Take Responsibility

To the Editor,

 I am writing to respond to the letter of March 23 published in The Bee from April Wright. Ms Wright, an 18-year-old resident, was involved in a automobile accident on Mile Hill Road and wrote to express her opinion that the roads in Newtown are particularly dangerous due to a lack of maintenance by the town. Ms Wright skidded on some black ice and her car rolled over, trapping her inside until rescued by emergency workers.

Thank goodness that Ms Wright had the sense to wear her seatbelt. That simple precaution probably saved her from serious injury. The accident must have been terrifying, and I can understand that she is upset.

However, to blame the Newtown Highway Department for black ice conditions is ridiculous. The Highway Department does an excellent job of maintaining the roads in Newtown, and their work during this long and snowy winter is commendable. It would be impossible to clear every road in Newtown of ice and snow at all times. Unless, perhaps, her parents and all other residents would be willing to endure a large increase in taxes to buy the capital equipment and pay for the labor to maintain non-stop near perfect conditions. I think not. 

Look, everyone must take responsibility for his or her own actions. Life is not risk free! One cannot have a successful and enjoyable life by blaming someone else every time something goes wrong. Is it icy out? Are you concerned about your safety? Then stay home, or pull over, or slow down. Don’t blame the town. Take responsibility.

Sincerely,

Tracy Van Buskirk

Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown                                  March 24, 2001