Tracy Press

I just read the story about the accident on the Altamont that cost the passenger of the motorcycle her life, and I have to say the anger I saw was discouraging. I have loved motorcycles since I was a tot, and I accept the risk I put myself into every time I ride, and share the road with others, because I love my bike. While it is unfortunate that a life was lost, and that someone else's negligence cost that life, it needs to be mentioned that she was right where she wanted to be... ON THE BIKE.
It sounds as though the man who was responsible for the accident will be stored in one of our prison's very shortly. It also sounds as though that is where he belongs.
I do think this situation points out the need for a passing lane in that section of roadway, as it is very clear that whether it is legal or not, people will continue to pass other drivers. I know the expense will be high, but what expense is incurred in airlifting accident victims from this area? I know that I see trucks traveling this roadway, in order to escape the wind the freeway has, or to reach the landfill. They usually travel at a slow speed, safe for them, but frustrating to commuters. I wonder why the option of a passing lane has not been explored...

I think a better solution - and one that is way more practical - is for people to obey the existing traffic laws. There's a speed limit on that road for a reason and there are no passing lanes because there just isn't any place to put one - it's a windy road with very short visibility.

I was being realistic. I think the history of that roadway shows that whether it is legal to pass or not, harried commuters will continue to do so, putting themselves & oncoming traffic in harm's way.

I agree, in a perfect world, people would obey speed limits and posted traffic laws. Sadly, they do not, and the fatalities and injuries on that stretch of road continue to add up.

Not all of the individuals passing are speeding though. I have seen people pass trucks, travelling well under the speed limit, out of frustration at the slow speed of travel down the road. I have wished I could get around trucks losing material from their load onto the roadway.

The argument about blind turns and narrow roads doesn't ring true. Mountain passes throughout this area have passing lanes, and they are far more dangerous a roadway then the Grantline Rd route. Since this is an active commuter corridor, allowing those who are in a hurry a safe alternative seems reasonable