Be careful
It's never a fun prospect when you have to visit the scene of a car accident. Just ask any police officer, sheriff's deputy — or reporter.
The situation was even a little scarier Friday morning at the accident that took place just three-tenths of a mile inside the county line.
Why? Because it was Indigo Road.
Indigo, or 13-mile road, is a road that most of us travel a lot. We're all very familiar with it, whether we're headed to Goessel, Newton, or Wichita.
It's one of those roads that feels like the speed limit should be much higher than it is. I know that my foot wants to get quite a bit heavier on the gas pedal once I pass Willow Glen on my way out of town.
Friday's accident was a tragedy for one Peabody woman. But it's also a warning for those of us who travel on Indigo.
Reminder No. 1: The speed limit is 55. No matter how much we want it to be 60 — or 65 or 70 — it's not. We're not on K-15, we're not on 56. This is a county road, and we've got to slow down.
Reminder No. 2: Wear a seat belt! This one's a doozie for me. It's such a pain to buckle up as you pop in and out of your car around town. Who wants to wear that thing across your chest — that strap that's constantly choking you? But whether we like it or not, that annoying strap saves lives. And it's the law.
Reminder No. 3: Stay alert. It's easy to put your mind on autopilot when you're driving on one stretch of road for awhile. And it's probably especially hard for those who have to commute to Wichita or Newton in the morning — you've just rolled out of bed, it's dark, the heater is warm. You could probably fall asleep in your seat. But drink that coffee and stay awake on the road.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind as you traverse 13-mile road. They're nothing new, really — just some good reminders to keep us all safe.
— JENNIFER WILSON
