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The Dangers of Broad and Rugar
Classes have already begun at Plattsburgh State and in a few days younger students will be walking to and from school. Hopefully we will all be driving carefully. One thing that really irks me is when drivers don't follow the 20-mile-per-hour limit in school zones.
Even worse is for me to be driving along in a school zone at 19 miles per hour and a driver goes zooming by me in the other lane, while talking on a cell phone. Nothing can bring out my road rage more than that.
But as any veteran driver of Broad Street or Rugar Street will tell you, there are more dangers out there than speeding or cell phone talking. I'm talking about tanning on the roofs on Broad Street and those halter tops and short skirts on Rugar Street.
I'm sure that the city police have records on the increase of fender-bender accidents during this time of year. Let this blog serve as a warning to any drivers who may be tempted to gawk at those rooftops where bathing beauties are studying biology while enjoying the beautiful September sunshine.
Oh, I must admit I take a glance just to be observant of my surroundings, but no gawking from me. I haven't had a fender-bender since 1967, and I don't intend to have one in my old age. But I do notice other drivers slowing down and gawking on Broad Street.
And, yes, you have to be alert while driving on Rugar Street nowadays, what with all those pedestrian crosswalks. Keep your eyes on the crosswalks, not on the sidewalks where students in short skirts or halter tops may be hurrying to class.
I'm sure that the city police are well aware of problem drivers on this street, because I have noticed an increase of patrol cars up and down Rugar Street during the morning and afternoon hours. I'm happy that they are on the job, ready to pull over careless drivers who may be gawking more than driving.
The college students themselves should be forewarned that drivers have some rights, too. The busy intersection of Broad Street and Beekman Street can sometimes look like Times Square. Cars in every direction, students on all four corners! There's an accident waiting to happen.
But not if everyone follows the signs. If drivers follow the green and red signal, and students wait for their turn to cross safely, there will be no problems. But if students are going to try to race across amidst traffic, even though that orange hand is raised telling them "not yet, dudes," there could very easily be an injured pedestrian.
And while I'm mentioning students crossing the street, let us all be aware that there is no longer a crosswalk on Broad Street where the student walkover is located near Hudson Hall. There used to be a crosswalk there and traffic would stop while a stream of students went back to their dorms.
Please note that there is no crosswalk there and, therefore, students will have to wait until traffic clears before crossing.
I guess this is just a little public-service blog to protect all those students carrying books and cell phones and mp3s and laptops. And to protect us drivers who have to get to our destinations while glancing or gawking at the student population.
Maybe it would just be better to avoid Broad Street and Rugar Street at this time of year, but I've always been one to enjoy the scenic route when going on a trip.
Comments
Just look out for people walking out in the road right in front of cars, and be especially careful at night for people wearing their invisible pedestrian costumes!!
Posted by: Auntyellow | September 7, 2007 1:59 PM
If anyone happens to see an influx of Troopers on Broad St. and Rugar, please let me know!
Posted by: Kern | September 5, 2007 9:46 AM
What a timely blog!! Both students and locals need to respect each other and both need to follow the rules both for their own safety and the safety of others. Although the crosswalk you speak of has been removed, you wouldn't know it from the students' point of view. As far as the 20 mph, I spoke to a cop who was running radar on Broad St near the District Office and I joked that it was like shooting fish in a barrel and he surprised me when he stated that they don't even look until they are going 35 or better. By the way, that "funny little lane" on Cornelia St is a turn lane and cars in the travel lanes DO NOT have to stop to let cars in from the turn lane, although it does make my job easier when they do. I also love it when cars in the right travel lane stop IN TRAFFIC to let cars through w/o concern for cars in the left travel lane.
P.S. My boss has been asking me why I have been spending so much time on Rugar St lately. I sure hope he doesn't read this blog.
Posted by: UPS Dave | September 4, 2007 7:49 PM
Hi Foxy- I am so happy about this blog, I hope alot of people read this, like the ones who speed in the 20 mile per hour school zone, thank you so much for getting it out there. I am a mother of three and my oldest son walks to and from school daily, even though it is only from Elizabeth st to Monty st I am very concerned. We have seen so many careless drivers speeding down these three streets, I think it's great to get the message out there. As a former student I am not surprised to see that you are still caring for children. I have to say that I will never forget the vocab words in your class and to this day I always use a comma before and after the word, however. Thanks Foxy!
Posted by: Barbie McCready | September 4, 2007 2:39 AM
Foxy: Miss d hit the nail on the head. Tanning on roof tops, halter tops and short skirts are what bring the police out in full force in the dorm areas. Well, they are just boys, and boys will be boys.
Posted by: Fred Forkey | September 3, 2007 8:15 PM
Foxy:
It looks like you're going to have to stay off Rugar St. (A.K.A. "Doe Rd.") and the surrounding area when the weather is nice. It appears it could be hazardous to your health in many ways!!!!
(Foxy's note: Vin, I think I can handle it OK, but I'm concerned about everyone else!)
Posted by: Vin Scully | September 3, 2007 2:44 PM
It is comfortable to note that at least one educator, though retired, has been willing to bring attention to the dangers of tanning on roof tops, short skirts and halter tops. Obviously the danger that we speak of is of the long term risk due to over exposure to the suns powerful rays. Thank goodness Foxy you have brought some much needed attention to this Plattsburgh concern. This is in addition to the danger of falling off the roof top and perhaps missed classes due to sunburn issues.
(Foxy's note: Yah, that too! Thanks!)
Posted by: rubble | September 2, 2007 12:43 PM
Sure Foxy - that's what the increase in patrol cars is about on the "scenic route" - I have some wonderful ocean-front property in Arizona if you're interested!
(I had to say that for the sake of you-know-who!) Have a great weekend. miss d
(Foxy's note: Yah, I figured you'd have something to say about that, miss d!)
Posted by: miss d | September 2, 2007 11:12 AM