SULTAN, Wash. - Drivers along the notorious deadly US 2 in Snohomish County will soon have to slow down.
The Washington Department of Transportation will soon be reducing the speed limits around the cities of Sultan and Gold Bar from 50 mph to 35 mph. It's a welcome change to many who often see high speed crashes.
There have been 53 fatalities on the 60-mile stretch between Snohomish and Steven's Pass since 1999.
"Some people just don't get it out here. They drive way too fast," says Fred Walser. He is chairman of the Highway Two Safety Coalition, a grassroots effort charged to find ways to reduce traffic accidents. "We are asking the legislature for more money this year. We hope to see many more projects to come."
In recent years, rumble strips were added along the highway to alert drivers that may be drifting into the opposite lane. In February, a Monroe prison guard was killed when a 16-year-old driver pulled out in front of him at the intersection of Rice Road.
Bruce Ramsey died at the scene. His mother, Gloria Wolter, now makes it her mission to prevent any more deaths.
"Every day, there is a potential for a fatality here," she says. "They are making changes and that's good. It's a start."
No changes will be made to the Rice Road intersection where her son was killed, but traffic engineers are now researching ways to make the intersection more safe.
"My mission won't be complete until we have a light here. That will happen here one day I know."
To add a comment, please register or login.