By the end of 2011, North Kitsap Fire & Rescue had responded to 56 injury collisions on Hansville Road. This included multiple-vehicle collisions, which blocked off either partial or full access to homes in Hansville. It’s unknown why Hansville Road is such a crash magnet. However, simply knowing the road holds such a reputation should grab the attention of county officials.

A sheriff’s deputy, en route to a report of a shooting in Poulsbo on Feb. 8, crashed into a power pole,  causing lines to fall over the roadway. The crash left hundreds stranded at nearby businesses. Emergency crews responded as quickly as possible, but Hansville residents weren’t able to get to and from their homes for about seven hours.

Our county does a great job of responding to incidents on Hansville Road. Let’s focus on prevention.

Drive the speed limit. That’s a simple one. Enough said.

Pay attention. The road is long and, at times, it can be difficult to judge the distance between yourself and another driver. If there is a need to turn, either onto Hansville Road or off it, take a second look at that oncoming traffic; it might be coming down faster than you think. Actually, this may need repeating: Drive the speed limit. Not under, not over. Driving under the speed limit can be just as dangerous as driving over. At the very least, it’s going to irritate those behind you and may force some unnecessary passing.

Let’s say all the drivers on Hansville Road are perfect and there are still collisions. Well, the county needs to install more signage. Sure, a couple of flashing lights at the busier intersections are good, but are they enough? How about installing a few radar speed display signs. Drivers on West Kingston Road reacted to the display sign while it was installed, with many slowing down.

Creating an alternate route into Little Boston and Hansville should be on the county’s six-year transportation improvement program. The plan for 2012-17 is finished, but planning for the next cycle could begin now.