I read in the Nov. 3 , 2016 Salmon Arm Observer about a study carried out this past summer regarding truck traffic. There were actual four-hour monitoring times of all vehicles including semi trucks during peak traffic periods. Yes there were speeders and yes these vehicles indeed did go through red lights . This week’s paper Jan. 4, 2017 actually showed a picture not what could happen but what did happen Saturday morning Dec. 24, 2016 . Fortunately only minor injuries were suffered.
One recommendation from the Chamber of Commerce study was to put digital reader boards at both ends of the town .
I have sat at that exact corner waiting for the light to change. I have seen semi trucks cruising through red lights. I am sure you have too. As you know it takes considerable more distance for these semi trucks to stop than a car or pickup when going the same speed.
Let’s not blame the semi trucks or truck drivers. Let’s help them. How?
Say, for example, we lower the speed limit for semi trucks on the TCH between 10th Street SW and 30th Street NE. I would suggest to 30 km/hr (or simply 20 km/hr below whatever the posted speed is). This means they would have to be in the right lane only as they go through the busiest intersections in town. Semi trucks would stop easier, most accidents could be avoided. Once the new highway upgrades were in place this speed change could be pushed back to 30th St SW.
A big thank you goes out to the Chamber of Commerce and Stu Bradford on all their work, for the study and bringing our attention to this important safety concern for Salmon Arm.
Garry Pawluck