‘Highland Drive Speedway’

After waiting for many years for a newly paved street, the residents of Highland Drive (just one mile north of the city) are now wondering whether we were better off with a street covered with patches and potholes. Now that the surface is smooth the already well traveled street has become a playground for four-wheelers, motor bikes, motorcycles and other vehicles that often drive at speeds between 40 and 70 mph. It is just one long city block without any stop signs. There are times when several vehicles bomb down the street within just a minute’s time. A few years ago (before the street was repaved) a drunk driver knocked over my mailbox and damaged part of my fence in the middle of the night. He was driving so fast that I woke up out of a sound sleep. Part of his bumper was actually lodged in my fence.

As a property owner I have discussed this speed situation with some neighbors, and we would like to request that the city install a few speed bumps. I understand that in Las Vegas speed bumps are usually reserved for residential areas within a short distance of a school. Other cities in New Mexico such as Santa Fe do not have this restriction.

At the very least, another option would be to consider placing a few signs on Highland Drive in both directions indicating SLOW or perhaps 25 mph. Some residents here feel that reckless driving in a residential area is a serious safety issue and we hope that this issue will be addressed by the city in a timely manner.

Through research I have discovered that speed bump kits are also available.

If the city does not want to invest in speed bumps, I for one would be willing to contribute to the cost. I welcome anyone who is interested in this issue to come forward now before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Ronald Maltais
Las Vegas