Highway rules ignored along I-294 stretch

After reading an "Opinion " article in the Daily Herald on Jan. 23, I felt obliged to send in my opinion on the matter. This is regarding the proposed changes in the exit of I-294 at Route 132 (Grand Avenue) by Great America, Gurnee Mills, and the indoor swim facility .

I travel that stretch of the interstate north and southbound while on my way to Lovell Healthcare Facility and V.A. Center. Fortunately, I exit at Route 137, which is one major exit south of Great America.

Travel speeds seem to average around 80 mph, well over the posted limit. If one attempts to drive at the speed limit, you run the risk of being run over.

Added to this are the trucks of all sizes included in this group. Box type or straight job truck are most in this category, along with panel vans, pickup trucks all with B truck plates or higher for larger units. They regularly violate the "truck lane restriction " law. The right two lanes or single right lane are restricted for trucks, while regular-sized cars, and SUVs may use all available lanes.

I have observed these violators traveling in these left lanes from Golf Road to Route 137, where I exit for my care. This includes speeding well over the reduced truck speed limits, tailgating and changing lanes without the use of turn signals. It seems that none of these drivers have ever read the Rules of the Road booklet that we all got when we got our licenses. I see very few state police, either marked or unmarked, with a customer pulled over for a violation. I see very few police on the highway itself.

I feel if these violators were slowed down in some manner prior to reaching the concerned area, these horrendous rearend crashes could be reduced.

Thomas Newton

Mount Prospect