Be aware and drive safely on roadway

I have just come from the home of Kathy Ginter. What I found there tore my heart out.

You see Kathy was the matriarch of a large loving family. She was tragically killed in traffic accident just down the highway from where she and her extended family lived. She had gone to buy flowers to plant at her newly remodeled home and never made it back.

Hug your family members because you never know when you may lose them.

I’m sad for the family, but I’m angry at the way Highway 95 has been allowed to become a death trap for local drivers and visitors alike.

When I see the millions of dollars spent to make the Kootenai County section into a divided highway, I’m appalled that some money hasn’t been spent up north.

Some of the blame goes to the state for the way they have allowed the road to be designed. Most goes to those that drive this section from the Bonner County line to the Canadian border. It is deceivingly dangerous. The speed limit is 60 mph most of the way, but almost all of the vehicles are traveling near 70.

If you combine the fact that most of the separation between oncoming lanes is just a double yellow line, you get a fatality rate that’s off the charts. It’s amazing how many wrecks are caused by inattentive drivers failing to see cars signaling and braking to turn of the highway.

Please folks, if you drive Highway 95 north, don’t be the next victim.

DAN MIMMACK

Sandpoint