Is it or isn’t it safe?
That’s the question that crossed my mind after reading Jack Poessiger‘s essay on Vince & Associates over-the-top holiday lighting display at 103rd and Metcalf in Overland Park.
The gaudy display been there for years and from the looks of it, seems to get bigger and brighter every year. Poessiger noted that he saw two near accidents in a couple day period while passing the display recently.
The Overland Park Police Department’s take?
“I know it very well,” says OPPD public information officer Gary Mason. “Off hand I don’t think we’ve had many accidents at that location and they have a sign directing people to park across the street at a church parking lot. But we really haven’t had many complaints. It’s been around for several years, so most people must think it’s kind of a positive thing.”
My experience in passing the display recently with kids in the car was to slow down and fumble with the radio dial as advised by a sign to try and hear the synchronized holiday music.
However, when traveling at 45 miles-per-hour, it only takes seconds before you’ve passed the display. Which is exactly why I and other motorists do this to try and take it all in.
Therein lies the problem.
“It’s one of the busiest intersections in the city,” Mason advises. “So there’s going to be accidents there. And it’s always dangerous when you’re changing your channel. I think it’s (definitely) a distraction, but as a driver, people have to be responsible for what you do behind the wheel.”
Put another way, just ignore it – or at least try to.
And be advised, there is a police monitored traffic camera at that intersection that can be used to determine the cause of accidents.
Just saying…
Just imagine what would have possibly happened if Paul Walker was going by there in that Porsche!! I think you need to consult Leftez about this possibility.
What do the scribe and the Watsons girl think of this story?
Uh, good idea, dude
just saying hearne…another flop at making news from nothing.
I’ve been by there 100 times…never a problem…and as I said befor
theres lots of accidents at 107th and Metcalf because of poorly
designed to confuse drivers who look forward at lights up ahead.
have a nice holiday…happy new year
Ever driven down Metcalf in Overland Park near 103rd after dark during the holidays?
Nope.
Is it or isn’t it safe?
Probably.
Ah, the glory of the “question” lede.
This is proof that people will gripe at anything, sweet Jesus this country needs a enema
I agree
What about that damn inflatable gorilla on top of that car lot building at that intersection (I forget the name of)? Someone needs to write something about that.
Give Hearne some time, all he needs is time…..
Not quite sure what this post accomplishes, other than likely providing today’s discussion point for Scott Parks and that annoying lefty broad.
Well, as Jack and I both have observed, the distraction can be and is hazardous.
I asked the police to run the numbers on accidents near the display and get back to me. Still waiting to hear, but I’d be surprised if it wasn’t somewhat telling.
AMIN…its a very busy intersection but most of the
accidents seem to be going east and west.
still take my word for it…there are much more dangerous
intersections on Metcalf than 103rd….like 107th…
77-95….and 135th which is somewhat confusing for the
female demolition drivers in overladn park.