Letter: Speed limit too high for safety

I am writing to you as a very concerned citizen. Our facility is located at Barringer-Foreman Road and Airline Highway. We have been located here since Thanksgiving Day 1955.

Over the years, we have seen the traffic grow at a phenomenal pace.

More recently, the traffic has become very heavy.

My concern is this: Why is the speed limit on a very congested section of Airline Highway posted at 65 mph?

On an almost daily basis, we hear tires squealing from inside of our offices, and we cringe awaiting the sound of crashing vehicles. Just the other day, we heard this and looked outside and a truck was upside down in the ditch.

With the speed limit at 70 mph on the interstate systems, 60 in congested areas, why in this world would anyone post 65 mph in an area where people are pulling out of their residential driveways and businesses? The interstate systems have none of this to contend with.

Further, why is the speed limit on Highland Road, between Airline and I-10, 55 mph? It makes no sense at all.

It appears DOTD is creating the opportunity for vehicular accidents, as opposed to their main purpose which is to reduce vehicular accidents.

Jeff Kleinpeter, president

Kleinpeter Farms Dairy

Baton Rouge

Comments

1) Comment by Being_Stupid - 07/12/2012

"I can't drive 55" - Sammy Hagar

2) Comment by Politivore - 07/12/2012

I'm still trying to figure out the hilariously low speed limit on Bluebonnet between Burbank and Nicholson. I guess they're anticipating more development?

3) Comment by Hello Baton Rouge - 07/12/2012

I'd like to add that just because the speed limit says 50 doesn't mean anyone is going to go 50. Get out on the 3 lane stretch of interstate where its 60 and go 60. See how long it is before you get rear ended and forced off the road.

4) Comment by Being_Stupid - 07/12/2012

Abolish speed limits.

5) Comment by gary - 07/12/2012

I agree, the speed limit from Baton Rouge city limits to Sorrento needs to be 50mph - too many businesses and residental streets in that stretch for 65mph. Very congested and most of it in bad shape.