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State Police has warning for motorists driving to inauguration
Are U-turns allowed at U.S. 1 and Spotsylvania Parkway
Date published: 1/5/2009
THINK YOU might drive into Washington on Jan. 20 to watch President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony? A logistics update from the Virginia State Police might make you think again. It's the latest in what could be described as tough-love warnings about Inauguration Day weather, traffic and the sheer endurance that officials say will be required to make it through the crush of millions. The following comes from a state police news release dated Dec. 30: "With record crowds expected for the presidential swearing-in and Inaugural Parade, attendees should be prepared to be outdoors for an extended period of time and give consideration to the following: Can I stand in severe cold/wet and/or windy weather for an extended period of time, possibly eight hours or longer? Dressing in layers is highly recommended, especially to protect one's self from hypothermia. Warm, dry, comfortable shoes are encouraged, especially for walking as many as three to five miles to/from inaugural events. Extra consideration should be given if planning to bring small children, elderly or anyone with a weakened immune system." That's right--prepare for possible hypothermia. State police also ask people driving to the inauguration to consider: "With limited parking in the District, should I take a bus or other alternative means of mass transportation? If traveling by interstate, am I prepared for traffic delays and to wait an extended period of time? [Extra food, water, medications, etc.] Is my vehicle prepared for traffic delays?" "If driving in inclement weather, do I have emergency items with me?" Also, inside secure areas, backpacks, duffel bags, large bags, strollers, umbrellas, thermoses and coolers are not allowed. Details like these seem to throw a wet blanket on many locals' plans to attend inaugural events, and they are worth considering. Not that they will stop anyone from going. I'm reminded of the trip my father insisted we take to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, over the objections of my sister and I that we would freeze, that we wouldn't be able to see anything but the balloons--and why didn't we just watch it on television?
Date published: 1/5/2009
No! No! No! to "No U-Turns!"
(posted by
TPKeller
, Jan. 5, 2009 11:32 am)
Eliminating U-Turns is NOT THE ANSWER! That intersection is the first chance to U-Turn after the intersection back at US 17, and the last chance for quite a way farther down the road. The answer is for people to learn and OBEY traffic laws! As bigfam stated, the right turning car has the right of way, as a U-Turning car is essentially making a left turn from inside the intersection at that point. If 16 year olds can learn these rules, you'd think that the grownups could too! I prefer a U-Turn Yield sign.
Simply stated
(posted by
bigfam
, Jan. 5, 2009 8:09 am)
The person making the right turn has the right of way in this type of situation. The vehicle in the left turn lane has the right of way IF making a left turn not a U-turn. The reason this is a driving 'law' - we are not mind readers and can not know the intentions of the 'left turn' vehicles. Of course that doesn't stop the ignorant behaviour of some drivers.
You both may have been right
(posted by
southwest
, Jan. 5, 2009 7:25 am)
Nancy, this is a very dangerous intersection that requires fully attention by all drivers in the area. I have discovered that those vehicles leaving Cosner's Corner traveling north have a green arrow to turn right. I have also discovered that those traveling south turning left into Cosner's Corner also have a green arrow to make a left turn. It is very possible that "both" of you were operating under the control of a green arrow. The proper solution is for VDOT to identify it as a no U-Turn location.
VDOT's solution in other places
(posted by
TPKeller
, Jan. 5, 2009 2:54 am)
I have seen another intersection (not as large as this one) that had this same problem. VDOT's quick and lazy solution there was to simply turn off the right turn arrow during the time that the left turn arrow was on that allowed the U-turn. This unnecessarily delays those right-turn drivers. It is sad that drivers who don't follow the rules inconvenience those of us who do. I hope VDOT can come up with a solution that allows the right turn arrow to remain in place.
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