<p>The other day I found myself on the Edgartown-West Tisbury Road about tenth in a line of slow moving traffic.</p>
The other day I found myself on the Edgartown-West Tisbury Road about tenth in a line of slow moving traffic. Mopeds were leading the pack.
Some drivers deftly pass them with minimal lateral margin, others are unable or unwilling to go around them, both conditions exacerbated by the marginal speed differential. Many open roads on the Vineyard have a speed limit of 45 miles per hour. Mopeds are limited between 20 and 30 miles per hour depending on the Massachusetts law or agency you choose to believe; although many mopeds here can be observed exceeding these limits.
Idaho has a simple yet effective law worthy of adoption here in Dukes County, not just for convenience, but public safety as well. It follows:
“Turning Out Of Slow Moving Vehicles. On a two-lane highway outside an urban area where passing is unsafe due to oncoming traffic or other conditions, the driver of a vehicle traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic and behind which three (3) or more vehicles are formed in line, shall turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout or wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists, in order to permit the following vehicles to pass.”
It’s time for this small change. If you agree, bring it to the attention of your selectmen, county commissioner, chief of police, and/or prospective elected official.
Ted Stanley
West Tisbury
Comments
Oregon has a similar law.
Agreed MvOregon has a similar law. There, large RVs slow traffic to a crawl. They must step aside. Bicycles add to congestion. Let's enforce this rule on them as well. As soon a s we make it a rule.
We learned, in "Pirates of
Rob Burnside Kingston, PAWe learned, in "Pirates of the Caribbean," the difference between rules and guidelines. This would make a very good guideline, but a terrible rule (law) because it would be difficult, if not dangerous, to attempt enforcement. Think of it from the officer's point of view. Arrr!
Many drivers want to go a lot
MarieMany drivers want to go a lot faster than 45 mph. On Monday morning I was passed by three cars while doing the speed limit. Drivers in a real hurry to be in front of me at the next stop sign.
One was a motorcycle on the winding road to Morning Glory Farm. He sped up and passed over the solid yellow line with little view of the road ahead. He had no right to endanger others on the road.
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