The Observer Newspapers | Letter:Traffic is More than Just High School Problem

April 3, 2008

Traffic is More than Just High School Problem

For many years parents like myself who have driven our children to school have experienced a variety of concerns and near misses with other drivers. I have experienced parents, Herndon High School staff and teen drivers making illegal left turns into the high school so as not to get stuck at the light again, speeding and cutting in without following the rules of the road.

I have experienced parents, staff and young drivers blocking intersections to avoid being stuck in traffic for an extra minute of two. I have experienced people yelling, various hand gestures and horn blowing. No one wants to let the buses leave out in the mornings. Some walkers, skateboard riders and bike riders are just as bad. But the high school is not alone in the problem. Driving courtesy does not exist anymore. We are all in too much of a hurry.

We all know the area is crowded in the mornings and afternoons. Relax. Prepare for it. Go earlier to avoid traffic and in the afternoons, go later. Just 5 minutes can make a huge difference. A traffic study needs to be done, but it needs to be done right. The first plan of action would be to attend the April 9 meeting at Herndon High at 6 p.m. to discuss your concerns.

Personally I think many of us just need to plan better, leave earlier or later and just be a courteous driver. Walkers need to be more aware as well. We can all share the road.

Becky Field-Ross

Herndon