THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 18, 1995 TAG: 9508160196
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: The Road Warrior
LENGTH: Long : 120 lines
Road got a letter this week that is proof positive that sometimes life just isn't fair.
Here's what it said:
``This is a little different than the complaints you get but having a driver's license is part of the road complaints as you have to have one to use the roads.
I am a 67-year-old recent widow.
My license expired in 1994 before I could get it renewed. I left the country with my husband. We were gone for 15 months. He then died.
I went to get my license renewed and was told that because of this length of time I would have to start over.
I have had a Virginia license for over 20 years and have had other states, being in the military.
I went to take the knowledge test twice now and was disqualified both times. I have studied that book over and over again and when I go before the screen I seem to turn blank. When I took the driver's test many years ago, I never came across questions like, what do you do when your car hydroplanes? What do you do when a truck passes you like a gust of wind and so on. I know that all my friends in my age group would not be able to pass either. So I guess when you get in your 60s you are to give up driving no matter how experienced a driver you are and I've been driving since February 1945.
I have never had any traffic violations, not even a parking ticket and have gold points from the insurance company.
All my knowledge in being a good driver comes from the road not in a screen.
While I was there, there were several young people just getting their first license and they were jumping for joy saying, ``Boy, tonight I am going to take my friends and spin the wheels.''
I don't want to spin my wheels. I just need to get to the grocery store and base doctor without asking others.
A young man was also in line and he had his license revoked for six months due to drinking. He wanted a renewal and he got it with just the flick of the camera . . . .
The letter is signed ``Upset Widow.''
After Road read this letter, several thoughts came to mind. For starters, these tests are given so that not just anyone can drive a car. The test requires you to know something about driving in order to pass. But, on the flip side, Road isn't sure how valuable some of these questions are.
Even Road failed the part about which way do you turn the steering wheel when parked on a hill. So, we're not all as smart as we'd like to think.
Anyhow, rather than giving a speech about taking a driver's education class, Road has decided to volunteer my time and services to help coach this ``upset widow'' so that she can pass the driver's license exam and get back on the road.
Upset Widow, it's up to you. Road's more than willing to help and will even go down to DMV with you to take the test. Call me back and we'll get you back on the road again for free.
SNARLS OF THE WEEK
The following people called Road's INFOLINE number with their complaints.
Elizabeth Jordan, No Address Given. I'm concerned about NORTH LYNNHAVEN ROAD. It's a two-lane road with deep ditches on either side and no shoulder. During the summer, the kids walk and ride their bikes along that road, and it's so dangerous.
I'm hoping that maybe there could be a solution to this problem. A bike trail would be wonderful.
Thank you.
RW: The obvious solution is to not let your children or someone else's kids use this road for bike riding. Where are the parents?
There aren't many roads in this city that offer enough space to accommodate children on bicycles, and all it takes is a little common sense to figure that out.
Bike trails aren't something that the city is going back and installing. Instead, they're focusing on providing bike trails on the newer roads, so the chances of a bike trail on North Lynnhaven are slim to none - unless, of course, the parents of the next kid killed start a memorial fund drive.
Let's hope parents intervene before they're put in that position.
The following wrote to Road:
We are all aware of the increased traffic on Route 44 since the tolls were lifted, but the amount of traffic that comes off at various exits is formidable.
We deliver Meals on Wheels from the new Sentara Nursing Home just off Rosemont Road and it is almost impossible to make the usual left turns to return to Virginia Beach Boulevard. The last time we did this, we had to turn right and then manage to make a U-turn in order to get back on track.
A light would have been a big help before the tolls were taken off, but it is a very dangerous situation now. I understand that the nursing home has requested this several times - we need it now and any help that you can give will be very appreciated.
Charles and Fran Sinex
RW: First, Road applauds your volunteering. Especially if it involves traveling behind the wheel in this crazy place.
As far as the nursing home goes, yes, there is a problem getting out of Sentara Way to turn left onto Rosemont Road. But, no, it's not because the tolls were lifted, because those exiting 44 at Rosemont Road are still governed by a signal.
In fact, with a traffic signal at Bonney Road and Rosemont as well as one at the 44 exit with Rosemont, you're talking a lot of signals in a small stretch of pavement.
As far as the nursing home goes, it is the only thing located on Sentara Way and therefore only people going to visit or to work are faced with this problem. Translated: a small group of people are affected.
For all these reasons, you can bet that the area won't come close to meeting the requirements for a traffic signal.
Road suggests that you continue doing what you're doing - take a right onto Rosemont and then make a U-turn farther down the road.
It's the safest and probably the fastest way to get back on track. MEMO: Tell the Road Warrior about your motoring problems. Get 'em off your
chest. Call on Infoline, at 640-5555. After a brief message, dial ROAD
(7623). When directed, press 1 to deliver your message, and 1 again to
sign off.
Or, write: The Road Warrior, Virginia Beach Beacon, 4565 Virginia
Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, Va. 23462.
Don't forget to include your name, address and neighborhood.
by CNB