The reputation of Route 663, from Pennsburg to Quakertown, is not a good one.

            There are many who still remember when Route 663 snaked from Pennsburg to Geryville (on what is now Quakertown Road); then on Sleepy Hollow Road to Spinnerstown.

            After crossing the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 663 meandered through Milford Square before continuing into Quakertown.

            Back then, Route 663 was a two-lane road, except for the overpass crossing the Turnpike.

            Over the years, many changes have been made and the winding road and turns that were once there were replaced with new, wide and straightened paved paths from one borough to the other.

            More and more "safety" improvements have been added over the last decade.

            Once you leave Pennsburg and before you arrive in Quakertown, 7 of the 14 intersections are controlled by traffic lights in the eight mile trip.

            The four areas where two lanes merge into one are clearly marked with signs and pavement markings advising drivers to yield, and speed limit signs are clearly posted.

            Then why are there so many tragic accidents on this road?

            We've all seen the traffic backups grow longer and longer coming into Pennsburg and Quakertown over the years.  As more vehicles hit the road, those lines will get longer.

            Is it speeding, tailgating, road-rage, distracted driving, or the urge to beat the guy in front of you at the merge that cause the accidents?  What those reasons all have in common is that they're all controlled by the driver.

            Some drivers need to slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the ride.  It's not a race, and no you don't win anything for causing an accident.

            More than ever, all drivers should know and exercise defensive driving: Look ahead and expect the unexpected; Control your speed; Maintain a safe following distance; Prepare for the reactions of other drivers; Drive safely for weather and/or road conditions; Be alert and distraction free; and watch and respect other drivers.

            If someone is "on your bumper" hit your turn signal and pull safely off the road so they can pass.  It's not worth the race to the finish line where the lanes narrow.

            You can't control what someone is doing behind the wheel, and sometimes it's safer to distance yourself from the unsafe driver.

            Unfortunately, no matter how safe you drive, others don't.

            Additional traffic-law enforcement will help, but only for a short time.  Police can't be there 24-hours a day.

            There are too many lives lost and people hurt on a stretch of road that was supposed be better and safer than the one that was there years ago.  

            It's a pain and frustration that reaches well beyond the road from Pennsburg to Quakertown.