To the Editor:

Traffic has been a focus of concern in Killingworth for a long time now and views are almost as varied as our citizens. I actually spent some time at two busy intersections talking to drivers during the recent “Drive the Limit Challenge” sponsored by Killingworth Today and the Krier. About 25% knew about the limit, another 20% noticed others driving slower without knowing why, and the remaining 55% were carrying on as usual. Now that the dust has settled and we have had a week to reflect on our own experiences, as well as read the comments of many of our neighbors, we need to evaluate what we've learned.

With new roads, improved old roads, and modern vehicles, whether you want to or not, it is nearly impossible to maintain a speed of 25mph. I believe these low limits actually discourage law abiding folks from following them.  Even some of the participants that did 25mph last Monday acknowledged that they normally drive a little faster and probably went right back to their old habits. While I am certainly not proposing speeding, I think limits that are too low also put our enforcement officials between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

I have, over the years, literally driven hundreds of thousands of miles on Killingworth's thoroughfares. As First Selectman, I will work through the BOS to commission a thorough, professional traffic study of our speed limits, sight lines, and related issues. I will engage the state in reviewing their roads as well. Similar studies in neighboring towns have resulted in positive changes.

The current plan, unilaterally adopted by the First Selectman, to put up  four way stop signs at the Green Hill/ River Road intersection is precipitous to say the least. There may be as many cons as pros about it. The topography and sight lines at the intersection are complicated. Collaborative BOS planning, together with the input of experts, should be the first steps in an effort to mitigate the dangers of the intersection.

Meantime, folks, respecting each other on the roads will make us all safer now.

Rick Albrecht