Bristol-Granada Residents Express Concerns over Speeders

Amid growing concerns over speeders in their community, several dozen residents signed petitions which were recently sent to the Prowers County Commissioners. A letter from Rodney Carr, representing concerned citizens in Bristol, stated, “…we are signing this petition to seek immediate action for the permanent installation of solar-powered flashing speed limit caution signs on the north and south sides of Bristol warning motors to slow down.”  The petitioners want motorists to observe the 35mph speed limit along Highway 385 through Bristol and have requested enforcement of the posted speed limit from the Colorado State Patrol and Prowers County Sheriff.

Residents stated they wanted to see an expansion of reduced speed limit zones on the north and south sides of Bristol town limits as a means of preventing additional deaths or serious injuries to users of the highway. Carr expressed concern that the 65mph signs exiting the community, “…have caused multiple potentially near fatal collisions with farm equipment being operated by local residents.”

A separate letter from resident Ian DeBono parallels the concerns on highway speeders from the viewpoint of a school bus driver with 38 years’ experience in that capacity. His letter states, “I have had semi and regular traffic pass me on the narrow bridges, as well as solid yellow lines in my lanes.  I have been passed legally by way of pavement markings, but at a high rate of speed.  Not too many drivers observe the 3-second following distance and tailgate my bus quite a bit.”  He added that he has found little respect given to school buses, as people consider them very slow moving vehicles.  DeBono said he understood there are financial factors which prohibit full-time patrolling the stretch of road in question, but it is a matter that should be discussed in a future budget hearing, either locally or at a state level.

Henry Schnabel, Prowers County Commissioner, stated that he understands the concerns of the residents from his district of the county and hoped that his contacts with CDOT officials could bring about a resolution.

By Russ Baldwin