If you're leaving Pennsburg and heading towards Quakertown the trip can be quite exciting.

            Just a couple of blocks from Main Street, Quakertown Ave. (Route 663 goes from a two lane street to a four-lane highway.  It doesn't last long – maybe a mile before the road narrows down to two-lanes again approaching the traffic light at Northgate Boulevard.

            It always amazes me how many vehicles immediately head to the passing lane (whether or not they're passing another vehicle) as soon as they leave Pennsburg.  It doesn't matter how many, or if any, vehicles are in the right lane.  Then of course you have the near misses, and actual collisions when the speeders want to return to the right lane.  That's even more true when they suddenly have to slow down for vehicle making a left turn on Quakertown Road.

            And, then you have the drivers in the right lane tightening up the space between them and the vehicle in front of them so the speeder in the left lane can't get back.

            Cue the horn blowing and obscene gestures.

            You have the same thing going the other way into Pennsburg once you pass Northgate Boulevard.

            There have been many accidents along that stretch of road in 2024 to prove it.

            The intersection of Geryville Pike and John Fries Highway is another treat along the way to Quakertown.  The problems, questions, and concerns about the "right turn on red" issue may be legitimate, but it doesn't give impatient drivers the okay to break the law and endanger others because they don't like it.

            Vehicles continue to travel on the shoulders to make a right turn onto Geryville Pike and they usually follow that act with a right-turn-on-red.  Hey, two illegal acts in one swift motion.

            This is just one sampling of crazy driving.  Vehicle jockeys who are in a hurry or just feel they don't need to follow the laws are a danger.  They are totally oblivious to the dangerous conditions they are causing for drivers around them who are actually following the laws. 

            You've seen it on other roads throughout the region.  Can they actually be in that much of a hurry or so oblivious to their surroundings on the road?

            When you witness the dangerous driving of others the thought that usually comes to mind is "Where are the police."  Well, they can't be everywhere, all of the time.

            We need to stop blaming the infrastructure and start looking in the mirror for the cause of the blacktop lawlessness.

            Yes, there may be problems with the design or construction of the road or intersection but that doesn't give drivers the go-ahead to put others in danger by reckless driving.

            To those that are in a hurry and don't feel the need to follow the laws, slow down and operate your vehicle in a responsible manner.

            To those who drive responsible and follow the traffic laws, drive defensively and be aware of those on the road who would harm you.