Right turn, wrong lane

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND -- Sheri Inman of Struthers travels south on state Route 616 virtually every day, making a right hand turn onto U.S. Route 224 on her way to work.
Three weeks ago, Inman was taking her usual route when she noticed the flashing lights of a police cruiser in her rear-view mirror after making the turn onto 224. The officer explained that Inman had illegally passed cars before making the turn.
Inman was cited for improper passing and eventually paid more than $90 in fines and fees.
The intersection at 616 and 224 facing south is wide and gives the appearance of two lanes -- one for those going straight and turning left, and another for those turning right. Anyone who sits and observes the intersection, as Inman did after receiving her ticket, will notice that most drivers divide into two lanes at the intersection.
The intersection, however, is a single lane. A sign several dozen feet away from the intersection reads: Single Lane No Passing. Those passing on the right to make the turn can be cited.
Cited
James Zagorsky of Struthers pulled alongside a village police officer at the intersection before making the right hand turn. He was cited and made to pay $99 in fines and fees.
Zagorsky said he drives through the intersection five times a week during the school year. He assumed the lane was single until the light, where he thought there was a turning lane.
Both Zagorsky and Inman said they have spoken with several people who have been cited for making the turn.
Village Police Chief Russell Beatty said 34 citations were issued last year at the intersection for passing in a no passing zone. There were also 10 traffic accidents at the intersection, Beatty said.
In one of the accidents a semi-truck, trying to turn right from 616 to 224, hit a car that had pulled alongside it while also trying to turn right.
Scene of accidents
"Between 616 and 170, we have more traffic accidents than anywhere in the village. That is why we keep an eye on it," said Beatty. "People ought to follow the law and there wouldn't be a problem."
Beatty said the "Single Lane No Passing" sign was put up in mid-2003 after a member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol complained about a near-accident at the intersection.
Zagorsky and Inman say the intersection should be more clearly marked. Zagorsky suggested a sign hanging near the light or road markings.
"Everybody should be made aware," said Inman. "With all of these cars going through, everybody cannot be aware that this is not a turning lane."
Beatty said additional signage at the intersection may be a possibility in the future, but nothing is planned now.
jgoodwin@vindy.com