Personal efforts key to keeping area roads safe

The week just behind us brought several sobering reminders of the extreme care that should be taken when venturing out on area roads.

Friday commuters were faced with a Glenn Highway that more closely resembled a demolition derby than a means for getting to work. Around daybreak, Mother Nature brought a dangerous mix of snow, rain, wind and temperatures that danced just above and below the freezing point. The combination resulted in several accidents and cars in the ditch, as well as traffic that remained slowed or stopped until after 9 a.m.

The same day, it was reported in this newspaper that Bill Tandeske, commissioner of the state Department of Public Safety, has identified sections of the Parks Highway just outside Wasilla city limits as the most dangerous in the Alaska. Considering the notoreity the Seward Highway has gotten over the years for being a deadly stretch of road, the news was eye-opening.

Saddest of all, though, was a Wednesday fatality on the increasingly harrowing Palmer-Wasilla Highway. The death was the result of a four-vehicle wreck precipitated by an attempted right-side pass that pushed a turning vehicle into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Anyone who drives the 10-mile route between the cities knows how congested and dangerous the road can be. Trying to turn onto the highway, or off it to the left, especially during the morning and evening rush hours, knows what a white-knuckle driving experience this can be.

It is no longer a matter of wondering whether it is time to upgrade the Palmer-Wasilla. It has become common knowledge both among residents and those elected to represent them.

But it is no simple, inexpensive or short-term task. The cost, alone, of buying up the rights of way needed to adequately widen the highway is astronomical. Unfortunately, postponing the project is not going to make it any cheaper.

As the means are found to get the project moving, a hefty dose of personal responsibility is in order on the part of anyone who gets behind the wheel. Slow down, buckle up and be extra attentive.

It is no secret any longer that roads are crowded and dangerous. So there should be no excuse for irresponsible driving.