Drivers: Slow Down and Enjoy the Oaks

Re “Council to Decide Fate of 4 Old Oaks,” Sept. 22: Widening the road and smoothing the turn may increase the number of accidents at this problem intersection, as the more open sight lines and less-intimidating approach will encourage faster driving by those approaching the new curve. And engineers admit they haven’t bothered trying to post signs or warning lights on the downhill portion of the road where the problem occurs.

Are we being stupid here, or what? Cut down the oaks, reconfigure a local roadway as a speedway, and expect that people will just naturally slow down? Instead, narrow the road uphill from the oaks, install a center divider to provide further visual narrowing (and a modest measure of protection from lane-drifters) and put in warning signs. Maybe revoke a liquor license or two as well; city engineer Rand Disko said a sober driver going the speed limit should have no trouble making the bend around the trees.

Richard Risemberg

Los Angeles