Did You Know...

01-31-05 The response for donations to fund equipment purchases for the K9 Program has been overwhelming! We have received donations from service organizations like the Lion's Club as well as kids donating money from returned pop cans and numerous others who put donations in the coffee can at City Hall. I hope to print a more formal thank you soon and will keep everyone updated as we purchase equipment. In recent articles I have addressed the way vehicles are driving on Hwy 47 coming to and from Vernonia. The main point of these articles was to bring attention to the high speeds and aggressive/reckless driving that several people have reported to me. Basically I encouraged everyone to be patient with slower, less skilled drivers. Another aspect of this issue is to address those vehicles that do not or cannot drive the posted speed limits. According to Oregon Vehicle Code, there are laws that address vehicles and traffic proceeding under the posted speed limits. One code is 811.130, also known as Impeding Traffic. This code states that it is illegal to drive in a manner that impedes or blocks normal and reasonable movement of traffic. This does not include vehicles that need to go slow for safe operation such as waiting to turn, slowing to exit, or funeral processions. Another code is 811.425 which is also known as Failure of a Slow Driver to Yield to Overtaking Vehicle. This is the code that requires vehicles to move off the main traveled portion of the roadway into an area sufficient for safe turnout. This is required when a vehicle is traveling at a speed less then the posted limit, the driver of the overtaking vehicle is proceeding at a speed in conformity with the law, the highway is two-way, there is no clear lane for passing, and this code does not apply to a funeral procession. I have noticed that the trucks hauling wood over the Scappoose/Vernonia Hwy are good about pulling over when there is a turnout. The bottom line is to be patient and courteous with drivers and to use common sense. I have already responded to several serious accidents and don't want to see anyone hurt or killed.