As a transportation professional with over 67 years experience, I have pretty much covered the geography of North America.
The main streets of many communities are official highway corridors too and they share common obstacles to the safe and smooth movement of all conveyances from pedestrians to bicycles to large semis.
I would consider Salmon Arm to be one of the more challenging urban areas to negotiate but there is a solution that has been adopted by several municipal corporations to mitigate many of the problems that occur. It is simple and effective.
Carson City, in Nevada directs all through trucks on US Highway 395 when entering the city limits to move into the left lane and stay there, no passing, all the way to the opposite end of town. Traffic moves smoothly, there are few interactions between vehicles and frustration is reduced to near zero.
The vast majority of conflicts between vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians occur in the right-hand or curb lane. Action involving cars turning, stopping, starting, passengers exiting, pedestrians crossing and bicycles maneuvering all take place in the right-hand lane.
It makes sense to encourage all through traffic to stay in the left lane until the city limits have been attained. The advantages are many including fewer crashes and incidents, reduced use of first responders and enforcement officials, fewer routine interruptions and, of course, less insurance claims.
Smoother traffic flow will result, reduced wear and tear on vehicle components, less road rage events and reduced stress on all road users. Signs would be erected at strategic locations at each approach.
The Ministry of Transportation maintains jurisdiction over the highway but a push from the mayor and council would add a measurable and strong impetus for this project.
Edgar Murdoch
