People drive as if it were a freeway

I read with sadness all the stories about the deaths on U.S. 2. Yet, no one seems to admit the real problem: people driving too fast.

I only go out there occasionally, but when I do, I have someone literally on my bumper, trying to force me out of the way, and when they do pass, I’m usually given the finger, for slowing them down. How dare I go the posted speed limit and try to drive safely? Unfortunately, it’s not cool in this society of everything-now, instant gratification, can’t wait, gotta go, fast, fast, fast. Is it really worth the five minutes one might save to put your life or others’ lives at risk?

For some reason, people consider U.S. 2 an alternative freeway to I-90 or Highway 520. Yes, it is an alternative route to the other side, but let’s call it what it really is: a two-lane country/mountain road. Drive accordingly. I know it sounds trite, but the life you save just might be your own.

I see the solution as either building an actual four-lane freeway out there, or ticketing people for speeding and reckless driving. The only way to get some people to slow down is to hit them where it hurts – in the wallet. Maybe then they will realize they are responsible for a lot of the problems out there.

If we stop pointing the finger at everyone else and start pointing it at ourselves, I think we might find a solution. Most of the problems (and deaths) on U.S. 2 would stop if we’d just get off the accelerator and slow down! Archaic concept, I know.

Susie Balasa

Everett