Open Letter To Speeding Drivers On Lake Shore Road

Dear drivers,

Now that we are slowly getting into warmer weather, the traffic will be growing across Western New York. It happens every year. It also means more drivers will be speeding down roadways.

For the record, you should never speed well past the speed limit, but there are certain roads that pose a more dangerous threat than other roads. Generally, any road which is more narrow and involving buildings in close proximity is very dangerous.

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I lived in Hamburg for 4 years. In a neighborhood pretty close to Lake Shore Road (Route 5). I drove down Route 5 and Southwestern Blvd. often. My parents still live in that area, and I occasionally drive down Lake Shore.

The stretch of road between Hoak’s and Old Lake Shore has a speed limit of 40 mph, but you would never know based on drivers zooming down the road at 50-55-60+ mph. This stretch of Route 5 features winding turns and no median. Plus it’s fairly narrow. One false move, especially in winter weather, and there can be a disastrous accident.

I once was given a speeding ticket and requires to go to a five-hour class. One of the things that stuck with me from that experience was the instructor saying many of those who speed have never been given a serious enough ticket, or worse, involved in an accident, that would deter them from driving that fast and reckless. That’s why it’s so hard to get a message home. Many of us have to learn the hard way.

This is one stretch of road you should absolutely not speed down.