ONE OF the issues that frequently spark readers' concern are lane markings and drivers' confusion over them. Recently, David White of Ellicott City pointed out a problem with a lane-marking pattern - or rather, the lack of lane markings.
"On Old Annapolis Road eastbound at the intersection with Columbia Road, there is no indication of whether those going straight should use the right or left lanes. Similarly, I believe, eastbound on Breconshire Road in Burleigh Manor at the intersection with Centennial Lane ... no markings," he said. "These are just two examples within a mile radius. I'm sure there are many more."
While freedom of choice is one of the basic philosophies on which our country was founded, the freedom to choose lanes can, as Mr. White correctly notes, "lead to a chaotic situation at an intersection." Sometimes, too much freedom is not a good thing.
Turning concerns are not confined to Howard County. E.S. Grey of Owings Mills complained about an intersection in his neck of the woods.
"At the intersection of Marriottsville Road and Lyons Mill Road in Owings Mills there is an exclusive left-turn lane and a right-through lane. I travel this intersection on my commute about three days a week. Routinely, there are half a dozen or more cars turning right held up while a car attempts to go straight, while the left-turn lane sits vacant for several minutes - doesn't seem like efficient use to me," he said.
Laura Strott speaks up for southern Howard County.
"I live off of Vollmerhausen Road and travel to work via Route 32 and Interstate 95. No matter which way you are turning, it's a nightmare trying to get onto Guilford Road each day. There is no light at the intersection of Vollmerhausen and Guilford. The posted speed limit on Guilford Road is 35 mph. At any given time, I dare you to find anyone driving below 50 mph, particularly those traveling towards U.S. 1! God help anyone trying to make a left turn onto Guilford," she said.
"One either risks getting smashed by a car coming around the corner and down the hill at 50 mph or waiting a good five minutes to turn safely. There is always a huge back-up in the morning. You can imagine the traffic accidents at this intersection, particularly during rush hour."
She can see the intersection from her home and knows that several accidents occur there each month, and recommends installing a traffic light. "I know the county must realize the danger that this particular intersection represents. However they do nothing," she said.
I have forwarded your comments to the county to make sure officials aware of the situation. I hope they can come up with a solution.
Other traffic concerns
Martin Kirchhausen of Ellicott City sent an e-mail saying he had "been meaning to write for some time about three traffic [problems] that seem to be getting more and more dangerous."
On his top-three list:
Yielding.
"Many motorists need a reading comprehension lesson so that they will understand what the world 'yield' means," he said.
Don't hold your breath, Mr. Kirchhausen.
Crossing solid white lines.
"When I was learning to drive (in the early 1950s)," he said, "I was taught that a solid white line should be regarded in the same way as a solid brick wall, i.e., one never crosses it. Indeed, one never even touches it."
But that is not what the Maryland Driver's Handbook says. According to the book, single solid white lines mark "separation of lanes, or of a lane and shoulder, where lane changing is discouraged," such as lane lines approaching intersections or right edge stripes. There are also several sizes of white lines. Large single solid white lines delineate "locations where crossing is strongly discouraged," such as to separate special turn lanes from through lanes." Extra large solid white lines perpendicular to the travel lane are stop lines or mark the edges of crosswalks.
Right on red.
Mr. Kirchhausen notes that many motorists turn dangerously into oncoming traffic. "This is particularly true when turning into a multiple lane road such as U.S. 40," he said. "Also dangerous are intersections where all roads have left turn arrows such as U.S. 40 and Rogers Avenue. When traffic is turning left onto U.S. 40, cars coming from the opposite direction often make the turn on red into the left-turning traffic, creating a very dangerous situation." He believes that in such locations, no turn on red should be permitted.
Good wishes
For once, something positive is appearing in this space! I received an e-mail last week wishing me a day of ordinary miracles. I liked it so much I decided to adapt it for today's column.
I wish you a day of ordinary miracles:
Car keys exactly where you left them.
All green lights wherever you go.
All the slowest drivers sticking to the right-most lane.
Everybody using their turn signals.
Drivers yielding appropriately.
Parking spots close to the building's entrance.
A full tank of gas that you did not have to fill up yourself.
Open roads in front of you.
What's your traffic trauma? Contact Jody K. Vilschick at elison@us.net or send faxes to 410-715-2816. Technophobes can mail letters to Traffic Talk, The Sun in Howard County, 5570 Sterrett Place, Suite 300, Columbia 21044.