More death and destruction on U.S. 95

I was deeply saddened to hear that Joni Zantow's life was cut short in a fatal auto accident in Carywood. Though I did not know her, I understand she was a wonderful woman and that her loved ones are deeply mourning their loss. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ms. Zantow died while driving southbound on U.S. Highway 95, apparently losing control due to the icy winter conditions, ending up in the northbound lane where she was struck by an SUV.

That Ms. Zantow's southbound vehicle crossed into the northbound lane is what killed her. Preventing the “cross-over” accident is the single most important safety feature of a modern highway which contains either a generous median, median barriers, or both.

Should the Sand Creek Byway be built in its present configuration you can rest assured there will be more deaths like Joni's on U.S. 95. Families will cry their eyes out while burying their loved ones in a box in cold hard ground of North Idaho. The key difference is that deaths on the byway will have been completely preventable.

Unfortunately, the engineering team that is bringing you the $115 million byway project has chosen to completely ignore both firmly established national highway design standards and their primary obligation as registered professional engineers to make public safety their highest priority.

These people will do anything to build this highway their way, even if it means killing your sons, daughters and grandchildren. Their actions are unconscionable and they know it.

STEVE POTTER

Sandpoint