It was disappointing to learn that PennDOT is still reviewing a report submitted by Upper Hanover Township Engineers on the, hopefully, upgrades that could help make the intersection of Route 663 and Geryville Pike safer for motorists.

            Though PennDOT officials seem to have ruled out left-turn phases for the signal, drivers who traverse the intersection on a regular basis know there is so much more to the causes of accidents there.

            The roads are clearly marked with "Stay off Shoulder" signage and markings yet some drivers insist on making two lanes where there is only one.  Making a turn when you can't see oncoming traffic or sneaking up on the right when a driver in the proper lane is making a turn in front you is a recipe for disaster.  Drivers making a legal turn are watching for traffic in front of them and to the left or right – not in their rearview mirror.

            Another is speeding.  If you're stopped at the intersection waiting for the light to turn green, watch the cross traffic.  When the light turns yellow, the speed of the cross traffic increases considerably to the point where those who lag behind end up speeding even faster through the red light.  But don't worry, they have and extra couple of seconds before the light in your direction turns green.

            Traffic coming south on Route 663 has the benefit of a left-turn signal that turns green with the southbound through traffic.  Some northbound drivers see the south-bounders go and assume they must go to – even though their light is still red to allow for southbound drivers turning south on Geryville Pike.

             It was also disappointing that the 2021 and 2022 accident figures didn't make it into the report and ultimately any decisions.  Yes, the "official" numbers are probably not collated, posted, and available yet but a simple check with State Police and local emergency responding company records would help show that things are getting worse, not better, at the intersection.

            Then there's the drivers who pass stopped traffic on the left, from a quarter-mile out, to get to the turning lanes at the intersecting to try and "make" the light.  Too bad if someone tries to enter that left lane properly, legally, and closer to the intersection where it is properly marked.

            It is good to see that the Upper Hanover Supervisors have instructed the engineer to include the 2021 and 2022 figures.  It might make a difference in PennDOT's final decision and design.

            I know, that information is probably not what the official rulebook of fact-finding and grant-writing says is permitted.  Maybe the official rulebook needs to be updated.

            Most of the above dangerous actions can be spoken about many area intersections. 

            The one thing they all have in common is careless drivers.