Drivers head west on Interstate 70 near Genesee on July 1, 2011. (RJ Sangosti, Denver Post file)
Re: Legislature should take a pass on mountain-driving bill, Jan. 21 editorial.
Your editorial opposed Sen. Mike Merrifield s bill that seeks to correct the issue of slow-moving traffic on two-lane mountain roads. The trend seems to be against onerous new government intrusion into our lives and I understand that.
Perhaps you should have at least suggested signs that advise these slow-moving drivers to voluntarily pull off at the earliest safe spot. Washington state in fact has a law that calls for this, and their mountain roads include pullouts at many trouble spots. Any driver who, by his slow driving, causes five cars to build up behind him is subject to a fine.
Most mountain drivers have at one time or another been caught behind these drivers who are either inconsiderate or clueless about the issue. If the road is unpaved (the west side of Cottonwood Pass is a good example), the problem causes drivers to take risks in overtaking these cars and, in fact, is a safety issue.
Yes, pass on this bill — but how about some strategically placed signs? Then all Colorado drivers are winners.
Ric Rivera, Centennial
This letter was published in the Jan. 26 edition.
