Safety on roads is a two-way street

Numerous times in the "Bee Heard" column, there have been complaints about road conditions in the Town of Amherst. Recently a caller complained about Casey Road, stating, "The Town should look at the north side of Casey Road."

What some residents do not seem to know is that many roads in the Town, such as Casey, are not the Town's responsibility. Casey, Dodge, Hopkins, Maple and others are owned by and the responsibility of Erie County. Some, such as Millersport Highway, Sheridan Drive, Main Street, Niagara Falls Boulevard, and Transit Road are owned by New York State. Sweet Home Road has double jurisdiction as part is owned by Erie county and part by New York State.

My experience is that the County and the State has been very cooperative with the Town of Amherst when the Town has made recommendations for traffic safety. However, I have seen local residents fight recommended highway safety improvements by the County, even when it wouldn't cost Town taxpayers a penny. Such was the case a few years ago when Erie County made numerous safety proposals, including sidewalks and turning lanes, for North Forest Road, between Sheridan Drive and Maple Road. One North Forest Road resident stated, "We want the road to stay dangerous so people will drive slower."

Unfortunately, our colder winter weather creates more havoc with our roads, requiring more repairs than southern highways. Maybe that's one of the prices we pay for not having to put up with hurricanes and having our homes blown away.

Highway safety is not just the responsibility of those who repair roads. Whether it's giving ourselves more time to reach our destination, or making sure we signal all turns, highway safety is also the responsibility of everyone who get behind the wheel. What can you do to make our roads safer?

Larry Hunter chairman, Amherst Traffic

Safety Board