Re: [Winona] Tourists driving in Winona - to protect or neglect?

[Kathy Seifert]

Interesting discussion. There seem to be several points and a variety of solutions proposed.   The major point of agreement is that drivers have differing interpretations and perceptioins of what is expected at an uncontrolled intersection based on their experiences in Winona and elsewhere.  As a result, accidents and near misses occur.   Solutions are quite divergent with either a personal or collective responsibility focus:   --Drivers need to be especially responsible when driving in unfamiliar areas and know the laws regarding right of way. --Law enforcement should ticket offenses more often. --The city should post more signage regarding local standards or controll intersections. --The city should incorporate "calming traffic features." (BTW can you explain this further, John?)   It seems to me we all want the same thing: safe streets, yes?  I wonder if there is any body of knowledge out there (i.e., studies regarding the effectiveness of different ways of approaching this issue in a town our size) that might shed some light on the issue and objectify it.  We can have lots of ideas that are based on what we think of as "common sense" that don't always hold true in the real world of human behavior!   Anyone out there have facts from a DOT or city planning knowledge base?   Kathy Seifert ----- Original Message ----- From: Rich PFlughoeft To: 'Winona Online Democracy' Sent: Friday, January 24, 2003 8:35 AM Subject: RE: [Winona] Tourists driving in Winona - to protect or neglect?     I just have to add one comment to this thread. Please tell all the tourists to avoid the intersection of Mill St. and Main St. It is an unmarked intersection where 'special rules' seem to apply. Even though cars can enter the intersection from any of four directions, it is 'ASSUMED' that Main St has the right of way. All of us 'locals' know it, but I'd hate for a tourist to get caught off guard.   Rich Pflughoeft