Photos highlight safety issue (8/18/05)

The photographs make their case.

One local resident, concerned about the safety at traffic intersections, got out his camera and set to work.

The results should give city officials, property owners, and the city’s insurance carrier pause.

What do the photos show? Stop signs hidden by tree branches, stop signs almost swallowed up by evergreens, and bushes obscuring vision of oncoming traffic.

For city officials, the situation can be delicate to handle. After all, while the signs are in the public right of way, no one is eager to start pruning trees and bushes on private property.

But when it comes to potential liability in the event of a traffic accident, the problem is very real indeed.

What’s needed, we’d suggest, is a little private-public cooperation. Folks whose property has bushes or trees that block signs for visibility ought to take the first step, bringing out the pruning shears and clippers.

The city ought to provide a nudge where it’s needed as well, since any lawsuit would likely target the deepest pockets available and that’s usually those of local government.

Next week’s 40th annual Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association show provides the perfect impetus to take on the job as soon as possible, before thousands of visitors arrive for the festivities.

Let’s welcome them with a safer — and well-pruned — community. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]