On a recent Sunday evening, as I drove I-5 south from Arlington through Marysville, I could not help but think about the cable barrier controversy as a motorcycle and a car zipped past me at no less than 80 mph.
I wondered, at what point does the state of Washington assume responsibility for all the actions of irresponsible individuals? Why is the Department of Transportation being denigrated for attempting to improve safety in the most cost-efficient manner possible so that there may be money for other roads as well?
For many years that section of I-5 had no barriers at all, and yet as a divided highway it is clearly a safety improvement over old Highway 99. Over the years, increased development and congestion have become prime factors in the increased risk of driving that stretch of freeway. The state responded with cable barriers and a decrease in the speed limit to 60 mph, as an attempt to maintain and improve safety.
Is the state responsible for inattentive and irresponsible drivers? Is the state expected to protect individuals from themselves? Even expensive 8-feet high concrete walls will likely not stop all cross-over accidents if drivers are irresponsible. What about U.S. 2, a highly congested two-lane highway with no barriers, at freeway speeds? Clearly any loss of life is tragic and I grieve for the families and friends, but I do not hold the state responsible.
Yes, an investigation of the cable barriers is appropriate to determine the most cost-effective and efficient safety measures possible, but the real responsibility remains with individual drivers.
MICHAEL LARSON
Monroe
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
