-Isms: Views on life in rural America

“Someone is going to die.”

Naturally, this sentence piqued my attention. I wasn’t eavesdropping on the conversation where the above-mentioned line was uttered. Oh, contrare. It was said during a public gathering, by an individual sitting next to Scott and me.

In fact, several comments from this person and the group he/she was with caught my attention. I was making a mental note to speak with them privately about their concerns, when one of the group members told about an incident they witnessed.

Strange thing, I viewed a similar situation the day prior and the same thought - someone is going to die - ran through my mind.

While on Summerland Road, between Ewing and the new school building, I watched a large farm truck - northbound - roll through a stop sign, without slowing down, perhaps without looking both ways, as I neared the intersection, heading west.

If I’m in the driver’s seat of the truck and look right, I definitely see my Kia nearing the intersection. If I look left, I definitely need to stop because a knoll makes it difficult to see if a vehicle is approaching. Proceeding through the intersection, without slowing to a stop, is risky business.

A couple seconds earlier, on my part, could have lead to tragic results. I’m not certain defensive driving skills would have spared me.

The individuals seated next to us at the event expressed concerns about signage along the road once the first bell rings this fall. They stressed they support the school - should’ve happened a long time ago. They shared multiple scenarios with a list of “what-ifs,” which could have deadly outcomes.

Members of this group aren’t the first to question the road situation near the crossroads of 513 Avenue and Summerland Road. Approximately a month ago, public comment, expressing similar concerns, was heard during an Antelope County Commissioners’ meeting.

Road superintendent Aaron Boggs noted, during the commissioners’ June 1 meeting, that reduced speed limit signs, with flashing lights, will be placed near the school site. According to Boggs, lights will flash when school is in session, as well as when activities are held at the site. The speed limit near the school will be reduced to 35 miles per hour.

It’s a good start, but is it enough? A wait-and-see approach to road safety cannot be in effect. Instead, officials must enforce traffic laws along both stretches of road and ensure safety for students, school personnel and other travelers, at all times.

And, those of us driving on these stretches need to drive responsibly and follow traffic rules. It’s a common-sense imperative for everyone’s safety.