Sir: I have a couple of driving related issues that I feel a need to vent about.
I live in St. Clair Estates on the north end of Chatham, where the most used access is onto a very busy section of St. Clair Street. Although fairly north, the speed limit remains 50 km/h at this site. Very few drivers adhere to that speed limit; I would guess most are doing 70 km/h by the time they reach my neighbourhood.
This is a problem on several levels.
First, most residents of my neighbourhood are seniors and therefore very cautious, low-risk-taking drivers, if you know what I mean. They struggle turning left onto St. Clair Street on the best of days. I, being one of the younger residents, will pull out into traffic, so long as I know drivers have time enough to slow down, albeit begrudgingly; most seniors will not, and this can cause quite a back-up at times.
Second, a standoff situation often exists as residents from Maryknoll Road attempt to access the highway just across and slightly down, but opposite from where we are.
Third, in season, traffic from DeGooey’s nursery is also struggling to access the roadway, often inching out far enough to be a visual barrier.
I’m amazed there haven’t been more accidents here. If drivers would please observe the posted speed limit on St. Clair, it would make our lives so much easier and safer.
My next issue is parking lot etiquette, especially at the Great Canadian Superstore. I pull in at the gas bar entrance, turn left and drive in the designated lane ways where there are no painted lines indicating parking. I signal when changing direction, applying the same rules that we use on the road. This method is safe for both of us.
When someone speeds across the lot on an angle, ignoring any and all painted markings or rules; their unpredictable pattern puts us all at risk.
Let’s all stay safe this holiday season shall we?
Mary Charron
Chatham
