Woodfield exit a danger for drivers

I was exiting southbound Route 53 at Woodfield Road Sunday evening, right after this horrific (fatal motorcycle) accident occurred. The chill that accompanies sadness came upon me with the first glimpse I caught of what was left of a motorcycle in pieces on the pavement, and the drape over the fence and on the street.

There have been numerous serious accidents in this area. I have had several close calls myself when using this exit ramp. It is an extremely hazardous area. It is tragic that another life had to be lost.

While I cannot claim to know what transpired in this situation, I can say that the traffic traveling on southbound Frontage Road all too frequently moves way beyond the posted speed limit, and drivers do not yield the right of way to drivers coming off the exit ramp, in order for those drivers that are exiting to merge into the flow of traffic. Drivers who want to move over into the right lane in order to turn right onto Woodfield Road are many times not able to do so, because the Frontage Road traffic is moving way, way too fast.

It is so treacherous for the exiting driver to complete this maneuver, I feel uncomfortable doing it most of the time, and I have 35 years of driving experience. Imagine a newer, inexperienced driver in this situation.

This stretch of roadway is very poorly designed. So that no further loss of life or injury occurs, I think it is wise to post a camera and a huge overhead flashing sign (like the electronic information signs that are now in place on 53). The sign could say something to this effect: "Cameras in Place: Reduce Speed Immediately and Yield The Right-of-Way to Drivers Using the Woodfield Road Exit Ramp. Drivers Who Fail to Do So Will Be Ticketed."

Maybe we also need to have a memorial wall running along this stretch of road, to remind drivers to slow down.

It's the least that can be done for this gentleman, as well as others who have been injured or lost their lives.

Deborah N. Larsen

Rolling Meadows