There is a stop sign on the intersection of McCallum and Haines street. But because trees are overgrown in the area, it is rarely seen. Because two-way traffic flows through the area, cars have to creep up halfway into the street before knowing wether or not it is safe to turn. But this may be too late for incoming traffic.
Another sign that is missing from the street is a notice to drive slowly because of the local day care. The quiet residential area is deceptive for unknowing drivers who may speed by faster than they would if a sign denoted the presence of children right across the street. Many residents do not know about the daycare unless they walk straight up to it.
While it is not illegal to lack a sign indicating a street is two way, that is another piece of information that should be made public to newcomers in the area. The narrowness of the area leads many to believe that one car may take up the entire street which ever direction they are in. Residents have seen many close calls due to lack of instruction on this street.
Quiet streets in Germantown certainly have positives, including less noise and traffic and more scenery. But one of the downfalls is that some issues, like potential traffic accidents, go unnoticed by the officials who have the ability to fix them.
By Diana Holtz and Leighanne Heron, Group 6, Germantown
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