SAFETY AT 61/I-55

One of the most congested traffic corridors in the area is U.S. 61 between Cape Girardeau and Jackson. It shouldn't be surprising that the route's junction with Interstate 55 has its share of accidents.

The U.S. 61/I-55 intersection is ranked the second worst for accidents by the Cape Girardeau Police Department, trailing only the I-55/Route K interchange for the dubious honor. From Oct. 1 last year to Sept. 30 this year there were 34 accidents at the U.S. 61 junction, 11 resulting in injuries.

The most recent accident at the intersection -- a crash that claimed the life of a 27-year-old Cape Girardeau man -- prompts the need to consider ways to make the situation safer.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Department has studied the site, seeking ways to make it safer long before the fatal accident. Officials insist the layout is OK. Problems stem from the number of cars going through the intersection at high rates of speed.

Most motorists drive 60 to 65 mph on U.S. 61, exceeding the 55 mph speed limit. It isn't likely that simply lowering the speed limit will deter drivers without 24-hour police surveillance.

Improvements have been made to the median so motorists can better see approaching traffic as they exit from the interstate. Last summer a hill west of the interstate was removed between the north- and southbound lanes of U.S. 61.

Other ways to improve safety there are in the works. But the potential solutions have drawbacks.

For example, traffic lights would slow traffic, and with the two median strips -- only a few cars can fit in the medians between the lanes of traffic -- it is difficult to coordinate twice the number of signal lights.

The highway department also is considering the installation of rumble strips on the I-55 exit ramps to alert drivers of the approaching stop signs.

Ultimately, though, the responsibility rests with drivers. It is too easy to take for granted a well-travelled route, regardless of the potential risks. Instead, commuter traffic needs to slow down and remain alert when going through the intersection. The risks of injuries or death from a momentary lapse in concentration are too great.

In 1989, 1990 and 1991 there were only three injury accidents at I-55 and U.S. 61. In the past three years, though, there have been 25 injury accidents at the intersection.

The latest claimed the life of a young man whose truck rolled repeatedly after another driver apparently failed to yield the right of way before pulling into the truck's path.

Such tragedies can be averted with a little more attentiveness and caution, particularly from local drivers aware of the inherent risks from a congested intersection of two four-lane highways.