EDITORIAL: STAY SAFE OUT THERE
Freeman Police Chief Scott Brewer and the city of Freeman are correct to assess speed control in this town, but it’s also up to individuals to take responsibility to be careful out there — especially during these busy summer months.
Earlier this month Freeman Police Chief Scott Brewer and the Freeman City Council agreed to assess where speed limit signs are located within city limits — more specifically, where they are not. They also agreed that the process should include a reevaluation of what those speed limits are — more specifically, what they should be.
All of this is prudent.
Generally speaking, people drive too fast in Freeman. Vehicles regularly exceed the speed limit on stretches of road like Main Street, where people are pulling out of parking stalls or crossing the street, and on side streets where several blocks pass without a yield or stop sign posted at an intersection to slow traffic. The fact is, this community is lucky there aren’t more vehicle-pedestrian accidents than there are.
Brewer and city officials are absolutely correct to take a closer look at traffic control in Freeman, and the timing couldn’t be better. With spring here, school out and the summer months right around the corner, that means more children will be out and about riding bikes to the pool, across town to a friends’ house, or playing in their yard, where someone might be included to chase after a stray ball that finds its way into the street without even thinking about oncoming traffic.
The city should take into consideration how fast people are driving and the number of children who are out and about when studying speed control in Freeman.
But it’s also up to the public — and families with children — to be more careful.
Drivers, there’s nowhere you have to get in such a hurry that it risks injury — or the life — of a pedestrian. Defensive driving is one of the safest things you can do behind the wheel, and that includes looking out for other vehicles and pedestrians.
Parents with children, have a conversation about safety on the streets — to watch out for cars. And a reminder is probably in order for youth and adults alike that walkers should walk on the left side of the road and bikers should ride on the right.
Meanwhile, the city of Freeman should work quickly to assess the speed limits, where signs should be placed and act accordingly. As Chief Brewer told the city council on May 3, how can drivers observe the speed limits if signs aren’t properly posted?
Summertime is almost here. That’s a good thing. And it once again serves as a reminder that the increased activity around town means we all need to slow down and look around. Lives may depend on it.
Stay safe out there.
Jeremy Waltner | Editor & Publisher
