Martha’s Vineyard is a popular summertime family vacation destination, one that my family as well as the many others call home during the summer months. The population skyrockets during the summer. This population increase means significantly more bikers, joggers and walkers. With so much happening on the roads, I would think that all drivers would be extra vigilant, however that is not always the case. Unfortunately, speeding can be seen consistently on roads with blind turns. In fact, a majority of the roads contain turns with slow speed limits of 25 miles per hour, however most cars seem to fly by at 45 to 50 miles per hour.

We live on a road with many of these blind turns, and I have personally witnessed numerous situations where cars were driving too fast. Each time I bike or run down the corner of my street there always seems to be a car traveling way too fast to safely give me the space I need on the road. Oftentimes I have to run or bike onto the grass to ensure my safety. This is not just my opinion, every single person in my family has experienced this multiple times. Not only is it dangerous to speed on the roads due to the heavy pedestrian traffic, but also because of these blind turns. These turns make it extremely difficult for a driver to anticipate oncoming traffic while at the same time being able to safely navigate pass bikers and pedestrians. This truly can be a life or death situation. That said, I deeply question the mindset of those who chose to blindly speed on the roads of Martha’s Vineyard and risk the lives of innocent people. For those of us who love the family-friendly environment of the Island, it is critical that we address this seemingly overlooked problem.

Martha’s Vineyard is a happy and fun Island where families are supposed to feel safe and relaxed. Let’s keep it that way. Just because being on Martha’s Vineyard feels like a vacation even if you live here full time, it does not mean any of us should be allowed to take a vacation from the rules of the road.

Cassidy Roycroft