It could have been worse.
People could have been killed.
On the weekend, at the point where Clarenvile's Manitoba Drive meets the Trans Canada Highway two cars collided head-on.
Police say driving condition were good at the time. Their investigation continues.
It's not the first accident that's happened at this intersection. Clean up of accident debris is a too-frequent occurrence here.
A few years ago a man lost his life in a collision at the same spot.
While driver error could be a factor, there are other factors at play that make this intersection extra dangerous.
One of those factors is the posted speed limit - 100 km/h. At Gander and Grand Falls, towns where the Trans Canada Highway also runs right through the municipality, the speed limit is reduced to 60 km/h.
The same rule should apply to the Trans Canada Highway at Clarenville, with the reduced speed limit in effect from the Irving Station at the Eastern boundary to the Tourist Chalet on the Western end.
The other problem is the passing lane that extends from St. Jude's Hotel to beyond the tourist chalet.
Vehicles exiting Manitoba Drive to make a left turn onto the Trans Canada Highway have to watch for vehicles entering the turning lane into Clarenville; vehicles in the inside (slow) lane cruising to the West, and vehicles in the passing lane - accelerating as they overtake the slower drivers - also heading West.
Meanwhile, they have to watch for the two lanes of traffic heading from the West - with the possibility of vehicles in the turning lane to enter Manitoba Drive, and vehicles in the through lane heading East.
So that's five lanes of traffic, all travelling at highway speeds, to watch out for. One wrong turn of the head, one missed glimpse, spells trouble.
While drivers have to be extra cautious at this intersection, the province needs to do something to eliminate the mitigating factors.
Two immediate suggestions are: reduce the speed in this area to 60 km/h and eliminate the Westbound passing lane.
The ultimate solution is an overpass at this entrance to Clarenville. We strongly encourage government to put that in their plans.
That solution will take time, however.
Meanwhile, reduction of risk should be the goal. Lets get changes implemented immediately.
We'd like to hear from local readers, drivers. What do you think is the best solution for the Manitoba Drive/TCH intersection? Give us your thoughts by writing to editor@thepacket.ca
Barbara Dean-Simmons
