look at …

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EDITORIAL: WYDOT right to reduce speed on North Fork; now do your part

Posted

When new 70 mph speed limit signs went up on highways throughout Wyoming earlier this year, many drivers rejoiced. But not everyone was thrilled with the higher speed limit, especially along U.S. Highway 14/16/20 in the Wapiti Valley.

A number of locals expressed concern about mixing faster traffic with the wildlife on the scenic North Fork highway. Given the number of deer, bighorn sheep and other animals that frequent the Wapiti area, we share their concerns.

Just look at the data: Of 148 crashes on U.S. Highway 14/16/20 between 2011 and 2015, some 72 percent were the result of collisions with wildlife. It comes as no surprise that 60 percent of the crashes involved deer, while nearly 11 percent were with elk. Most of the crashes occurred at dawn, dusk or dark.

It seems logical to worry that increasing the speed limit could end up making things more dangerous for wildlife, drivers and their passengers.

We’re glad WYDOT leaders listened to residents’ concerns and quickly moved forward with a plan to lower the speed limit on U.S. Highway 14/16/20. WYDOT plans to drop the limit back to 65 mph during the day and to 55 mph at night, in hopes of decreasing collisions with wildlife.

Of course, now it’s up to drivers to actually obey the speed limit — and to remember to drive safely in general.

After weeks of unseasonably warm autumn days and blue skies, it will take some drivers time to adjust to snow- and ice-covered roads. Remember to accelerate slowly when driving on ice — WYDOT recommends pretending an egg is sitting under the gas pedal. Whether the posted the speed limit is 55 or 75 mph, always slow down in wintry weather, especially if you have poor visibility.

More driving and car care tips can be found in today’s special edition, “Shift Into Winter Gear,” but the most important advice we can offer is to always wear a seat belt, and to make sure that driving is your top priority whenever you get behind the wheel.

Too often, drivers are distracted by sending a text, checking their email, changing the radio station or making a phone call — basically, paying attention to something other than the road. Texting while driving in Wyoming is also a violation of the law.

Since driving is such a common part of our day, we forget its inherent dangers and how quickly it can go terribly wrong.

That beautiful stretch of U.S. Highway 14/16/20 through the Wapiti Valley turned horrific in June when a truck crossed the centerline, crashing into a group of German motorcyclists headed to Yellowstone National Park. Three of the bikers died at the scene while three others were seriously injured. The tragic incident is a reminder of how quickly accidents can happen.

While driving may be a mundane activity, it’s one of the most dangerous things you ever do. Some accidents can’t be prevented, but many can — do your part and follow the rules, pay attention and buckle up.

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