The death(s) will probably take place at Microl intersection. It will occur between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. It will happen because one vehicle will be going one way and will collide with another vehicle making a left turn. It will be very sad especially if children are involved.
It will happen because our Department of Public Safety simply cannot understand the importance of having traffic cops directing traffic when the traffic lights go out at the Microl intersection and at other intersections.
The excuses are the usual —taya salape, taya personnel. We are expected to believe that getting traffic cops in place is as difficult as supplying consistent power, drinkable water 24 hours a day, treating the sewage or balancing the budget. It is not that difficult.
Since our executive branch seems to be bewildered, let me make some suggestions. Every morning at 7:55 a.m., a cop should be at the Microl intersection ready to direct traffic when the lights go out. How hard is that? Need some personnel? Drag the detectives away from solving all those receiving stolen property crimes and have them direct traffic an hour a day. It’ll be good exercise for them. Need more help? Ask for and train some volunteers.
It is a miracle that no one has died yet. It took eight deaths before a barrier was erected at the 1,000-foot curve in Sadog Tasi. How many will it take before DPS realizes that directing traffic is a matter of public safety? Ignore it and it will be “welcome to the funeral.” The family members of the deceased will not treat the people responsible with respect.
KENNETH L. GOVENDO
Superior Court Judge
