Accidents on the Morse Creek curves continue.
Speed is the issue.
A lower speed limit, taking into account the speeds that drivers typically exceed the posted limits by, is the only thing that will reduce, but not eliminate, these occurrences.
The difference in actual time that it takes to get through the Morse Creek curves — there are 3 curves, not just 1 — using a reduced speed is negligible, mere seconds and less than a minute for God’s sake.
It will not make you late for anything.
All arguments to the contrary are based on drivers’ selfish, arrogant desire to drive as fast as their judgment says is prudent.
A lower safe speed must be established by the governing authorities and enforced.
It is the only way to reduce the disasters.
A barrier will not prevent collisions and rollovers — it will only contain such an occurrence to the two lanes of travel.
And barriers can be defeated, with vehicles jumping them and still ending up in the oncoming traffic lanes.
The Morse Creek curves must have a lower safe speed limit. In my opinion, 35 mph is the best maximum speed limit for the too-often proven to be hazardous section of highway, from North Masters Road on the west to just east of Deer Park Road on the east.
A 35 mph maximum posted speed limit would, in reality, yield 40 to 45 mph speeds — greatly reducing the occurrence of accidents.
James Loran,
Port Angeles