Dear Casper Drivers: Can We All Be More Polite Downtown?
To Whom It May Concern,
Parking is scarce in downtown Casper and visibility is not always the best, especially coming out of the diagonal parking spaces (particularly on certain areas of 2nd Street and Center Street).
Whilst driving to grab lunch today (April 12th, 2019), I was almost hit, not once, not twice, but three times! The first time I was nearly rear-ended as I slowed down to turn into a parking spot. A driver was following too closely and obviously going faster than the posted 20 MPH speed limit.
The second and third times were as I was attempting to pull out of the parking space. I was creeping back very slowly, since it was into the oncoming traffic, but again, I was almost hit again (both times) by drivers going to fast and obviously not paying attention.
All three incidents took place within ten minutes of each other, around the lunch rush, which is usually between noon and about 2:00 pm. In addition to my own narrow misses, I also witnessed two pedestrians almost get taken out at the intersection by The Railto by a driver that sped through a red light.
Now I am by no means a perfect driver, but I try very hard to be respectful of everyone that I share the roads with. I have observed some very disturbing driving and/or respect behaviors here on the streets of Casper (especially downtown) as of late:
- Some drivers tend to ignore people attempting to parallel park.
- Some drivers don't give people enough space when turning.
- Some drivers don't follow the posted speed limits.
- Some drivers don't pay attention to their surroundings.
A recent study conducted by 247 Wall Street already listed Casper as the Worst City To Drive In Wyoming. We need to and can do better. A little politeness and respect goes a long way.