Editor,

Since this latest tragic accident at Broadway Street and State Highway 20 in Coupeville, there’s been a lot of talk on social media about placing a stoplight there to make the intersection safer.

I beg to differ. These accidents are not happening due to a lack of a stoplight, nor due to speed. You can lower the speed even more and throw up a second costly and ridiculous flashing sign but it will be to no avail. Nor are these accidents age-related.

It appears this latest accident was caused by a 16-year-old girl. Remember the last mishap at this same intersection was caused by a 78-year-old man. These accidents are happening simply because of inattentiveness. Over 25 years ago, while stopped at a red light, my car was slammed into twice by two drivers who simply didn’t notice I was stopped.

A stoplight didn’t stop their inattentiveness any more than it saved me from terrible injuries. How often do we hear “I didn’t see the other car, motorcycle, bicyclist, pedestrian…”?

Installing a stoplight would only increase traffic and congestion in that area, and the more traffic and congestion and cars, the more likely another accident will occur. You’ll also have the clowns who will try to ‘beat the light’ causing unsafe conditions. It’s also unlikely the State will readily agree to pay for a stoplight within just a few hundred feet of another stoplight.

So for sake of keeping everyone safe: Put down your phone. Stop fiddling with the radio. Try to eat before you get in your car, and pay more attention to the road, and what you and those driving around you are doing than you do to the conversation with your passenger. If you really have to yell at your kids, find a safe place to stop and pull over. The life you save may just be your own.

Luanne Raavel

Coupeville