I’m sure it was just a coincidence.
Back in June, I wrote about the lack of lane markings at several intersections throughout town, opining that the absence of directional arrows on the pavement or signs hanging from the signal lights made traffic flow more problematic than it needed to be.
I made specific reference to the intersection near the police station at Southridge Drive and Woodhaven Drive where things can go off the rails quite easily because drivers aren’t all on the same page on whether the left lane is only for those turning or can also be used by those going straight through.
I’ve been writing a column in community newspapers for quite a few years now and over that time I’ve made countless suggestions for ways I think things could be improved. Some are relatively cheap, or perhaps have no cost whatsoever, while others would require a significant cash outlay.
In my short time here in Okotoks, I’ve made recommendations on everything from deer fencing to pathway lines, from creating swimming holes along the river to recognizing golden lawns that haven’t seen a sprinkler. The suggestions have run the gamut, but they’ve all had one thing in common: they haven’t been acted upon.
After years of getting such reaction, I’m used to the cold shoulder and certainly don’t take any offence to having my ideas being overlooked, having learned long ago that just because you think something should be done in a certain way doesn’t mean others feel the same. And even if they do, what’s being suggested might not be feasible for a variety of reasons, monetary or otherwise.
So, when my wife came home from running errands a couple of weeks back to declare that directional arrows had been painted on the pavement at the intersection I had written about, I couldn’t help but smile.
As I mentioned at the outset, this may well just be a coincidence; there might not be any connection between that June column and the decision to paint lane markings at that one particular intersection in September. I haven’t noticed arrows added anywhere else lately but, who knows, maybe they’ll be coming soon before the poor weather takes hold.
Speaking of the intersection in question, I have to say it’s nice to have that certainty when it comes to drivers’ intentions. Now when I see a vehicle in the left lane without a turn signal, I know it’s making the turn rather than be left wondering if the turn signal isn’t on because it’s coming through the intersection.
Regardless of how the arrows came about, they’ve made traffic flow safer. Now they just need to be expanded to similar intersections around town.