At Risk in West Boca!
by Debbie Umbdenstock
I have resided in West Boca since 1988, and since that time I have witnessed a major increase of residents, visitors and, most importantly, traffic. In recent times, the traffic violations seem to have reached widespread proportions.
The county can make all the rules it desires. However, they will not work unless they are enforced. The lack of enforcement is a major issue for all of us who have to get in a car and drive. I think we have all witnessed cars making right turns from left lanes, the brazen running of red lights and people who honk at you when you stop for a yellow light, or even a red one. I assume we have all been a victim of people who honk at you when you stop for a red light and then go around you and blatantly run that light, or those who pass you on the shoulder of the road. The list of infractions goes on and on. Many such drivers seem to think that the "Rules of the Road" only apply to others, not to them. I am not sure why some people think that they are above the law.
I know many others in West Boca feel as I do -- once we get on the road we are taking our lives in our hands. I believe we need not only better law enforcement, but more of it. I think we are all well aware of the speed traps that are set up in front of Albertsons as you head south on 441, but more law enforcement is needed at the traffic lights themselves. More police cars positioned discretely to observe violators are also needed. Cameras at lights are a wonderful idea, and have worked in many other parts of the country.
On the majority of the roads in West Boca, cars pass you like you are standing still. The "Crotch Rockets" own the road and fly past you doing at least 60 to 70 miles an hour if not more.
Our taxes have increased dramatically over the last few years, but speaking for myself, I have not yet seen the benefits of these increases. It is evident that tax money is not going to law enforcement.
Living in West Boca is like living in the Wild West, when there was only one marshall for an enormous territory. Perhaps a sign needs to be posted as you enter West Boca that says "Enter at your own Risk!"
Permalink | Share:
Comments
What about cameras to catch speeders? This has worked in other areas. I agree the speed traps to catch people going 10-15 miles over the speed limit appear to be nothing more than a revenue generator for the county sherriff's office. The real problem is late at night on Glades, Yamato and Palmetto Park Road. Cameras installed would decrease cost, generate income and help to target the chronic speeders.
Posted by: Jim Cox | November 12, 2007 11:35 AM
The problems that you vent in the blog are not unique to West Boca. I have experienced much the same all over Southeast Florida. Miami drivers are even worse.
Posted by: West Boca Gal | November 20, 2007 9:50 AM
Debbie, your expectations are unrealistic. At any given time, there are about 60 police officers on duty with thousands of cars from residents and those traveling through the area. If we all signed the back of our paychecks each week and handed them over to the Police Department so they could hire more, it still wouldn't be enough.
Fundamentally, whatever happened to personal responsibility? Whatever happened to leaving early so you won't have to speed? What happened to paying attention while on the road? I have a game I play when I drive. How many cars does it take to find one where the driver isn't on the phone?
The only time most people realize that they're controlling a deadly weapon on the road is when they kill someone or are laying flowers on a roadside shrine for someone they've lost.
Posted by: busyinboca | November 30, 2007 11:36 PM
It's more like at risk in the entire US when it comes to driving in urban areas. The state is considering passing a law to prevent teenagers from talking on the phone when driving. My questions is, why just teenagers? I don't know how many times a day I pass people on the highway talking on phones, not watching their mirrors, changing lanes, not using signals, one hand on the phone with the other steering, sitting at a stoplight in a conversation not paying attention to when the light changes. Cell phones are a major distraction to all drivers. Though the biggest offenders are probably teenagers, if a law is passed, then it should be for everyone, not just teenagers.
Posted by: Ed Strife | December 5, 2007 8:39 AM
I thought I was the only one who observed all these road violations!! Glad to see I don't stand alone in being appalled by drivers in S. FL. It's ridiculous that people in general seem to care only for themselves. Shame on all you rude, intolerant, self-centered, haphazard, cell phone-user drivers!! SHAME!!
Posted by: another1inBoca | December 13, 2007 6:57 PM
How about the large numbers of elderly drivers who are past the age of competence?
You've all seen them, the ones who are driving 10-12 MPH below the speed limit in the laft lane because their depth perception has degraded to the point that they really cannot see well, even with glasses.
Or the folks who just *had* to get some gigantic SUV or pickup, only to find that they can barely control it?
And here's my personal favorite: someone gets tired of driving behind someone else driving slowly, and they change lanes, and then just sit there, thereby clogging two out of three lanes, and creating a choke point on the road for others. Of course they never are involved in the accidents they cause....
Posted by: Peter | December 29, 2007 12:47 AM
People in South Florida only care about themselves. You can think all you want that people are nice, but the sooner you become one of us the sooner you will get on with your life here or elsewhere.
Posted by: BocaGlades | January 17, 2008 1:49 PM
Cameras are not the answer!
As mature people we need to be above those who are ignorant. Protect yourselves by paying attention when driving, anticipate and give yourself an out. Give yourself every opportunity to not be involved in an accident.
Observe the laws and drive according to road conditions, ie: just because the speed limit is 50, that doesn't mean you can go 50 when the road is wet from rain or traffic is heavy.
Check your vehicle for tire wear, make sure all your lights are working, make sure you have good wiper blades, and use your headlights when it's raining. Just because you can see without them doesn't mean others see you.
My job requires me to drive locally a lot and I see more stupid stuff in one day than a lot of folks will see in a month.
Like the person said earlier...personal responsibility...use it.
Accidents are what they are and can happen anywhere, anytime, but give yourself a chance to avoid one from happening.
Talk to the kids regularly about driving responsibly.
Leave 5 minutes earlier, avoid distractions, know what's going on ALL around you and know where you're going. Let the traffic pass you. Keep traffic in front so you can see what's going on. Maintain a safe speed. It is also dangerous to be overly cautious.
Posted by: Bootz | February 2, 2008 8:19 AM
Debbie, I agree 100% with your blog. My parents routinely walk over to my place, crossing at Yamato and Second Avenue. On nearly a weekly basis there is a fatal accident at that intersection. Where are the police enforcing the law? 6-point ticket for running a red light? People that run red lights should never drive again. What about laws against "through traffic?" I disagree with the other posts here, it is completely reasonable to expect law enforcement to do their jobs and enforce the law. And it's not elderly drivers...it's people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who think that speed limits and traffic rules don't apply to them. It's a cacophony of people blowing their horns for fun. And it's only in South Florida...where I come from in the midwest U-Turns are illegal!
Posted by: Jake | April 8, 2008 8:17 PM