Trim branches so that drivers can see signs

When is the city of Sandpoint going to come to its senses and realize that public safety is more important than saving a few limbs on its tree lined streets?

There are many intersections in town where the stop signs only become apparent to an alert driver as he or she is about to enter the intersection. The signs are effectively blocked by overhanging limbs and efforts to remove them by the city maintenance crews are more often than not thwarted by the City Council in response to the complaint of an adjoining property owner.

A traffic control device is virtually useless if a reasonable person exercising due care can not see the device in time to understand the message and take the required action. While it may be possible to make an emergency stop on dry pavement, the stopping distance increases dramatically when the street is wet or snow covered. The effect is to put motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists at risk of serious injury to save a few limbs on a tree.

It is time for the City Council to exercise its responsibilities for the operation and maintenance of its street system. This includes the responsibility to ensure that all of the traffic control devices are clearly visible to the users of its streets whether on foot, bicycle or operating a motor vehicle. The alternative is to risk litigation arising from injury and property damage accidents directly attributable to its failure to maintain sight distances for its traffic control devices.

RICHARD F. CREED

Sandpoint