So, once again the traffic is backed up in the 6000 block by Sassenos public school. Yes, that is right, another accident. This time it is a solo vehicle flipped over from hitting the cement barrier (at who knows what speed) heading out of Sooke.
My problem is this, we started kindergarten at Sassenos, and we walk every morning and afternoon to pick up and drop off. Everyday I watch, listen and try to pre-judge what the cars are going to do. So many are speeding up as they pass the school to get on with their busy lives. I watch as some graze the white line, some on cell phones, some putting on makeup, some eating/drinking, some smoking and some who speed right by.
Two years ago in March we were involved in the main scene of a terrible accident when a woman heading into Sooke fell asleep at the wheel. She crashed through a fence, flipped her car and skidded till she landed one foot from our house and one foot from our car. Had it been the day before at the same time I might not be here to write this letter! How many other stories are like this?
We live in a town with a one way in/out road, you would think that we would all be responsible and be on our best driving behaviours to stay safe. I will continue to walk my son to school with my two-year-old in tow, watching, listening and taking notes on cars and plates.
This section of the road needs to have more signs, school zone slow down from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. not just when kids are on the road. A sign that says “no passing” when cars are turning onto Parklands, and maybe even reminder signs of “No cellphones.” Surely if we had officers present at pick up and drop off watching everyone would be at there best behaviours. By the time you read this, the accident will long be forgotten as was the one that traumatized our family two years ago, but I am watching and listening and taking notes.
Keri Pollak
Sooke