As you may, or may not, know, the issue of vehicles traveling at excessive speeds on E Tugalo as been an ongoing concern for sometime. We've seen motorcycles doing wheelies, cars and trucks in excess of 50 miles per hour, numerous curb strikes by distracted drivers (check out the black marks on the curbs by the sidewalks), all within a few feet of walkers, joggers, babies in strollers, children on bikes and roller blades, etc. It's not if, but when, someone will get hurt or killed. Letters have been written and appear regularly in the Toccoa Record and concerned citizens have spoken at City Council meetings.
They commissioned a traffic study, which was recently completed by a traffic engineer who determined that 85% of the traffic was traveling at an average speed of 41 mph. The speed limit on E Tugalo is 35 mph (more on that in another discussion). This means that while 6 mph over doesn't seem bad, it also means there are some vehicles traveling in excess of 50 mph to reach an average that high.
The study recommended painting the speed limit on the road, which was done but only on the airport end. It also recommended police enforcement. Unfortunately, there is no place on the street which provides sufficient sight-lines to legally issue tickets. However, the Toccoa police have agreed to have officers sit out on E Tugalo as manpower permits. Thus far manpower apparently doesn't permit.
Nothing is working so far and vehicles continue to fly down the road. Another solution offered on the internet is to get more of the community involved. This is one reason for this site. Traffic studies indicate if people band together to form a unified voice to elected officials will be motivated to do more and follow through.
Sites also recommend putting up signs in the neighborhood urging motorists to slow down. To this end, I have purchesed 10 "Drive Like Your Kids Live Here" signs. If you live on E Tugalo and would like one for your yard, please contact me and I'll see about getting to one.
Please feel free to express your comments and opinions on this topic. Thanks for all you do to make E Tugalo a great place to live!
