Summer is winding down and the fall is approaching, when schools are back in session and most sports and volunteer organizations are busy, resuming their normal schedules of activity, not to mention the agricultural community is ramping up for a busy
Summer is winding down and the fall is approaching, when schools are back in session and most sports and volunteer organizations are busy, resuming their normal schedules of activity, not to mention the agricultural community is ramping up for a busy harvest season.
It is precisely at this time of year that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and experience levels need to be alert and vigilant for the others using the roadways and highways of the region, and within towns and the city of Weyburn, those using the streets, particularly in the vicinity of schools.
Within the town and city boundaries, school buses will be busy picking up and dropping off young children going to and from school, and after enjoying two months off for their summer break, some children are excited to be going back to the classroom and may not necessarily be thinking about the safety of running out into the street. Thus, motorists have to be ever watchful for quick small bodies dashing out from around buses or cars or SUVs as they're dropped off at school, or near their homes after school.
Out on the highways and grid roads of the area, there are some areas where motorists need to be alert also; two intersections come to mind (and there are probably more that need to be considered too), namely the intersection of Highways 13 and 39, with the sharp angle for motorists heading west and connecting up with Highway 39; and the intersection of Highways 6 and 13 near Pangman.
The latter intersection doesn't have any weird angles, but there are elevation changes that might startle a motorist who is not familiar with the layout of the land around that intersection. Certainly the attention of motorists must be a factor, as seen with the recent tragedy that occurred there with three vehicles involved in a bad collision, resulting in to two deaths, and three taken to hospital with injuries.
There is a point of view that motor vehicle "accidents" really aren't accidental, but are preventable. Depending on such factors as the weather, visibility and road conditions, that may be true to a certain extent; if a motorist is alert and watchful, and practises defensive and safe driving techniques, they may be able to prevent collisions or other accidents from occurring, and thereby save lives and injuries.
Where ever life takes you this fall, be alert and keep safe, in town or out on the highway. - Greg Nikkel
