There sure was some good local news about the holidays in
Monday’s Free Lance.
The report that there were no major accidents, let alone any
traffic-related fatalities, in San Benito County was welcome and
encouraging.
There sure was some good local news about the holidays in Monday’s Free Lance.
The report that there were no major accidents, let alone any traffic-related fatalities, in San Benito County was welcome and encouraging.
Also, the number of DUIs dwindled to a few, a compliment to our area’s law enforcement getting the zero-tolerance message out and some overall common sense by county citizens.
We salute the good planning and hard work on our city and county roads by all of the involved police officers from the California Highway Patrol, San Benito County Sheriff’s Department and the Hollister Police Department.
It was exceptional police work, especially when you consider that close to four inches of rain fell in our county since Dec. 25, making the roads that much more dangerous and prone to bad accidents.
Now for the hard part.
We need our roads to be safe and free from drunk drivers all year long, not just during the holidays when awareness is so high.
For example, San Benito Street and Nash Road are already back to resembling a drag strip thanks to careless and dangerous speeders.
All of this huge task, of course, cannot be completely placed on the shoulders of the three law enforcement agencies, which are already stretched thin due to the state and local budget crunches.
Plus, maintaining safe roads is only a portion of their duties.
Everyone who drives in San Benito County needs to slow down, to obey the speed limits and be especially careful in bad weather.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can kill you, your family and friends, or total strangers in a matter of seconds.
At minimum, you will go to jail and face the consequences of community service, attorneys and court fees, vehicle impoundment, jail time, fines and increased insurance premiums.
Don’t risk it for any of the above reasons.
Call Hollister Taxi between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. at 637-3378 for a ride home if needed. You’ll be glad you did.
Again, thanks to all of our local law enforcement members for helping keep our roads safe over the recent holidays.
But let’s be sure to keep the focus – and continue to plan and enforce road safety – throughout the year.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to
ed****@fr***********.com
