Dear Editor:
I feel there is potential for a serious motor vehicle accident in the very near future at the corner of Main Street in downtown Osoyoos where it connects with Park Place and Spartan Drive.
I would suggest that the northbound section of Main Street, in front of the Watermark Hotel, be divided into two lanes, with the curb lane being designated as right turn only and the left lane designated for straight through traffic or left turns.
Often drivers intending to go right through the intersection onto Spartan Drive will move to the right side of the road when traffic is slowed down when the left signal is off.
I have seen situations where there were near collisions between a vehicle trying to get the jump on other traffic and a vehicle in the left lane intending to go straight onto Spartan Drive.
Sometimes the driver on the right seems to speed up, causing a hazard for any driver southbound on Spartan Drive who is intending to make a left turn down Park Place.
This is especially dangerous when the driver is watching the oncoming lane for vehicles wishing to come straight through or not expecting someone to slide past the curb side of the regular traffic lineup.
Since the road is not divided, it is my feeling that it is probably contrary to the Motor Vehicle Act to move down to the right of regular traffic.
I have seen too many close calls at this intersection and I hope something is done soon before there is a serious incident that results in someone getting hurt badly.
All you have to do is spend a few minutes observing traffic flow at this particular intersection to know exactly why I’m so concerned.
Mike de Salaberry
Osoyoos, B.C.
