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Letter to the editor

Frontage road right-of-way decisions flummox drivers

Dr. Delay Navigating South Pinellas

By Lorrie Lykins, Times Correspondent
Published December 9, 2007

The frontage or service roads bordering Tyrone Boulevard are the topic of many e-mails we receive, especially this time of year when traffic into stores and restaurants is up.

A reader writes: "What I have seen since I moved to the neighborhood off of 68th Street three years ago is mass confusion by drivers regarding who has the right of way - drivers on Tyrone Boulevard, 68th Street or the service road.

"One problem I see is that the stop sign at each intersection of the service road has no information other than 'stop.'

"Shouldn't it be more informative such as 'yield to all other traffic,' or 'look all directions before continuing,' or something that would help assist drivers?"

The reader also notes that although the purpose of frontage roads is to allow local traffic to patronize businesses without impeding the flow of traffic on the adjacent road, it seems that motorists are using the service roads to avoid traffic lights.

We checked in with Kris Carson of the Florida Department of Transportation. He said no additional signs should be required. Drivers on the frontage road must pay attention to the vehicles around them.

Carson said aDOT crash history for this intersection shows no crashes involving this particular frontage road during the past four years. The bottom line for motorists is to be extra alert to traffic entering and exiting the frontage roads, especially during the holiday season.

U.S. 19 crossings

Pedestrians are often the cause of danger on road

Speaking of being extra alert, we know that pedestrians have a tough timecrossing many area thoroughfares.

But the danger isn't always the fault of motorists.

The Doc has recently encountered pedestrians running across U.S. 19, especially near the Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The number of crosswalks on U.S. 19 are limited, and it's understandable that pedestrians may not want to walk a half mile or more out of their way in order to cross at a designated crosswalk.

But it's startling to see so many pedestrians, especially with young children in tow, sprinting across multiple lanes at night.

Motorists just are not expecting to see pedestrians in the road.

This has occurred six out of the past seven times I've driven U.S. 19 in the Maximo area in the past month.

54th avenue N

Readers call the crossing near Park Street a mess

According to readers, the pedestrian crossing on 54th Avenue N near Park Street is a mess, too.

One reader told me that slowing down for pedestrians is often accompanied by the risk of being rear-ended by a bonehead who is following too closely.

Reader Ray Kent writes: "The other night I noticed someone at the curb, and I had lots of time to stop. But as the pedestrian was crossing in front of my car, another car passed me."

Kent said that only good fortune and quick-thinking on the part of the pedestrian, who darted out of harm's way, averted a tragedy.

This time of year we all need to ramp up our awareness on the road.It's darker earlier, it's tourist season and many visitors are unfamiliar with the area.

So be patient, and get through the holidays without a trip to the emergency room. Or worse.

Until next week, happy and safe motoring!

Please share your traffic concerns, comments and questions with Dr. Delay via e-mail at docdelay@yahoo.com.

[Last modified December 8, 2007, 22:24:12]