letter to the editor
Defending speed bumps, Town brass
I am writing in response to a recent Letter to the Editor concerning the speed bumps on Sonja Drive and Admiral Road. While I appreciate the author’s concern for public safety, I must respectfully disagree with the statements made, particularly those suggesting that the speed bumps on our roads are illegal or were improperly installed.
The Town of Farragut, along with the residents of our neighborhood, followed the appropriate and lawful procedures to approve the installation of these speed bumps. The process involved a formal vote, several opportunities for public input and adherence to municipal regulations and guidelines. This ensured that the traffic-calming measures were implemented through a community-driven and legally sound process.
Regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is important to clarify that Section 35.151 addresses the new construction and alteration of facilities by public entities. The ADA does not prohibit the use of speed bumps on public streets, provided they do not obstruct accessibility for individuals with disabilities and that pedestrian areas, such as sidewalks and parking lots, remain fully usable.
On Sonja Drive, the existing speed bumps are thoughtfully placed and do not interfere with sidewalk access or pedestrian mobility on the sidewalks in any way. In contrast, Admiral Road lacks a sidewalk altogether, which poses far more significant accessibility and safety concerns. Residents on Admiral Road are forced to walk along the roadway often in close proximity to speeding vehicles.
What must not be overlooked is the ongoing and serious issue of speeding along Admiral Road and Sonja Drive. As a resident of Admiral Road, I have repeatedly witnessed drivers accelerating aggressively over the speed bumps, clearly attempting to undermine their intended purpose. In addition to excessive speeding, I have observed disturbing behaviors, such as loud honking and engine revving, when driving over the speed bumps, along with a blatant disregard for the clearly posted 25-mile-per-hour speed limit. Speeding through residential neighborhoods, unnecessary aggressive and antagonistic driving behavior and ignoring traffic-calming measures puts children, pedestrians, cyclists, pets and fellow drivers at risk.
The purpose of these speed bumps is to reduce risk and not increase it. It is disheartening to see the blame shifted onto infrastructure rather than on those who choose to violate traffic laws and disregard the safety of their neighbors.
Public safety is a collective responsibility. Instead of
challenging measures that were approved through legal and democratic means, we should be advocating for stronger enforcement of speed limits and promoting responsible driving.
The Huffstetlers, Farragut
