Walter Piehl, Minot

Surprised … You shouldn’t be. Another two people killed on Highway 52 between Velva and Sawyer. No matter what the reason, one vehicle crossed the center line. With intense traffic, the chances of a head-on collision are increased exponentially. For whatever reason the N.D. Highway Department is not forthcoming with the their numbers of traffic (cars, semi-trucks, farm implements), accidents and fatal accidents on Highway 52.

Through comparison to other highways those statistics would show the real dangers of 52. Has the Highway Department been coerced into not being up front with their assessments compared to other high volume highways by legislators who don’t want to spend our budget surplus? A horrible rumor!

Remember, we are scheduled for major highway impacts with the U.S.A.F. missile upgrades in the next few years that truly will impact 52 even more. It is in the thick of the missile field and a main corridor for their convoys.

A half-assed bandaid solution for 52, passing and turning lanes, paid for mostly by the federal government, just so we can save a giant budget surplus is no excuse for not doing the right thing on this killer highway. It can never be too late to change a plan and upgrade where highway safety is concerned.

Wake up, Minot legislators, and be “WOKE” to highway safety and less concerned with gender pronouns.