On Friday night about 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 this year my wife and I were almost killed. We were stopped on Highway 29 in front of Hidden Valley Lake's "old main gate" waiting to turn left into Hidden Valley Lake to go home.

Suddenly a drunk driver, speeding 80 to 100 mph in a truck, crashed into us from behind on the passenger side and put us into a spin into oncoming traffic, where we collided with another truck, totaling our vehicle. Five years ago our daughter was "T-boned" at that same intersection by another drunk driver. Thankfully we are all alive and not severely physically disabled.

 

I have been in contact with Ed Robey, our current District 1 Supervisor, regarding getting some warning signs or flashing "oncoming intersection" signals posted. I was told by Ed that our intersection is scheduled to receive widening and/or turning lane upgrades sometime after spring of 2008 and that he had no other ideas on what else he could do.

 

In my opinion, that is too long and there's always something that can be done. People's lives are at stake every day on our highly traveled roads and something needs to be done now about unsafe intersections on Highway 29. How much can a solar-powered flashing warning signal cost? I'm sure there is money in the county or state budget somewhere to put up some kind of warning signals soon for everyone's safety. Accidents occur at our location on almost a monthly basis and I sincerely hope (yet seriously doubt) that my family is the last to be affected by this unsafe intersection. Another year is too long to wait and one life spared would be well worth the cost and effort of a few warning signals.

 

If public safety is a "genuine" concern of the supervisors then what are we waiting for?

 

Please contact Ed Robey and the other Lake County supervisors to show your support for more expedient action at the dangerous intersection of Hidden Valley Lake and Highway 29 or any other unsafe locations in our county. Contact Robey at 707-263-2368, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.co.lake.ca.us.

 

With your support, together we can make things happen. Public safety is one of my No. 1 concerns.

PS – Never drink and drive and please buckle up for safety.

 

Scott Fergusson lives in Hidden Valley Lake.

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