It’s Time to Enhance Safety Measures at Terhune-Jefferson Intersection
To the Editor:
Sarah Rous’ letter [Mailbox, September 25] about a near miss at the Terhune-Jefferson intersection confirms what those of us who live in this area already know — it is a dangerous intersection. However, it is not correct that for drivers traveling west on Terhune there are no sightline issues. A large sycamore right at the corner blocks a driver’s view of traffic on the right (uphill). The other direction is even worse. For drivers going east on Terhune, the view to the left (uphill) is blocked by overgrown shrubbery. It is necessary to inch up right into the lane of oncoming traffic to see whether there is any oncoming traffic. Most cars traveling on Jefferson in this direction have come off Route 206 and many are traveling at a relatively high rate of speed. Having lived nearby for many years, I’ve witnessed two accidents at this corner, heard others, and seen the debris left by even more.
Over the years, improvements have been made: larger stop signs, “STOP” and stripes painted in the road, and signs saying that the cross traffic (on Jefferson) does not stop. The accidents and near misses have continued. Rather than installing yet more attention-getting devices, It’s time to enhance safety by taking the simple steps of cutting down the tree and pruning the bushes so that drivers can see oncoming traffic. Meanwhile, drivers and cyclists beware.