At least once a week, I drive on Highway 17 which is one of the only ways to connect Santa Cruz to the rest of the world. It's one of the most dangerous highways in California. Here's a little description of the dangers:
Highway 17's combination of narrow shoulders, dense traffic, sharp turns, blind curves, wandering fauna such as deer and mountain lions, and sudden changes in traffic speeds have to led to driving conditions that result in a number of accidents and fatalities, leading to the reputation of Highway 17 as one of the most dangerous highways in the state. In the winter months, because Highway 17 crosses a high precipitation area in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the roadway can become very slippery from rain or snow, making the road worse. Some sections of 17 have become so notoriously dangerous that they have attained nicknames amongst the locals. (For example, Northbound 17 after Summit Road with its sharp turns and steep slope has been deemed "Valley Surprise" for the fact that many unfamiliar drivers hit the median on their way to Silicon Valley.)
Last year, by the time july had strolled around, over 700 crashes were reported.
Now, you'd think with all the warnings people give each other around here about how dangerous it is to drive that road that people would listen and be cautious on the road.
I've almost been hit a million times, animals have ran into oncoming traffic, causing accidents (we're talking full grown male deer).
Today I saw the worst wreck I'd ever seen in my entire life. I had to pull off the road because I was sobbing. Two cars, both rolled over and the entire roof smashed completely flat against the bottom of the window. I saw body bags being put into ambulances. Blankets and toys littered the road, indicating children either were in the car, or the people driving had children.
So to all the teenagers who are starting to drive, the ones to who drive, and even the adults who do...PLEASE be more careful. I've driven that road probably over 300 times in a year and a half, and I've NEVER been in an accident EVER. It's possible to avoid if you're alert, you're in control of your car, and if you don't have the confidence to be in the fast lane, GET OVER. This is for every road, not just 17.
Highway 17's combination of narrow shoulders, dense traffic, sharp turns, blind curves, wandering fauna such as deer and mountain lions, and sudden changes in traffic speeds have to led to driving conditions that result in a number of accidents and fatalities, leading to the reputation of Highway 17 as one of the most dangerous highways in the state. In the winter months, because Highway 17 crosses a high precipitation area in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the roadway can become very slippery from rain or snow, making the road worse. Some sections of 17 have become so notoriously dangerous that they have attained nicknames amongst the locals. (For example, Northbound 17 after Summit Road with its sharp turns and steep slope has been deemed "Valley Surprise" for the fact that many unfamiliar drivers hit the median on their way to Silicon Valley.)
Last year, by the time july had strolled around, over 700 crashes were reported.
Now, you'd think with all the warnings people give each other around here about how dangerous it is to drive that road that people would listen and be cautious on the road.
I've almost been hit a million times, animals have ran into oncoming traffic, causing accidents (we're talking full grown male deer).
Today I saw the worst wreck I'd ever seen in my entire life. I had to pull off the road because I was sobbing. Two cars, both rolled over and the entire roof smashed completely flat against the bottom of the window. I saw body bags being put into ambulances. Blankets and toys littered the road, indicating children either were in the car, or the people driving had children.
So to all the teenagers who are starting to drive, the ones to who drive, and even the adults who do...PLEASE be more careful. I've driven that road probably over 300 times in a year and a half, and I've NEVER been in an accident EVER. It's possible to avoid if you're alert, you're in control of your car, and if you don't have the confidence to be in the fast lane, GET OVER. This is for every road, not just 17.
I'm freaked out by turning too, like I'm going to hit a car or the curb...
